Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Winning TD Catch on ‘MNF’ Perfectly Evoked 2022 Rose Bowl TD

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is no stranger to making big plays. 

The rookie Seahawks wide receiver came up huge for his team when it mattered most during Monday night’s 20—17 win over the Eagles, as he hauled in the winning touchdown with 28 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock made a beautiful throw, and it was a fantastic grab by Smith-Njigba, who secured the ball in his outstretched arms as rain began to intensify at Lumen Field. 

Some fans couldn’t help but feel like Smith-Njigba’s touchdown catch looked familiar—and there’s a reason why. 

The play was practically the spitting image of a key touchdown reception made by Smith-Njigba during Ohio State’s 2022 Rose Bowl win over Utah.

You can compare the two touchdown-scoring plays below.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba at Ohio State & with the Seahawks gets the same game winning TD ???? pic.twitter.com/er9oL93COB

— Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) December 19, 2023

Although Smith-Njigba’s catch in the Rose Bowl was not a game-winner, it still occurred at a huge moment in the contest, as it allowed the Buckeyes to retake the lead late in the fourth quarter en route to a 48–45 win over the Utes. 

And it was a reception in almost the exact same spot in the end zone on a pass thrown from almost the exact same spot on the field. 

What are the odds?