By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The Big Ten Conference has announced its Players of the Week following another weekend of conference action, with Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith earning Offensive Player of the Week honors and Minnesota linebacker Maverick Baranowski taking Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Smith Explodes for Ohio State
Smith, a junior wide receiver from Miami Gardens, Florida, turned in a career performance against Illinois, catching 12 passes for 217 yards and four touchdowns.
His 217 receiving yards rank tied for the sixth-most in a single game in Ohio State history.
The performance also added to Smith’s growing place in the Buckeyes’ record book. He now has 3,175 career receiving yards, making him the only receiver in Ohio State history with more than 3,000 career receiving yards. His total ranks 10th in Big Ten history.
Smith’s four-touchdown performance also moved him into a tie for fifth place in Big Ten history with 34 career touchdown receptions.
His latest award marks another honor for an Ohio State offense that continues to feature Smith as one of its most productive weapons.
The last Ohio State player to earn Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors was quarterback Julian Sayin on Oct. 20, 2025.
Baranowski Leads Minnesota Defense
Minnesota linebacker Maverick Baranowski earned Defensive Player of the Week honors after helping the Golden Gophers defeat Washington 27-24.
The fifth-year linebacker from Ponce Inlet, Florida, tied for the team lead with seven tackles and added two tackles for loss.
Baranowski also recorded a sack and intercepted a pass for the first time in his career.
His performance helped Minnesota secure a road conference victory and gave the Golden Gophers a defensive playmaker in a tight contest.
The last Minnesota player to receive the conference’s Defensive Player of the Week award was John Nestor on Dec. 1, 2025.
Big Ten Honors
Offensive Player of the Week: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Defensive Player of the Week: Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota