Jeremiah Smith's controversial score against Michigan created social media uproar

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Jeremiah Smith celebrated his 20th birthday in epic style on Saturday with a huge touchdown. vs. Michigan in Ohio State's 27-9 win, but it wasn't without controversy.

Smith's 35-yard touchdown and PAT in the second quarter set up Ohio the score was 10-3, but he appeared to throw the ball near the goal line.

It was never entirely clear whether Smith lost possession of the ball before crossing the pylon, but it was clear that he only regained it after going out of bounds.

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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a touchdown pass to Michigan Wolverines cornerback Zeke Berry (10) at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan on November 29, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

A fumble by an offensive player out of bounds in the end zone results in a touchback. Officials reviewed it, but the call was upheld, sparking outrage on social media.

The touchdown may not have meant much considering Michigan couldn't find the end zone all day, but it was a clear turning point in the game.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, November 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Michigan player receives unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after helmet touches referee during heated exchange

Michigan kicked another field goal on Smith's field goal, but the Buckeyes marched down the field again and ended the first half with a Brandon Innis touchdown to score eight points. Then the snow started falling and it seemed to work in Ohio State's favor.

Ohio State and Michigan traded punts early in the second half, but Michigan's punter was only 11 yards, giving OSU excellent field position. In just his second game, Carnell Tate, playing in his first game since Nov. 1, threw a 50-yard touchdown to put his team up 24-9.

The last time Ohio State beat Michigan was in 2019, with last year's loss to Columbus as three-touchdown favorites. biggest upset in rivalry history. Michigan players planted their flag at center field in Columbus, sparking a fight. Of course, that was all the bulletin board material the Buckeyes had to memorize for nearly 365 days.