Urban Meyer on Tuesday made a bold prediction about the 2026 Heisman Trophy race, naming Jeremiah Smith as his pick to win the award despite Ohio State’s recent struggles. The former Buckeyes coach believes the wide receiver remains capable of finishing the season on a high note.

His prediction comes at a difficult time for Ohio State, which has suffered consecutive defeats to USC and Oregon to fall to 6-3 overall, including 4-2 in the Big Ten, and dropping to No. 20 from No. 2. The struggles for the team and Smith coincide with quarterback Julian Sayin going out likely for the rest of the regular season with a fractured right (throwing) elbow.

“I think Georgia is the odds-on to win the darn thing, but the season is not over in Columbus, Ohio, which we’ll get to in a minute. That means the season is not over for the Heisman Trophy potential winner. I had him locked up a month ago. We all did. The Heisman Trophy winner of 2026 is Jeremiah Smith. It still could be that way. They could go on one of those crazy runs. He did it. Coach (Ryan) Day did it a few years ago,” Meyer said on “The Triple Option.”

Smith had established himself as one of the leading Heisman contenders after a spectacular start to the season. However, Ohio State’s recent struggles, combined with the injury to Julian Sayin, which will likely end his season, have complicated his campaign.

The Buckeyes have had to turn to backup Luke Fahey, creating additional challenges for Smith and the team’s passing attack. Despite the setbacks, Smith remains one of the most dangerous receivers in college football.

He has 69 receptions for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. CJ Carr, Darian Mensah and Devon Dampier are also in the Heisman 2026 race alongside Jeremiah Smith.

Urban Meyer on Ohio State’s QB Problem

Luke Fahey went 21 of 38 for 260 yards and a touchdown as the Buckeyes lost 30-18 to the USC Trojans. He followed it by going 36 of 50 for 360 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in a 41-28 loss to Oregon.

According to Urban Meyer, Ryan Day should’ve brought in Tavien St. Clair in Fahey’s place when he wasn’t providing the results.

“Thought he played OK against USC,” he said on “The Triple Option.” “There were some misfires, and he just looks a little out of place against Oregon. I am interested why they did not, because I stood next to St. Clair, right?”

The Buckeyes will play the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday.