COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Big Ten Championship Game will feature perhaps the best matchup of wide receiver versus cornerback that college football has to offer.

Sporting the No. 4 Ohio State jersey will be Jeremiah Smith — a future sure-fire top five NFL draft pick who became the best offensive player in college football within moments of arriving on campus last year.

He’s the star the Big Ten always knew would reach this stage.

Donning the No. 5 Indiana jersey will be D’Angelo Ponds — a top five corner in the sport, according to Pro Football Focus, who arrived in Bloomington ahead of the 2024 season as a transfer from James Madison.

He’s the star the Big Ten never knew it would get.

Their recruiting arcs couldn’t have been more different, but their journeys have led them to a matc

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