Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has spent the 2026 college football season making his case as the best player in the country. With quarterback Julian Sayin out of the picture, the obvious question is whether Smith’s Heisman Trophy chances take a hit.

I don’t think they do. In fact, historical context helps his case, and the situation could strengthen his candidacy rather than derail it.

Losing Julian Sayin could make Jeremiah Smith’s Heisman case stronger

On the surface, losing a starting quarterback sounds like a death sentence for a wide receiver’s Heisman hopes. Receivers depend on someone to get them the ball, and the Buckeyes are now turning to a less experienced option under center.

However, I would argue the opposite. If Ohio State still reaches the College Football Playoff without Sayin, Smith’s case only gets stronger. He’s already the best player in the country, and voters will notice if he’s carrying the offense.

Whether it’s Tavian St. Clair or Luke Fahey taking over at quarterback, the burden on Smith grows. If he can elevate an inexperienced passer and keep the Buckeyes winning, it will show how good he already is. A great receiver catching passes from a great quarterback is impressive. A great receiver making an unproven quarterback look competent is something else entirely.

Additionally, Smith has already built a massive cushion. He has 52 catches for 984 yards and 15 touchdowns. Those numbers put him firmly in the race, and it would take a staggering drop-off for him to fall out of the mix completely.

Even if his production slows down over the final stretch, the body of work is already there. Voters don’t erase the first half of a season because the second half looks different.

Tim Brown proved a receiver can win the Heisman without his starting QB

The most encouraging part of this for Smith is that it has happened before. Only five wide receivers have ever won the Heisman Trophy, and one of them did it under almost identical circumstances.

When Tim Brown won the award at Notre Dame in 1987, the Fighting Irish lost their starting quarterback, Terry Andrysiak, to injury. Tony Rice, then a sophomore, had to step in and lead the offense.

Rice went on to have a great Notre Dame career, but he wasn’t ready to lead that offense in 1987. He wasn’t the same level of passer as the quarterback he replaced, and Brown’s opportunities as a receiver changed because of it.

Still, Brown won the Heisman. He had already established himself as the best player on one of the best teams in the country, and the quarterback change didn’t change voters’ perception.

That’s the exact blueprint Smith is working with right now. He’s the most dominant player on a Buckeyes team that is in the national title conversation. As long as Ohio State keeps winning, the narrative around him shouldn’t shift much, regardless of who is throwing him the football.

What it means for Smith down the stretch

Nothing is guaranteed. Heisman races can turn quickly, and another contender breaking out could change the conversation.

Still, Smith has done more than enough to put himself in position to win the award. His numbers are already elite, his impact on the Buckeyes is undeniable, and history shows voters will reward a receiver who keeps his team on top through adversity.

One thing is for sure — Smith has built up enough of a case to win the Heisman even if his stats flatline from here. If Ohio State’s new quarterback can keep the offense afloat, that would only give voters one more reason on top of a stack of others to hand Smith the trophy.