Quarterback Julian Sayin (10) scores a rushing touchdown. Ohio State beat Illinois 42-19 on Sept. 26, 2026. Credit: Cassandra D'Angelo | Sports Photo Editor.
Quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith have connected through the air many times over the past two seasons.
But their footwork on the ground shone through Saturday.
Sayin set career-highs in rushing attempts and yards, while Smith dazzled with his route running and yards after the catch ability in the Buckeyes’ 42-19 win over Illinois.
Leading 7-0 in the first quarter, Sayin fired a pass from Ohio State’s 20-yard line, and Smith caught it at the Illinois 26-yard line.?
The receiver then cut back toward the middle of the field before changing direction toward the left-side pylon, leaving an Illinois defender in the dust before walking into the end zone for a 72-yard score.?
“When I did that, I just started laughing,” Smith said. “[I] feel kind of bad for him.”
Head coach Ryan Day said Smith’s improved route running has given him an edge over defenders.
“He’s so fast, sometimes he would run the route and still do a great job, but you’re seeing a little bit more definition on the route, and so now those guys are having a hard time staying with him,” Day said.?
Smith’s touchdown emphasized a point Ohio State’s wide receiver room has tried to improve: yards after the catch.
“So far it’s showed up, but obviously we need it more more in the rest of the season,” Day said.
On Smith’s third touchdown of the game, while falling out of bounds he tapped one foot in the scarlet turf of the end zone, to put the Buckeyes ahead 21-7 in the second quarter.
He wasn’t the only one making plays with his feet.?
Sayin threw for 367 passing yards, the second-most in his career, and four touchdowns, tying a career-high, but his rushing ability took center stage.?
Sayin doubled his career-high in rushing yards, totaling 29 yards on the ground on seven attempts, while picking up four first downs and scoring a touchdown.
The quarterback said he could feel the energy from his teammates after he scrambled into the end zone with less than a minute remaining in the first half, to put Ohio State ahead 28-10.
“The offensive line was down there quick; they were ready to celebrate that one,” Sayin said. “It was cool, and the sideline was very happy as well.”
Day called Sayin’s rushing ability the “X-factor.”
“He has the quickness to do that, and I thought he competed well today,” Day said.?
