Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith just shared one of the best recruiting stories of the year, and it perfectly captures how seriously the Buckeyes take the Michigan rivalry.
During an appearance on CBS College Football on August 21, Smith confirmed that he once wore blue on an official visit to Columbus — and the coaching staff did not let it slide.
What Happened
Smith attended Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, where the school colors are blue and red. On his recruiting trip to Ohio State, he wore dark blue clothing the morning after a game.
Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline and tight ends coach Keenan Bailey immediately called him out.
“Yeah, that’s true. My high school’s colors, and I went up there after the game,” Smith said with a laugh. “Well, early the next day, in the morning, I wore blue, and Coach Hartline and Coach Keenan Bailey, they was on me about that. So, I had to go get clothes real quick.”
When asked if they made him burn the clothes, Smith clarified: “No, I had to after I did my little tour and everything; I had to go to like a store or something and get some Buckeye stuff.”
Why This Matters
The story is funny on the surface, but it also reveals how deeply the Michigan rivalry is embedded in Ohio State’s culture. Even a high school recruit on an official visit is expected to respect the unwritten rules.
For Smith, the moment served as an early introduction to just how seriously the program takes “that team up north.”
Key Details Fans Need to Know
Smith has played Michigan twice in his career and scored a touchdown in both games. Across those matchups he has 8 receptions for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns.
After a difficult 13-10 loss in 2024, when Michigan’s secondary focused heavily on limiting his deep routes, Smith made a public promise: “For the next two years, I promise you, I will not lose to them.”
He delivered on the first half of that promise with a dominant 27-9 win inside Michigan Stadium in 2025. Smith played through a severe rectus femoris (quad) strain that had forced him to miss the previous game against Rutgers, undergoing intense physical therapy to be ready for rivalry week.
The intensity of the rivalry extends far beyond the field. During rivalry week, Ohio State students, staff, and even local businesses cross out every letter “M” on campus signs and graphics, turning them into phrases like “Beat Xichigan.”
What Happens Next
Smith enters the 2026 season as one of the most talented wide receivers in college football and a central piece of Ohio State’s offense. His performance against Michigan will once again be under the microscope as he looks to keep the second half of his personal promise.
The recruiting story also serves as a reminder that the cultural side of the rivalry starts long before players ever step on the field in the Horseshoe or Michigan Stadium.
The Bigger Picture
College football rivalries are built on history, tradition, and small moments that reinforce the culture. Smith’s blue-clothing story is a light-hearted example of how even the smallest details matter in Columbus when it comes to Michigan.
It also humanizes one of the sport’s brightest young stars. The same player who makes highlight-reel catches and delivers on big promises once had to scramble to a store mid-visit because he wore the wrong color.
In the world of Ohio State-Michigan, that is simply part of the education.
13. FAQ Section
Did Jeremiah Smith really wear blue on his Ohio State recruiting visit? Yes. He confirmed it on CBS College Football, saying he wore blue the morning after a game and was immediately called out by coaches.
Which coaches made Jeremiah Smith change clothes? Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline and tight ends coach Keenan Bailey.
What are Jeremiah Smith’s career stats against Michigan? In two games he has 8 receptions for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Did Smith keep his promise not to lose to Michigan? He delivered on the first year of that promise with a 27-9 win in 2025.
Why is wearing blue such a big deal at Ohio State? Blue is associated with Michigan, and the rivalry culture in Columbus is extremely strict about avoiding anything that resembles the Wolverines’ colors.
Reader Question
What’s the funniest or most extreme rivalry-related story you’ve heard from an Ohio State or Michigan player?
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