The easiest way to list which receiving records former Rockwall Yellowjacket Jaxon Smith-Njigba broke in the Rose Bowl game against Utah is: he broke almost all of them.
The favored Ohio State offense got off to a slow start in the Rose Bowl against Utah. They were down 14-0 in the first quarter and trailed by 14 most of the first half. Then, Quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist, C.J. Stroud, starting targeting Smith-Njigba.
Smith-Njigba was set to see a heavy workload with projected first-round picks, Chris Olave, and former Lake Travis star Garrett Wilson, deciding to sit the game out. Smith-Njigba was up for the task. He helped lead Ohio State to an exciting 48-45 comeback to win the 2021 Rose Bowl.
Rose Bowl Stats
Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished the Rose Bowl with 15 receptions, for three touchdowns and 347 yards. His teammate, starting for the first time, Marvin Harrison Jr. (the son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison), added three touchdowns also. C.J. Stroud ended the game with 572 yards and 6 touchdowns. All three will be back for Ohio State next season.
Records Broken
It was a night of record-breaking for Smith-Njigba. He broke the record for the most receiving yards ever in a Rose Bowl game. He also broke the record for most receiving yards in any bowl game in CFB history.
In addition, he also broke several Ohio State records. He broke Ohio States’ record for most receiving yards in a season, previously held by David Boston. Smith-Njigb also broke the OSU records for most receptions in a year, previously held by Paris Campbell. And, he broke the Ohio State record for most receiving yards in a game, previously held by Terry Glenn.
High School Career
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was a three-year starter for Rockwall High School.
He caught 108 passes for 2161 yards and 35 touchdowns in his senior season. He was the 6A Player of the Year and 1st team 6A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association.
Smith-Njigba finished his high school career with 288 receptions for 5208 yards and 64 touchdowns.
Smith-Njigba will likely enter his Junior season as a projected first-round draft pick, and with Marvin Harrison Jr. alongside him, will be the best WR duo in college football.
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