After Oregon loss, Ohio State reporter calls Jeremiah Smith a petulant child over visible frustration

Frustration during Oregon defeat

Ohio State entered Saturday’s game needing a win to preserve its dwindling College Football Playoff hopes. The team had been affected by an injury to star quarterback Julian Sayin the previous month, then lost 41-28 at home to Oregon.

Smith, considered one of college football’s top players, went more than two quarters without a catch. After Oregon mounted a 38-point run, he was seen shouting toward the Ohio State sideline after making a reception, with his frustration continuing as the game and season slipped away.

Birmingham criticizes Smith

Smith’s display of emotion drew praise from the CBS commentary team for its competitive intensity, but Birmingham took a different view. Speaking after the game on Snap Judgments for 97.1 The Fan in Columbus, the longtime reporter criticized Smith’s conduct. Birmingham said Smith could not be the country’s best player and a captain while “stomping down the field like a petulant child.”

Bentley defends Smith

Smith did not directly answer Birmingham. On Sunday, he reposted a lengthy defense by former Ohio State and NFL center LeCharles Bentley, who said Smith had set a high standard on and off the field.

Bentley argued that Smith’s maturity should not be questioned for expressing himself. He also criticized Birmingham’s choice of words, saying disagreement did not require attacking a young player’s character.

Past allegations draw attention

Some Ohio State fans responded to Birmingham’s criticism by citing allegations from his past involving the program’s players. In April 2025, Birmingham and current co-host Austin Ward were fired “for cause” from THE Podcast, which they hosted with Doug Lesmerises.

Rumors alleged mishandling of NIL money in a deal involving safety Caleb Downs. Ward denied the claims, and Birmingham called them “patently false and libelous.” A later amended lawsuit by THE Media alleged the pair took sponsorship and advertising funds meant for athletes; both men denied wrongdoing.

THE Media sued for civil theft, breach of contract and unjust enrichment. Birmingham and Ward later joined 97.1 The Fan and 10TV, and Birmingham returned to On3’s Lettermen Row. The THE Media lawsuit was still ongoing at that time.