Season Summary: Buckeyes in 2025
The 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes entered the season as the defending national champions with high expectations and a loaded schedule. They pushed toward a repeat before ultimately falling short in postseason play.
Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State completed a perfect 12-0 regular season, earned a Big Ten Championship berth, dominated many matchups with explosive offense and stingy defense, but stumbled down the stretch in two crucial games — the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Regular-Season Results & Scores
Below are the key games, scores, and performances from the Buckeyes’ run:
Week 1–4: Strong Opening Stretch
- September vs. Grambling State: OSU started with a big offensive night. QB Julian Sayin connected for long-range scores, and wideout Jeremiah Smith was a key receiving threat (5 catches, 119 yards, 2 TDs).
- Early vs. Ohio Bobcats (9/13/25): Buckeyes powered to a 37–9 win, with freshman RB Bo Jackson exploding for yardage and the offense finishing strong.
- Big Ten Play Opens at Washington (9/27/25): OSU 24–6 victory on the road, snapping the Huskies’ historic home winning streak. Sayin threw TDs and the defense dominated.
Midseason Big Wins & Touchdowns
- Minnesota: Ohio State moved to 9–0 following a road win at Minnesota with a balanced attack and continued defensive prowess.
- Purdue (11/08/25): OSU cruised 34–10, highlighted by Sayin’s 303 yards and rookie WR Jeremiah Smith catching 10 balls for 137 yards with a touchdown.
- Penn State (11/01/25): In a statement rivalry win, the Buckeyes 38–14 dominated Nittany Lions. Sayin was 20/23 for 316 yards and four touchdowns. Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate both eclipsed 120 yards receiving.
Rivalry Week vs. Michigan
In a marquee matchup with historic stakes, Ohio State beat Michigan 27–9, ending a four-game skid against the Wolverines and clinching an unbeaten regular season. Sayin threw three TDs with big contributions from Bo Jackson and Carnell Tate.
Team & Player Stats
According to official Buckeyes cumulative stats:
Quarterback — Julian Sayin
- Completion %: 78.37%
- Passing Yards: 3,323
- Touchdowns: 31
- Passer Rating: 182.14 (elite)
This performance ranked among the nation’s best, with Sayin quickly establishing himself as a top-tier FBS passer.
Standout Receivers
- Jeremiah Smith: Continued his ascent with 72 catches for 942 yards and great production as a freshman playmaker.
Defense
Ohio State’s defense held all regular-season opponents to 16 points or fewer — a rare defensive feat not seen since historic teams like the 1975 Florida Gators.
Big Ten Championship Game
Ohio State’s undefeated 12–0 regular season earned a shot at the Big Ten title, but they suffered a tight 13–10 loss to Indiana in the conference championship. It snapped Ohio State’s dominance in the series and halted their perfect run.
This loss relegated the Buckeyes to a lower CFP seed and set up a tough playoff path.
College Football Playoff — Cotton Bowl
CFP Quarterfinal vs. Miami
- Final Score: Miami 24, Ohio State 14
After a scoreless first half, Miami jumped ahead with defensive playmaking and an explosive pick-six that shifted momentum. Ohio State rallied in the second half — including TDs by Bo Jackson and Sayin connecting with Smith — but fell short.
Miami’s opportunistic defense and timely offense fueled the upset, ending Ohio State’s reign and advancing the Hurricanes to the CFP semifinals.
Highlights You Can Watch
- Ohio State vs. Ohio (9/13/25) – Official Big Ten highlights.
- Ohio State vs. Ohio Bobcats | NBC Sports – Key plays from early in the season.
These video highlights capture big plays, long passes from Sayin, explosive runs from Bo Jackson, and defensive stops throughout the campaign.
Big Strengths
- Elite Passing Attack: Sayin’s efficiency and TD production kept Ohio State ahead of most defenses.
- Defensive Consistency: Held all regular-season foes under 17 points — a testament to scheme and execution.
- Depth & Versatility: Multiple skill players contributed in clutch moments.
What Went Wrong?
- Missed Championship Opportunities: Ohio State came up short in the Big Ten title game and CFP, critically hurting their season goals.
- Turnovers & Momentum: In big games, a few key interceptions and defensive breakdowns proved costly.
Legacy & Context
Despite an outstanding year, 2025 ultimately ended as an impressive but incomplete run for the Buckeyes. They finished 12–2, showcased national statistical dominance, and produced top-tier NCAA talent, but couldn’t repeat as champions.
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