**“SKULL SESSION SURGE! — Jeremiah Smith Bulks Up to 225, LSU Eyes Jersey Sponsorships, and J.K. Dobbins Stars in 12th Warrior Happy Hour”**

Jeremiah Smith is rapidly evolving into the kind of wide receiver Ohio State fans have long dreamed of. Already considered one of the most promising young players in the Buckeyes’ storied pipeline of elite pass catchers, Smith has now taken a major physical leap. Reports out of Columbus confirm that the freshman phenom has bulked up to an imposing 225 pounds—a development that will only enhance his ability to impose his will on opposing defensive backs. While many receivers arrive at college needing months or even years to adjust to the size and strength of college defenders, Smith seems to have entered a different category altogether. With his new weight, he combines the speed and fluidity of a prototypical wideout with the brute power of a tight end or hybrid slot. It’s a transformation that speaks to his commitment, his preparation, and the elevated expectations surrounding his freshman campaign.

Strength is only one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a vital one in the Big Ten, where defensive schemes are often complex and physical. At 225 pounds, Smith is positioning himself as a matchup nightmare, the kind of player who can’t be pressed at the line and can outmuscle defenders on contested catches. Coaches and teammates alike have reportedly taken note. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who’s expected to lean heavily on Ohio State’s high-flying receiver corps, has hinted that Smith could play a surprisingly large role early. Some observers have drawn comparisons between Smith and former Ohio State greats like Michael Thomas or even David Boston, receivers who didn’t just catch passes—they changed games with every touch.

It’s not just Ohio State that’s adjusting to changes in the college football landscape. Down in Baton Rouge, LSU is stirring conversation by pushing for a move that could alter the aesthetics—and finances—of the college game. According to multiple reports, the Tigers are exploring the possibility of adding corporate sponsorship patches to their football jerseys. It’s a bold and somewhat controversial idea, reminiscent of European soccer kits and certain professional basketball franchises. While NIL deals have already opened the door for corporate dollars to flood into college sports, this would represent a new phase—where the very uniform a player wears becomes a billboard for business interests.

The idea has predictably sparked debate. Traditionalists see it as a step too far, an erosion of the pageantry and purity that makes college football unique. They argue that the uniform should be sacred, representing school pride and amateur competition rather than branding opportunities. But pragmatists view the change as inevitable. With players already earning six- and seven-figure NIL deals, and athletic departments constantly searching for new revenue streams, jersey sponsorships might be the next logical frontier. LSU, known for its swagger and its willingness to push boundaries, is perhaps the perfect test case. Whether the SEC—or the NCAA as a whole—will follow suit remains to be seen. But the wheels are clearly turning.

While the business side of college football simmers, the Buckeye brotherhood continues to grow off the field as well. J.K. Dobbins, the former Ohio State star running back who’s now looking to reinvigorate his NFL career after battling injuries, headlined the second edition of the 12th Warrior Happy Hour—a fan-centric digital event that’s becoming a staple for those who bleed scarlet and gray. Dobbins didn’t just appear; he captivated. Speaking candidly about his time in Columbus, his journey through adversity in the NFL, and the pride he still feels wearing the Block O in his heart, Dobbins reminded everyone why he remains a fan favorite.

The Happy Hour series, which brings together former players, current Buckeyes, and die-hard supporters in an informal online setting, is about more than nostalgia. It’s about connection. It’s about sharing stories that might not make it into press conferences or highlight reels. Dobbins opened up about the mental grind of being injured, the motivation he still draws from his Ohio State days, and his ongoing support for the current roster. He praised players like TreVeyon Henderson and Dallan Hayden, noting that the tradition of greatness at running back is alive and well in Columbus.

Perhaps most memorable was the way Dobbins spoke about Ryan Day and the culture he’s built. Despite external noise or criticisms following postseason losses, Dobbins was adamant that Day “gets it.” He called Day one of the most player-focused coaches he’s ever seen and predicted that big things are coming soon—perhaps as soon as this fall. In a season where expectations are once again soaring and the roster looks as deep and talented as any in the country, hearing such a vote of confidence from someone like Dobbins carries real weight.

Jeremiah Smith’s physical growth is symbolic of something larger happening in Columbus—a readiness, a hunger, a sense that Ohio State is reloading with firepower on every level. The roster boasts star power from front to back. Smith’s emergence is only the latest sign that this team is ready to take its place among the elite once again. His physical tools were already rare; now, with added bulk and strength, his potential impact as a freshman is moving into uncharted territory. Ohio State’s coaching staff has never been shy about playing young talent when it’s ready. With Smith, they might not have a choice—he looks too good to keep off the field.

Meanwhile, LSU’s jersey sponsorship ambitions reflect a changing world in college athletics. As programs continue to navigate the evolving terrain of NIL, media rights, and student-athlete compensation, the conversation around tradition versus innovation will only intensify. LSU’s move, if approved, might open the door for others to follow suit. Some fans will love it; others will loathe it. But few will ignore it. The Tigers are forcing college football to confront what the future might look like—and whether the game can balance nostalgia with necessity.

And in the heart of it all, alumni like Dobbins continue to remind everyone what makes this sport special. It’s not just the games on Saturday. It’s the bonds that form in the locker room, the memories that endure, and the pride that persists long after the final whistle. Dobbins may be fighting for his next contract in the pros, but when he speaks about Ohio State, it’s clear that a piece of his soul is still in Columbus. His presence at the 12th Warrior Happy Hour is a symbol of unity, of continuity, of the way one generation of Buckeyes continues to inspire the next.

This moment in college football is as dynamic and unpredictable as any in recent memory. Star freshmen like Smith are arriving on campus physically prepared for war. Programs like LSU are pushing the envelope of what’s allowed, reshaping the business of college sports. And former greats like Dobbins are stepping forward to bridge the past with the present. The game is changing—but in many ways, it’s staying the same. The passion, the pride, the pageantry—it’s all still here. And whether you’re watching a rising freshman prepare for greatness, a blue-blood program experiment with commercialization, or a beloved alum reconnect with his roots, one truth remains: college football lives and breathes through its stories.

So as Buckeye Nation watches Jeremiah Smith take the field, there will be more than hype in the air—there will be hope. Hope that a new star is rising. Hope that the season to come can be something special. And hope that amid all the change swirling around the sport, the core of what makes college football great will endure. Whether through a Happy Hour conversation or a Saturday touchdown, the game continues to bring us together. And in this era of transformation, that may be its greatest gift of all.