Ohio State is making another run at the national championship, but it may be hard for Jeremiah Smith to win the Heisman

Ohio State had de-emphasized its passing game a little in its game plan at Washington last week. But it was back in a big way against Minnesota with quarterback Julian Sayin (23 of 27 for 326 yards), Tate and Jeremiah Smith (7 catches, 67 yards, two touchdowns) leading the way.

Ohio State football believes it has another receiver worthy of being in the Heisman Trophy conversation, regardless of what statistics say.

Its an Orange Out Saturday in Champaign when the No. 17 Fighting Illini of Illinois (5-1) take the field at Memorial Stadium against the top team in the nation, the Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0). Is this a trap game for the Buckeyes?

Julian Sayin, Carnell Tate and Lorenzo Styles Jr. were Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated players for Ohio State in the Buckeyes’ 42-3 victory over Minnesota.

Minnesota is 3-1 on the year, but a 13-point loss to Cal sticks out like a sore thumb. Historically, the Golden Gophers vs. Buckeyes matchup has favored OSU in a major way. Ohio State has a 22-1 record against Minnesota, and the lone defeat came in 2000.

Saturday night at The Horseshoe the top-ranked Buckeyes of Ohio State (4-0) host the Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-1). With its top wins to date this season coming at home against Rutgers, this is an obvious step up in class for the Golden Gophers.

Ticket prices for the Ohio State vs Illinois at Memorial Stadium start at $120 on VividSeats and $131 on StubHub. To see a full list of ticket prices, visit StubHub . Here is the entire 2025 Ohio State football schedule.

College football Week 7 odds, picks, predictions, TV channel, streaming for Ohio State Buckeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini Big Ten game on Oct. 11.