Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) attempts to catch a pass from graduate quarterback Will Howard (18) as Michigan graduate defensive back Quinten Johnson (28) attempts to block Smith. The pass was incomplete and the Wolverines beat the No. 2 Buckeyes 13-10 Saturday at the Ohio Stadium. Credit: Carly Damon | Asst. Photo Editor
With the regular season in the rearview, two Buckeyes have been honored for their on-field performances.
Jeremiah Smith earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year awards, making him the second player ever to merit both titles.
In his first collegiate season, Smith broke Ohio State program records for most receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns recorded by a freshman. He finished the regular season with 57 receptions for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns.
On the other side of the football, safety Caleb Downs was named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, making him the second Buckeye to win the award since it was founded in 2011.
Downs, who transferred from Alabama before the season, tallied 62 combined tackles, seven tackles for a loss and an interception. Downs also scored a 79-yard punt return touchdown in Ohio State’s Nov. 23 win over Indiana.
In total, 16 Ohio State players received All-Big Ten honors, including seven on the first-team, two on the second, seven on the third and six honorable mentions.
The following Buckeyes earned All-Big Ten honors:
First-team:
Downs, Smith, offensive linemen Donovan Jackson and Seth McLaughlin, safety Lathan Ransom, linebacker Cody Simon and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau.
Second-team:
Defensive end Jack Sawyer, linebacker Sonny Styles.
Third-team:
Cornerback Denzel Burke, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, quarterback Will Howard, offensive lineman Josh Simmons and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.
Honorable mention:
Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton, cornerbacks Jordan Hancock and Davison Igbinosun, long snapper John Ferlmann and offensive linemen Josh Fryar and Tegra Tshabola.
