By Matthew CoudenShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA massive college football rivalry matchup between Ohio State and Michigan drew significant attention on Saturday, including from basketball superstar LeBron James. After another big win for King James and the Los Angeles Lakers, it appeared he was one of the spectators watching the game in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from afar.
The Buckeyes, ranked No. 1 in the country, are surging, but they faced a hostile crowd of Wolverines fans at Saturday's afternoon game. Ohio State featured plenty of talented players in its championship-contending team, including wide receivers Carnelle Tate and Jeremiah Smith.
Smith had a vital touchdown early in Saturday's game, though it was controversial. After catching a long pass from Heisman candidate Julian Sayin, Smith ran it all the way to the corner past the pylon. However, the referees had to review the play to make sure he had control of the ball and kept his foot in bounds.
Read more: Lakers’ LeBron James Gets Honest About Helping Bronny James With the NBA
...If refs overturned the TD call, it would have given Michigan two points for a safety due to a ruled fumble out of bounds. However, the referees upheld Ohio State's touchdown.
That highlight TD came on a special day for Jeremiah Smith, who was also celebrating his 20th birthday while playing the sport he loves.
Some fans felt the referees incorrectly called the TD and took to X to reshare the highlight and voice their frustration with the game's officiating.
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As the game was unfolding, LeBron took to his X account to share a special birthday shoutout for Smith, also celebrating Smith's touchdown highlight.
He seemed to love what he saw from Smith, who is likely to become a coveted NFL Draft pick after his collegiate career.
"TD 4!!!! Happy Bday too Young," he wrote, including a king and hands raised emojis.
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If that wasn't enough, another touchdown arrived for Ohio State's Brandon Innish, who paid tribute to King James by doing a LeBron-themed celebratory dance.
"Yessir B Innis! The Captain 🫡 TD," LeBron posted on X.
At the time, that pushed the Buckeyes' lead to 17-9 after Ohio State added the extra point.
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Before James rose to fame in the NBA, he became an emerging star playing high school basketball in Akron, Ohio, so it's unsurprising to see him rooting for the Buckeyes. He also recognizes their talented stars, including Innis and Smith.
Smith is just a sophomore but has already achieved big things, including winning the 2024 Freshman of the Year and becoming a College Football Playoff national champion. He also has lucrative NIL endorsements and deals, and according to On3, he ranks second overall among college athletes in earnings with $4.2 million.
Ahead of the Ohio State-Michigan clash, Smith was on his way towards 1,000 yards receiving and over 10 touchdowns. His team is also playoff-bound, looking to win a second-straight national championship.
Read more: Clemson’s Cade Klubnik Shares Injury Update Before South Carolina Game
For more about Ohio State and college football, visit Newsweek Sports.
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