Ohio State needs more than Jeremiah Smith to win a championship as the Buckeyes address offensive balance, execution, and fourth-quarter struggles.

Ohio State controlled the game against Texas for three quarters. The Buckeyes led 20-3 at halftime, carried a 23-3 advantage into the fourth quarter, and appeared positioned to leave Austin with a statement victory. Twenty minutes later, Texas had completed a 21-point comeback.

Jeremiah Smith produced throughout the night, giving Ohio State a consistent threat on the outside. The junior wide receiver made plays against one of the country’s most talented defenses, yet the Buckeyes needed more production from the rest of the offense down the stretch.

Ohio State’s loss to Texas exposed an offensive issue the Buckeyes must address as they pursue a national championship. Plenty of weapons are on the roster, but which players will step up alongside Jeremiah Smith?

Ohio State Needs More Offensive Contributors

Ryan Day addressed the issue during his postgame comments.

“We got to get other guys involved. We’ve got to take some pressure off of Jeremiah, being consistent in the run game and then finding ways to spread the ball out,” Day said.

The Buckeyes have several players who can contribute alongside Smith. Devin McCuin, Brandon Inniss, the tight ends, and running backs all have roles in an offense that needs to create more consistent pressure on opposing defenses. McCuin had an opportunity to make an impact against Texas, as Julian Sayin missed a five-step throw that could have resulted in a touchdown and extended the Buckeyes’ lead to 30-3.

The missed connection represented one of several opportunities Ohio State needed to convert. Against an opponent with Texas’ talent, explosive plays can change a game’s direction. The Buckeyes had chances to create separation, and the offense needed to capitalize.

Julian Sayin acknowledged that he could have distributed the ball more effectively.

“I think there were opportunities on Saturday where maybe I could have gotten them the ball a bit more,” Sayin said.

Those moments place responsibility on the quarterback, receivers, and offensive structure. Smith will attract defensive attention throughout the season, and Ohio State needs its other playmakers prepared to take advantage of the space he creates.

Legend Bey is another name to watch, as Ryan Day said Wednesday night that the staff is building packages for him. Known for his athleticism, speed, and elusiveness, the true freshman flashed them against Ball State in the opener but saw only one snap against Texas.

“He can create explosive plays; he has that ability.” — Ryan Day on Legend Bey

The Buckeyes are looking to get him more involved moving forward as he continues to earn trust.

Day also said they intend to have Bey involved on kickoff returns this week. pic.twitter.com/3yY9Sae0GI

— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) September 17, 2026

Bey is one of three true freshmen to see the field on offense, but he will also make an impact on special teams. Ryan Day said the intention is to give Bey another opportunity on kickoff returns this Saturday. Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd are also developing as options for the Buckeyes and are firmly in the wide receiver rotation.

“We need to continue to get more and more reps on the field for some of the younger guys,” Day said. It’s still early, but the plan is to give them opportunities and see where they grow throughout the season. Day specifically mentioned Chris Henry Jr. after a few drops in his first start and expressed confidence in No. 15. The staff will continue to build packages for Henry and Brock Boyd, too.

Smith’s Impact Should Open the Offense

Ohio State should continue featuring Smith heavily. His presence forces defenses to account for him on every snap, creating opportunities for the players aligned around him. The Buckeyes can capitalize on those opportunities through formation changes, pre-snap motion, and route combinations that challenge defensive communication.

Moving Smith across the formation can force defenders to adjust their alignments. Putting him in the slot creates different size matchups and gives Sayin additional options in the passing game. Motion can reveal coverage and create leverage for other receivers.

Arthur Smith needs to use Jeremiah Smith as a focal point while creating legitimate threats elsewhere. McCuin’s speed gives the Buckeyes a vertical option. Inniss can contribute through his route-running ability and yards-after-catch potential. The tight ends can challenge the middle of the field and help create favorable matchups against linebackers and safeties.

The running game also matters, especially with Bo Jackson’s leap forward. He ran hard against the Longhorns, carrying the ball 19 times for 74 yards, and has been better at getting to the second level this season. Jackson also caught four passes for 37 yards and was the second-leading receiver for the Buckeyes in Austin.

Moreover, the offensive line remains central to that process. Ohio State needs reliable protection for Sayin and enough movement at the point of attack to establish balance. The offense becomes easier to defend when opponents can anticipate passing situations or generate pressure without committing additional defenders.

The Fourth Quarter Revealed Ohio State’s Offensive Issues

Texas’ comeback included major defensive and offensive contributions, but Ohio State had opportunities to prevent the game from coming down to the wire.

The Buckeyes struggled to sustain drives in the fourth quarter. The passing game lost its rhythm, and the offense failed to produce enough first downs to keep Texas from gaining momentum. Still, the offense had chances to extend the lead and ease pressure on the defense.

Ohio State lacked consistent production during a stretch when it needed to control the football and force Texas to use valuable time. Championship teams must execute during those situations. A large lead creates margin for error, but the margin disappears when the offense cannot sustain drives.

Championship Standard Requires Balance

Ohio State has the talent to produce an elite offense, which was shown in the first half. Smith is one of the most dangerous receivers in college football, while Sayin and the supporting cast can create problems for opposing defenses. Ohio State’s challenge is turning that talent into consistent execution.

The Buckeyes need to improve red zone efficiency, sustain more drives, and create dependable production from multiple players. Their offensive identity needs to be flexible enough to handle defensive adjustments without placing the entire burden on Smith, which is where the hiring of Arthur Smith comes into play.

Jeremiah’s ability to win matchups gives the Buckeyes an advantage every week. The offense must build around that advantage through greater balance and stronger execution from the players surrounding him. No. 4 can change a game, but Ohio State needs the rest of its offense to help finish one.

NEXT: Read Ohio State’s Fourth Quarter Never Had to Matter Until It Did: How Execution Cost the Buckeyes vs. Texas