Lincoln Riley Just Called Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith a ‘Great Player’ Before USC’s Pivotal Big Ten Clash

USC is gearing up for an absolute monster of a game this Saturday against the No. 2-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, a matchup so big that head coach Lincoln Riley couldn’t help but talk up the opposition. Meeting with his local media on Thursday, Riley went straight to the point, singling out opposing receiver Jeremiah Smith as a “great player.” You know it’s a huge challenge when the head coach is dishing out compliments like that before kickoff.

First Big Ten Battle: Everything on the Line

This isn’t just any game, folks. This is the first time these two giants are facing off since USC made the move to the Big Ten, and the stakes could not be higher. For USC, a win is absolutely critical. They need it to stay in “arm’s reach of the conference title” and keep their “College Football Playoff spot” dreams alive. Ohio State, sitting at No. 2 in the nation, has those same big goals in mind. They are “more in the driver’s seat” right now, and you know they won’t want to give up that position, especially not on the road in the Coliseum. It’s going to be electric under the lights for this night game.

Riley’s Praise for the Buckeyes’ Skill

Riley didn’t just stop at Smith, either. He gave “plenty of compliments” to the Buckeyes, showing he truly respects the challenge ahead. He went on to discuss the sheer “skill of the personnel” that Ohio State brings to the field. And get this: he even pointed out defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s “fingerprints on the defense,” recognizing the strategic challenge they present. When a coach talks up the opponent this much, you know he’s expecting a heavyweight fight.

This Saturday night, October 30, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Buckeyes and Trojans kick things off. Expect nothing less than fireworks in the Coliseum. You won’t want to miss a second of this one, as both teams battle for their conference and playoff hopes.

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Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.