Two Buckeyes have earned Big Ten weekly awards for their performances in Ohio State's win over Purdue.
On Monday, the Big Ten named quarterback Will Howard its Offensive Player of the Week. The conference also named Howard's favorite target, Jeremiah Smith, as its Freshman of the Week.
Howard earned his accolade after he completed 21 of 26 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns in Ohio State's win over Purdue. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound quarterback also scored on the ground, punching in a 1-yard run at the goal line for the Buckeyes' first points in the contest.
QB1 earns
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 11, 2024
@whoward_ x @B1Gfootball pic.twitter.com/ctbvmSpFWu
Howard is the third Ohio State player to receive a Big Ten award in 2024. Earlier this season, Smith was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for a 102-yard, two-touchdown performance against Michigan State and Emeka Egbuka was named Co-Offensive Player of the Week for a 71-yard, three-touchdown effort against Iowa.
An offseason transfer from Kansas State, Howard has been efficient as Ohio State's quarterback this year, completing 171 of 231 passes (74 percent) for 2,237 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions. He's also run for six scores and has 122 yards on 62 attempts, with both of those numbers including the nine times he's been sacked.
Smith takes home his second Big Ten Freshman of the Week award after he hauled in six passes for 87 yards and one touchdown against the Boilermakers.
Jeremiah Smith earns his 2nd honor this year
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 11, 2024
@Jermiah_Smith1 x @B1Gfootball pic.twitter.com/k3RQ1gEqAJ
His performance allowed him to take hold of all three Ohio State freshman receiving records on Saturday, exceeding Cris Carter in receptions and touchdowns after surpassing Carter in yards at Penn State.
“It means a lot. It’s a blessing to be able to break Cris Carter’s freshman records,” Smith said. “But we have to keep it going. Don’t stop here.”
Smith has now collected 45 receptions for 761 yards and nine scores this season. Those numbers rank second, first and first on Ohio State’s roster. They also rank 69th, 24th and sixth in college football.
“I think he’s the best receiver in the country,” Howard said of Smith. “I think we have the three best receivers in the country on our team. I’m biased, but I’m lucky to have guys like that doing what they’re doing. I knew Jeremiah would be special from the first time I met him. He’s just continued to get better and better. He’s a great kid. I’m really happy for him getting that record today.”
