COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State leading receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a potential Heisman Trophy contender, took a hit in the first quarter that popped his helmet off, and he is not expected to return to the game, according to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
The hit occurred on the first play of Ohio State's drive with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter, when Smith-Njigba caught a four-yard pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud. Notre Dame's Cam Hart and Brandon Joseph were credited with the tackle, which ended out of bounds as Smith-Njigba's helmet flew off and he landed awkwardly.