Ohio State and Miami will collide in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on New Year’s Eve, featuring two of college football’s most electrifying underclassmen wide receivers. This matchup brings together Jeremiah Smith and Malachi Toney, who are standout players and represent a long-standing rivalry that dates back to a controversial clash before either was born, as seen in a trending post on r/nfl.
Why it matters: The Cotton Bowl is more than just a game; it's a chance for both teams to assert their dominance in college football. With Smith and Toney leading their respective offenses, this contest could redefine the Miami-Ohio State rivalry.
- Jeremiah Smith, born November 29, 2005, in Miami Gardens, Florida, is the nation’s top recruit for the 2024 class, having chosen Ohio State over Miami.
- Malachi Toney, born September 17, 2007, attended American Heritage High School and chose to stay in South Florida by committing to Miami.
- Both receivers have made substantial impacts in their early college careers, with Smith amassing 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, and Toney leading Miami with 89 receptions for 992 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Driving the news: Smith’s freshman season in 2024 was historic, featuring 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns over 16 games. He earned both Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Receiver of the Year honors.
- Smith's playoff performance included multiple touchdowns in Ohio State's march to a national championship.
- Toney, who reclassified and entered college at just 17 years old, has been a versatile player for Miami, contributing as a receiver and as a rusher and punt returner.
- His dynamic play was highlighted during Miami's playoff victory over Texas A&M, where he scored the decisive touchdown after a late-game fumble.
The big picture: The matchup carries additional weight due to the infamous 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where Ohio State defeated Miami in a controversial game that remains a sore spot for Hurricanes fans.
- In that game, a disputed pass interference call allowed Ohio State to extend a drive that led to a national championship win.
- Smith acknowledged the long-lasting impact of that game, stating, "You see it all over the internet, all over Twitter. They’re still talking about that 20 years later. But we’ve got something coming for them New Year’s Eve."
- This Cotton Bowl offers a chance for Ohio State to assert their dominance and for Miami to seek redemption.
What they're saying: Both players are aware of the stakes involved in this matchup, not just for themselves but for their programs.
- Smith aims to prove he is among the best receivers in the nation, facing familiar foes from his home state.
- Toney is determined to validate his choice of staying home with Miami, hoping to lead his team to greater heights.
- Fans are excited about the potential of both players, with Toney already being compared to NFL stars like Tyreek Hill.
By the numbers: The statistics showcase the impressive seasons both players have had so far.
- Smith's 2024 season: 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, 15 touchdowns, averaging 17.3 yards per catch.
- Toney's 2025 season (to date): 89 receptions, 992 yards, 8 touchdowns, averaging 11.1 yards per catch.
- Both players shattered their respective conference freshman records, establishing themselves as future stars in college football.
Yes, but: The narrative around Toney includes speculation about his future, particularly after a recent workout session with Ohio State legend Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
- Rumors surfaced that Smith-Njigba might be trying to recruit Toney back to Ohio State, which Toney's mother has publicly dismissed.
- Toney has expressed strong loyalty to Miami, stating, "Don’t get it twisted, we’re home," after the Hurricanes' loss in the national championship game.
- With NIL deals changing the college football recruitment game, Toney's future remains uncertain, but he appears committed to the Hurricanes for now.
What's next: As the Cotton Bowl approaches, the focus shifts to how both players will perform under pressure.
- Fans eagerly await the showdown on December 31, where both Smith and Toney will look to make their mark on this storied rivalry.
- With both players set to potentially enter the NFL draft in the coming years, this game could significantly impact their respective legacies.
- The outcome may also influence future recruiting battles, especially for Miami, as they strive to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in college football.
On December 31, the ghosts of 2003 will hover over AT&T Stadium, but the game will belong to two underclassmen ready to prove they are the best receivers in the nation.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.