Devin Smith: The Unsung Deep Threat Who Defined Ohio State’s Championship Run
When you think of Ohio State’s legendary 2014 national championship team, names like Ezekiel Elliott and Cardale Jones often come to mind. But behind the explosive plays and highlight reels was a vertical threat who quietly torched secondaries and defined what it meant to be clutch—Devin Smith.
With track-star speed, Smith wasn’t just fast—he was blazing. Averaging an eye-popping 20.7 yards per catch during his Buckeye career, Smith routinely left defenders grasping at air. His mere presence stretched defenses thin, opening up running lanes for Elliott and throwing windows for his quarterbacks.
But Smith was more than just a burner—he delivered when the lights were brightest. Against Wisconsin in the 2014 Big Ten Championship, he exploded for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns. He followed that with a deep bomb TD against Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Time after time, when the Buckeyes needed a spark, Smith lit the fuse.
Perhaps most remarkably, Ohio State went 22-0 in games where Smith caught a touchdown. Coincidence? Not likely.
What made him even more dangerous was his chemistry with every quarterback he played with—be it Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett, or Cardale Jones. Smith adjusted seamlessly to different styles and always came down with the deep ball.
And let’s not forget the details. His elite ball-tracking, akin to a center fielder chasing down a homer, combined with razor-sharp route running made him more than a speedster—he was a technician.
Tough, fearless, and relentlessly hardworking, Devin Smith embodied the gritty Buckeye mentality. He wasn’t just a receiver; he was a difference-maker—one whose legacy is etched deep into the scarlet and gray lore.
