Damien Harris tells Jeremiah Smith to stop playing for Ohio State

Former NFL running back Damien Harris told Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to stop playing for the rest of the season. Harris made the call after the Buckeyes lost 41-28 to No. 23 Oregon on Saturday. He said Smith has little left to accomplish on the field and should prioritize his physical health.

Smith played through the loss, catching seven passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. The defeat marks the second straight game Ohio State has lost since starting quarterback Julian Sayin was injured against Indiana. Sayin is expected to miss the rest of the season. In the loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes built a 14-point lead in the first half but allowed the Ducks to score 31 unanswered points.

Harris believes Smith should not take another snap this year. He cited the receiver's national championship win as a freshman in 2024 and his current touchdown and reception records as reasons to step away. Harris also said the team's chances in the College Football Playoff and Smith's odds of winning the Heisman Trophy are gone.

"In my opinion, there's nothing to gain and everything to lose if you're Jeremiah Smith," Harris said. Smith is currently ranked as the top overall prospect in CBS Sports rankings. He is one of the highest-paid players in college football and reportedly turned down a $10 million transfer offer from Miami.

Smith showed visible frustration during the fourth quarter against Oregon, shouting at the coaching staff. Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey threw for 360 yards, though Smith did not always receive consistent targets. The Buckeyes have three games left on their schedule, with a finale against rival Michigan.

Smith still has a shot at individual awards. He is second in the nation in receiving yards per game. He was a leading Heisman candidate before Week 10, though his chances dropped after the loss to Oregon. More playing time could help him build a connection with Fahey and pursue the Biletnikoff Award, which honors the best receiver in the country.

Harris won multiple national championships at Alabama under Nick Saban before spending five years in the NFL. His suggestion is unusual because most elite players only sit out for bowl games. Few players stop playing before the regular season ends, partly because NIL deals can include protections against missing games.