Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network Via Reuters Co
Ohio State’s impressive 31-14 road win over Iowa brings big moves in the Buckeye Stock Market after Week 5.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are 4-1 following a 31-14 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Which players saw their stock rise and fall in this week’s edition Buckeye Stock Market?
Buckeyes Rising
Jeremiah Smith
Ohio State superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is on a tear to start his junior season. Smith had a dominant performance in Iowa City, catching 11 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. In the past two games, Smith has caught 23 passes for 423 yards and four touchdowns.
Smith made history on Saturday, becoming the all-time leader in yards, touchdowns, and receptions in program history. When asked about his big day, Smith told reporters,
“I just got to keep the Heisman voters or whoever it is (aware) that I’m the best player in the country.”
Jeremiah Smith wasn’t aware he had 200 yards against Iowa 🔊
“I just got to keep the Heisman voters or whoever it is (aware) that I’m the best player in the country.” https://t.co/MBQ6MdCdH8
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 4, 2026
Eddrick Houston
Ohio State defensive tackle Eddrick Houston produced one of the best games of his Buckeyes career on Saturday against the Hawkeyes. Houston recorded four tackles, but his impact went far beyond what the box score shows. Houston played very well in the rushing attack and pressured Iowa quarterback Hank Brown.
Ranked as one of the top recruits in his class, Houston’s Ohio State tenure hasn’t gone as well as many had hoped. But there are positive signs of growth as the Buckeyes look for the junior to step up this season.
Qua Russaw
Defensive end Qua Russaw recorded three tackles and a sack on Saturday. The Alabama transfer showed tremendous growth in his fourth game with the Buckeyes. Russaw has struggled to start the season, but his performance on Saturday could be something to build on moving forward.
Julian Sayin
Quarterback Julian Sayin had an efficient performance against the Hawkeyes, with only seven incompletions. In addition, Sayin threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Sayin has looked the part over the past couple of weeks, improving his pocket presence, arm, and situational awareness.
As the bulk of the schedule awaits, the Buckeyes will look forward to more growth from Sayin, with hopes of entering the conversation as a potential first-round selection in this year’s NFL Draft.
Buckeyes Falling
Isaiah West
Running back Isaiah West rushed the ball seven times on Saturday for just 21 yards. As the weeks go by, concerns about West keep growing. West came into this season with expectations of production alongside fellow sophomore running back Bo Jackson. With just 80 total yards and 1 touchdown this season, the Buckeyes will have to rely on Bo and Ja’Kobi Jackson to lead the backfield.
Legend Bey
Where is Legend Bey? That has been a popular question lately as the freshman running back looks for playing time. When asked about Bey’s status for the Iowa matchup, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day told reporters earlier last week
“It will kind of be based on how practice goes this week.” Legend Bey did not see a single snap against the Hawkeyes.
The situation with legend Bey is a surprise to many, early in the offseason, Day called Bey a “Poor man’s Tyreek Hill.” In addition, Bey took reps with the starting offense and looked set for a big true freshman season. Now, Bey’s stock has plummeted as we search for answers on his status week to week. Bey has 37 yards on the season.
Gabe VanSickle
Right guard Gabe VanSickle struggled in his third consecutive start against Iowa as he fills in for the injured Phillip Daniels. VanSickle committed two penalties and struggled in protection for the Buckeyes. VanSickle has shown flashes in his Buckeyes career, but it’s been a rough go lately.
Jermaine Mathews
Senior defensive back Jermaine Mathews took a step back on Saturday with a less-than-stellar performance against Iowa. Mathews missed several tackles and got scored on in the fourth quarter on a two-point conversion attempt. The Buckeyes want Mathews to step up this season, but so far the corner has looked inconsistent at best.
Cody Croy is a writer for The Silver Bulletin. He is the founder and Co-host of The Boomin Buckeyes Podcast. Cody is set to attend Kent State University at Tuscarawas. He specializes in everything Ohio State football and basketball
Discover more from The Silver Bulletin
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.