Jaxon Smith-Njigba will not play in the Peach Bowl against Georgia, Ohio State announced on Monday, as the star wide receiver will continue to rehab a season-long injury and get ready for the 2023 NFL Draft.

“He has had such a major impact here in Columbus, on and off the field, in a relatively short period of time,” coach Ryan Day told reporters on Monday. “We all know he has a very bright future ahead of him and we all support him as he moves forward with his career.”

Smith-Njigba has battled a hamstring injury since he suffered the setback in the season opener against Notre Dame. He only has 5 catches for 43 yards this season, as he’s missed 9 games.

Smith-Njigba in 2021 season led Ohio State with school-record totals of 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards, and was expected to be one of the best wide receivers in the country this season.

Breaking: Jaxon Smith-Njigba will not play in the 2022 Chic-fil-A Peach Bowl, Ohio State announces.

He will continue to rehab a season-long injury and prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft.

— Cameron Teague (@cj_teague) December 5, 2022

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.