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Jeremiah Smith’s controversial score against Michigan created social media uproar

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Jeremiah Smith celebrated his 20th birthday in epic fashion with a huge field goal against Michigan in Ohio State’s 27-9 win on Saturday, but it was not without controversy.

Smith’s 35-yard field goal and PAT in the second quarter gave Ohio State a 10-3 lead, but Smith appeared to bobble the ball near the goal line.

It was never entirely clear whether Smith lost the ball before crossing the pylon, but it was clear that he was unable to regain it until he stepped out of bounds.

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Ohio State Buckeyes winger Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a goal in front of Michigan Wolverines defenseman Zeke Berry (10) at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on November 29, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

An offensive fumble that goes out of bounds in the end zone results in a touchback. Authorities investigated the issue, but the call was approved, which sparked a huge reaction on social media.

Perhaps the touchdown wasn’t that big of a deal considering Michigan couldn’t find the end zone all day, but it was a clear turning point in the game.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a pass during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

MICHIGAN PLAYER RECEIVED AN UNSPORTSMANLY CONDUCT PENALTY AFTER MICHIGAN CONTACTED THE REFEREE ON A MOVING TURN

Michigan took another field goal after Smith’s score, but the Buckeyes drove down the field again, ending the first half with a goal from Brandon Innis to go up by eight points. Then it started snowing, and that seemed to work in Ohio State’s favor.

Ohio State and Michigan traded punts to start the second half, but Michigan only had an 11-yard field goal that gave OSU great field position. On just the second play of the drive, Carnell Tate, playing in his first game since November 1, kicked a 50-yard field goal to put his team ahead 24-9.

Ohio State had last beaten Michigan since 2019, and last year’s loss to Columbus as a three-touchdown favorite was the biggest upset in the rivalry’s history. Michigan players planted their flags at Columbus midfield, sparking a fight. Of course, these were bulletin board materials the Buckeyes would remember for about 365 days.