Three storylines to watch when Maryland football faces Ohio State

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Maryland football is set to take on The Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday for their third Big Ten matchup of the season at Ohio Stadium for a 4:15 PM kickoff on the Big Ten Network. Maryland enters this contest as a 32.5-point underdog, per FanDuel, as Maryland looks to leave Columbus with an upset win and a .500 record in Big Ten play. But what should be known about Ohio State when the Terps make the trip to Columbus? Let’s dive into it.

WR Jeremiah Smith

Death, taxes, and Jeremiah Smith blowing up the stat sheet on Saturday’s are three things that are guaranteed in life. It’s impossible for the gameplan to be how to stop Jeremiah, but rather how can you limit what’s around him. Smith has come out of the gates swinging this season as not even halfway through his junior year he has already claimed Ohio State’s all-time receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown records for Buckeye receivers. He truly is a one of one talent as he holds the program record for the most 150-yard games with seven, and also is the only receiver in program history with multiple 200-plus yard games. Again, the gameplan can’t be how to stop him, but possible how you can stop what's around him.

Getting the youth involved

Something to watch for on Saturday will be how Ohio State gets their youth involved. Ryan Day has been asked about Legend Bey and Khari Wilder’s playing time relentlessly over the course of the last few weeks. Bey was a consensus 4-star recruit in the 2025 class who received high praise all throughout spring ball and fall camp. As for Wilder, he was also a consensus 4-star recruit in the 2025 class. Looking at Ohio State’s schedule, this could be the week that they get their youth more involved after both freshmen received zero snaps last week against Iowa.

Locksley vs. Ohio State

It hasn’t been exactly sunshine and rainbows for Mike Locksley and his relationship with Ohio State, both on and off the field. Off the field, Ohio State beat writer Juck on Bucks stated earlier this week that if there is one coach in the Big Ten that Ryan Day wants to embarrass, it’s Mike Locksley. This all stems from a previous incident where Ryan Day claims that Locksley turned Chase Young in for an NCAA violation. This could be a storyline to remember late in the game if it doesn’t go the Terps way. On the field, Maryland is 0-4 against the Buckeyes during Mike Locksley’s tenure. Coach Locksley will also be looking to help the Terps avoid their 40th consecutive loss against ranked Big Ten opponents since joining the conference.

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