In a recent candid interview on the Athletes Aura podcast, former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba opened up about his lingering disappointment over never securing a victory against the Michigan Wolverines during his collegiate career. Despite his current success with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL, the sting of falling short in “The Game” remains a poignant memory for the young athlete.
Reflecting on his experiences, Smith-Njigba
In a recent candid interview on the Athletes Aura podcast, former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba opened up about his lingering disappointment over never securing a victory against the Michigan Wolverines during his collegiate career. Despite his current success with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL, the sting of falling short in “The Game” remains a poignant memory for the young athlete.
Reflecting on his experiences, Smith-Njigba expressed a deep sense of frustration: “For me? Disappointing,” he remarked. “You know when you just have the better team and you lose… and you feel like you should’ve won? That type of thing. You know you should’ve won. Like, what? How did we lose to these boys? I’m gonna have to live with that for the rest of my life.”
During his tenure at Ohio State from 2020 to 2022, Smith-Njigba had limited opportunities to face Michigan. His sole appearance in the storied rivalry came in 2021, a game where the Buckeyes, despite a strong season, were defeated 42-27 at Michigan Stadium. In that matchup, both teams entered with impressive 10-1 records, but the Wolverines managed to outplay the Buckeyes, leaving a lasting impact on Smith-Njigba.
Injuries further marred his college career, particularly in the 2022 season. A hamstring injury sustained during the season opener against Notre Dame severely limited his participation, sidelining him for most of the season, including the pivotal game against Michigan. This absence was a significant blow to both Smith-Njigba and the Buckeyes, as his dynamic presence on the field was sorely missed.
Despite these setbacks, Smith-Njigba’s collegiate performance showcased his exceptional talent. In the 2021 season, he set Ohio State records with 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards, breaking a two-decade-old Big Ten Conference record. His standout performance in the 2022 Rose Bowl, where he amassed 347 receiving yards and three touchdowns, remains etched in college football history.
Transitioning to the professional arena, Smith-Njigba was selected 20th overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft. His rookie season in 2023 laid a solid foundation, and he continued to elevate his game in the 2024 season. Notably, in a Week 4 matchup against the Detroit Lions, he demonstrated his playmaking abilities with a crucial third-down conversion, underscoring his growing importance in the Seahawks’ offensive scheme.
While his professional career is on an upward trajectory, the memories of collegiate challenges, especially the losses to Michigan, continue to fuel Smith-Njigba’s drive. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, often regarded as one of the most intense in American sports, leaves lasting impressions on its participants. For Smith-Njigba, the lessons from those games serve as motivation, propelling him to strive for excellence and redemption on the NFL stage.
In reflecting on his journey, Smith-Njigba’s honesty about his collegiate experiences offers a glimpse into the mindset of an athlete who, despite past disappointments, remains committed to growth and success. As he continues to make his mark in the NFL, the lessons from “The Game” will undoubtedly remain a driving force in his pursuit of greatness.
expressed a deep sense of frustration: “For me? Disappointing,” he remarked. “You know when you just have the better team and you lose… and you feel like you should’ve won? That type of thing. You know you should’ve won. Like, what? How did we lose to these boys? I’m gonna have to live with that for the rest of my life.”
During his tenure at Ohio State from 2020 to 2022, Smith-Njigba had limited opportunities to face Michigan. His sole appearance in the storied rivalry came in 2021, a game where the Buckeyes, despite a strong season, were defeated 42-27 at Michigan Stadium. In that matchup, both teams entered with impressive 10-1 records, but the Wolverines managed to outplay the Buckeyes, leaving a lasting impact on Smith-Njigba.
Injuries further marred his college career, particularly in the 2022 season. A hamstring injury sustained during the season opener against Notre Dame severely limited his participation, sidelining him for most of the season, including the pivotal game against Michigan. This absence was a significant blow to both Smith-Njigba and the Buckeyes, as his dynamic presence on the field was sorely missed.
Despite these setbacks, Smith-Njigba’s collegiate performance showcased his exceptional talent. In the 2021 season, he set Ohio State records with 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards, breaking a two-decade-old Big Ten Conference record. His standout performance in the 2022 Rose Bowl, where he amassed 347 receiving yards and three touchdowns, remains etched in college football history.
Transitioning to the professional arena, Smith-Njigba was selected 20th overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft. His rookie season in 2023 laid a solid foundation, and he continued to elevate his game in the 2024 season. Notably, in a Week 4 matchup against the Detroit Lions, he demonstrated his playmaking abilities with a crucial third-down conversion, underscoring his growing importance in the Seahawks’ offensive scheme.
While his professional career is on an upward trajectory, the memories of collegiate challenges, especially the losses to Michigan, continue to fuel Smith-Njigba’s drive. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, often regarded as one of the most intense in American sports, leaves lasting impressions on its participants. For Smith-Njigba, the lessons from those games serve as motivation, propelling him to strive for excellence and redemption on the NFL stage.
In reflecting on his journey, Smith-Njigba’s honesty about his collegiate experiences offers a glimpse into the mindset of an athlete who, despite past disappointments, remains committed to growth and success. As he continues to make his mark in the NFL, the lessons from “The Game” will undoubtedly remain a driving force in his pursuit of greatness.