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Ohio State Receiver Takes Blame for Costly 2025 Cotton Bowl Interception
Jeremiah Smith says he's responsible for the play that led to a 72-yard pick-six against Miami.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:58pm
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Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is taking responsibility for a critical play in the Buckeyes' 2025 season-ending loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl. With Ohio State trailing 7-0 early in the second quarter, quarterback Julian Sayin threw a screen pass that was intercepted by Miami's Keionte Scott and returned 72 yards for a touchdown. Smith says he's to blame for the play, as Scott ran past him before making the interception.
Why it matters
The play was a turning point in Ohio State's 2025 campaign, which ended with losses in the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff quarterfinals after a 12-0 start. Smith's willingness to own up to the mistake shows leadership and a desire to learn from the experience as the Buckeyes look to bounce back in the upcoming season.
The details
On the play in question, Sayin threw a screen pass intended for receiver Brandon Inniss, but Miami's Keionte Scott stepped in front of the throw and raced 72 yards for a touchdown, extending Miami's lead to 14-0. Smith, who had caught a 59-yard pass just two plays earlier, said he's responsible for the turnover, as Scott ran past him before making the interception.
- The play occurred early in the second quarter of the 2025 Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Miami.
The players
Jeremiah Smith
An Ohio State wide receiver who is taking responsibility for the critical interception return touchdown against Miami in the 2025 Cotton Bowl.
Julian Sayin
The Ohio State quarterback who threw the pass that was intercepted by Miami in the 2025 Cotton Bowl.
Brandon Inniss
The Ohio State wide receiver who was the intended target of the pass that was intercepted by Miami in the 2025 Cotton Bowl.
Keionte Scott
The Miami defensive back who intercepted the pass and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown in the 2025 Cotton Bowl against Ohio State.
What they’re saying
“That play is on me. It's something I'm going to learn from, for sure. It's a humbling moment.”
— Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Wide Receiver
“Keionte Scott, he just made a great play. Great football player just made a great play.”
— Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Wide Receiver
What’s next
Smith says he's using the play as motivation to push himself to the limit this offseason, determined to ensure a similar mistake doesn't happen again.
The takeaway
Jeremiah Smith's willingness to take responsibility for the critical play in Ohio State's 2025 season-ending loss shows leadership and a commitment to learning from mistakes. The Buckeyes will look to bounce back in the upcoming season, with Smith using the experience as fuel to ensure it doesn't happen again.
