Jeremiah Smith is used to making headlines for his record-breaking plays, but his most viral moment at this year’s Big Ten Media Days had nothing to do with football. Instead, it was a classic wardrobe malfunction that led the Ohio State star to borrow a suit from his famous cousin, NFL quarterback Geno Smith, creating a funny story that showed a different side of the dominant receiver.
Why Did Jeremiah Smith Borrow His Cousin’s Suit?
Smith explained the situation on a recent radio show with “97.1 The Fan” after a video of the moment went viral. “This is actually my cousin Geno’s suit,” he laughed, admitting his own pants were too long for the event. The candid moment gave fans a glimpse of his personality off the field, proving that even elite athletes deal with everyday fashion problems.
Jeremiah Smith told The Fan that he had to wear cousin Geno Smith’s suit at Big Ten Media Days because the pants on his were too long pic.twitter.com/lavvkAaWZ5
— 97.1 The Fan (@971thefan) July 22, 2025
For those who don’t know the family connection, Geno Smith is the 34-year-old quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders and has almost 13 years of NFL experience. At 6-foot-3 and 221 pounds, Geno has built a stellar professional career. His 2024 season alone included 4,320 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and a 93.2 passer rating.
As Jeremiah’s cousin, Geno is clearly a role model who offers more than just advice. In this case, he also provided a perfectly tailored suit in a pinch.
How Dominant Was Smith’s Freshman Season?
While the suit story got the laughs, Jeremiah Smith’s on-field performance is what makes him one of college football’s top players. His resume is already remarkable after a record-breaking freshman year at Ohio State.
His first-year stats were eye-popping: 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, which shattered the freshman records previously held by Hall of Famer Cris Carter.
That spectacular season led to a wave of awards. Smith earned first-team All-America honors from USA Today, was named the Big Ten’s Richter-Howard Wide Receiver of the Year, and won the Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year award. He also picked up second-team All-America nods from the Associated Press, the American Football Coaches Association, and Walter Camp, and he was a finalist for the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year award.
Jeremiah Smith dropped his FIRST college pass… then turned into a MONSTER.
He didn’t drop another one the rest of the season. INSANE pic.twitter.com/Y2Hf8A0oE9
— Expo Recruits (@ExpoRecruits) August 21, 2025
His heroics included game-changing plays, like a clutch 56-yard reception on 3rd-and-11 late in the fourth quarter against Notre Dame that helped secure Ohio State’s national title victory. Smith consistently delivered big plays, leading the nation with six receptions of at least 50 yards. He finished the season with 16 total touchdowns, including one on the ground, and his 15 touchdown catches ranked second nationally. His consistency was key, as he caught at least one pass in every game and scored in his first seven contests.
KEEP READING: ‘Loser’ — Fans Turn on Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith After He Displays ‘Hate’ Towards Big 10 Side
Despite his on-field dominance, it was a simple fashion hiccup that created a viral moment and showed fans the human side of the rising star. The story also highlighted the Smith family’s football legacy, with Geno starring in the NFL and Jeremiah quickly becoming one of college football’s brightest stars.
The final takeaway is clear: football talent runs deep in the Smith lineage. Geno recently revealed the family has a combined eleven championship rings, a little-known fact that proves their success. Whether he’s breaking records or borrowing suits, Jeremiah Smith keeps capturing attention both on and off the field.
