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Jaxon Smith-Njigba declares for NFL Draft, won't play in Peach Bowl semifinal

Spencer-Holbrookby:Spencer Holbrook•12/05/22•

SpencerHolbrook

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Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba won't play in the Peach Bowl. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba won’t play in the Peach Bowl. His career with the Buckeyes is over after a disappointing, injury-filled season.

He has decided to focus on preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Smith-Njigba suffered a hamstring injury in the season-opening win over Notre Dame and appeared in two games the rest of the season, re-injuring himself in both of them.

“I did everything possible to put myself in a position to get back on the field multiple times this year,” Smith-Njigba said in a statement he released on Twitter. ” I wanted it as much, if not more, than anyone else.

“After consulting with my doctors, it has been determined that I will not be able to participate in the playoffs. Having prayed on it with my family, I have decided to focus on getting 100% healthy and commit to my training for the next chapter.”

Smith-Njigba entered the season as the clear-cut favorite to win the Biletnikoff Award after terrorizing defenses last year as a sophomore. During his incredible 2021 season, he had 95 catches for 1,606 yards, including an amazing 15 catches for 347 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl win over Utah on New Years Day.

But with injuries all season, Smith-Njigba caught just five balls for 43 yards all year this fall following an entire offseason of hype as the best receiver in the sport.

“I want to thank Jaxon for all he has done for our Ohio State program,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “He has had such a major impact here in Columbus, on and off the field, in a relatively short period of time. We all know he has a very bright future ahead of him and we all support him as he moves forward with his career.”

There was some speculation as to whether the Buckeyes superstar could suit up in the Peach Bowl semifinal against Georgia.

“We’ll see,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “The whole thing’s been unfortunate. Certainly nobody wants to play more than Jaxon. But, again, we’ll probably have more [information] in a few days.”

That information is now public. Jaxon Smith-Njigba won’t be playing for Ohio State this month, even in the College Football Playoff, and his career with the Buckeyes is over.

Counting down

Peach Bowl: 27 days away

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 357 days away

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