Ohio State Faces Maryland as Injuries Open Door for Young Receivers

No. 5 Ohio State hosts Maryland at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in a Big Ten college football matchup televised by BTN. The Buckeyes enter the game with a productive passing offense, while Maryland seeks to reverse a three-game losing streak and its recent defensive struggles.

According to FOX Sports, Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith recorded 11 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns against Iowa last week. It was his second consecutive game surpassing 200 receiving yards, extending his impact as a central figure in the Buckeyes' offense.

Quarterback Julian Sayin has also delivered strong production. FOX Sports reported that the junior ranked second in the Big Ten and fourth nationally with 1,530 passing yards, along with 13 touchdown passes.

Maryland faces a difficult challenge after allowing an average of 45.7 points per game while scoring just 17.3 during its three-game losing streak, according to FOX Sports. The Terrapins' sophomore quarterback will need to avoid turnovers as the team attempts to contain Ohio State's offense.

In its historical comparison, FOX Sports reported that Ohio State had never lost to Maryland across their previous meetings. The Buckeyes averaged 55.1 points per game over nine matchups while allowing 22 points, and their most recent meeting in 2023 ended with Ohio State scoring 37 points, its lowest total in the series.

The rivalry's closest contest came in 2018, when Maryland pushed Ohio State into overtime before losing 52-51 after failing to convert a two-point attempt. The historical results provide context for the latest matchup, although the teams enter it with different recent trajectories.

Separately, Roundtable reported that injuries affecting Ohio State wide receivers Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss could create additional opportunities for younger players. Both receivers had occupied important roles behind Smith during the early part of the season, making their availability a factor in the team's receiving rotation.

Freshman receiver Henry Jr. has recorded two touchdown receptions in his first five games as a Buckeye, according to Roundtable. He also demonstrated his big-play ability against Kent State by turning a short pass into a 75-yard touchdown.

Roundtable also highlighted freshman receiver Boyd for his contributions to Ohio State's running game. The report described his willingness to engage safeties and linebackers as a notable part of his role, giving the coaching staff another option if the injured receivers cannot play.

If McCuin and Inniss are unavailable, Boyd and Henry Jr. are expected by the Roundtable report to receive more playing time. Their increased involvement would offer Ohio State additional depth at receiver while giving the younger players more opportunities to develop during the season.

Ohio State and Maryland are scheduled to kick off at 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time on October 10 at Ohio Stadium, with BTN carrying the game. The matchup follows Ohio State's productive performance against Iowa and Maryland's recent run of three consecutive defeats.