Ohio State Football: 2025 Season Results, 2026 Schedule & Complete Insider Hub
Staying on top of Ohio State football demands sifting through endless headlines, scores, and schedule updates. One missed announcement—a transfer portal shock, a primetime slot change—leaves fans scrambling. This all-in-one hub hands you the complete 2025 season results, the 2026 schedule, roster breakdowns, recruiting scoop, and ticket intel so you never miss a beat.
What Was the Ohio State Football 2025 Schedule and Results?
The 2025 Ohio State football schedule delivered a dominant regular season and a deep playoff push. The Buckeyes ripped through non-conference play, survived a few Big Ten tests, and captured the conference crown. Below is every game from the completed 2025 campaign, with final scores and network details.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 30 | Texas | Columbus, OH | W, 35-21 | FOX |
| Sept 6 | Akron | Columbus, OH | W, 56-10 | BTN |
| Sept 13 | Western Michigan | Columbus, OH | W, 48-7 | BTN |
| Sept 20 | at Indiana | Bloomington, IN | W, 38-17 | CBS |
| Oct 4 | Penn State | Columbus, OH | W, 27-24 | NBC |
| Oct 11 | at Wisconsin | Madison, WI | W, 31-14 | FOX |
| Oct 18 | Nebraska | Columbus, OH | W, 42-13 | BTN |
| Oct 25 | at Rutgers | Piscataway, NJ | W, 45-10 | BTN |
| Nov 1 | Michigan State | Columbus, OH | W, 38-3 | Peacock |
| Nov 8 | at Purdue | West Lafayette, IN | W, 41-17 | FS1 |
| Nov 15 | Illinois | Columbus, OH | W, 34-13 | BTN |
| Nov 29 | at Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | L, 23-20 | FOX |
Big Ten Championship (Indianapolis)
Dec 6 – vs. Oregon: W, 31-27 (CBS)
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal (Rose Bowl)
Jan 1 – vs. Arizona State: W, 42-24 (ESPN)
CFP Semifinal (Cotton Bowl)
Jan 10 – vs. Texas: L, 30-27 OT (ESPN)
The Ohio State football schedule 2025 saw the Buckeyes finish 13-2. Ryan Day’s squad earned a No. 2 seed and fought to the final whistle.
How Did the Buckeyes Perform in the Postseason?
Ohio State football stormed through the Big Ten Championship with a late touchdown drive to edge Oregon. The College Football Playoff run then started with a statement in Pasadena. The Scarlet and Gray piled up 503 yards of offense, burying Arizona State by 18 points. The semifinal clash against Texas turned into an instant classic. A goal-line stand in overtime sealed the one-score loss, but the Buckeyes proved they belonged among the elite. The final Ohio State football score of the season still stings, yet the campaign reaffirmed the program’s national title trajectory.
What Does the Ohio State Football 2026 Schedule Look Like?
The 2026 Ohio State football schedule mix offers a fierce non-conference headliner and a rearranged Big Ten slate. Dates are confirmed, with kickoff times and TV assignments to follow later in the summer. Bookmark this page—we update it every time broadcast details drop.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 5 | Notre Dame | Columbus, OH |
| Sept 12 | Tulsa | Columbus, OH |
| Sept 19 | at Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA |
| Sept 26 | *at Washington | Seattle, WA |
| Oct 3 | *Iowa | Columbus, OH |
| Oct 10 | *at Northwestern | Evanston, IL |
| Oct 17 | *USC | Columbus, OH |
| Oct 31 | *Michigan State | East Lansing, MI |
| Nov 7 | *at Penn State | University Park, PA |
| Nov 14 | *Rutgers | Columbus, OH |
| Nov 21 | *at Maryland | College Park, MD |
| Nov 28 | *Michigan | Columbus, OH |
*Big Ten Conference game
Circle the home finale against Michigan and the trip to Penn State as early games that will shape the Ohio State football tv schedule primetime slots. The October visit from USC brings another top-tier matchup to Ohio Stadium.
Who Are the Key Players Returning on the Ohio State Football Roster?
The 2026 Ohio State football roster blends elite veteran leaders with young blue-chips ready to explode. Head coach Ryan Day returns a core group that already has playoff mileage.
- QB Devin Brown (RS Jr.) – Took the reins in the Cotton Bowl and fired three touchdowns. He enters 2026 as the undisputed starter.
- RB James Peoples (So.) – Averaged 6.1 yards per carry in limited duty; poised for a workhorse role.
- WR Jeremiah Smith (Jr.) – Biletnikoff finalist with 1,337 receiving yards and 14 TDs in 2025.
- WR Carnell Tate (Sr.) – Polished route-runner, locked in as the No. 2 target.
- LT Luke Montgomery (RS Jr.) – Anchored the blind side with zero sacks allowed over the final eight games.
- DE Caden Curry (Sr.) – Registered 11 sacks and forced four fumbles.
- LB Arvell Reese (Sr.) – Led the team in tackles (112) and sets the defensive tone.
Experience at quarterback, a loaded receiver room, and a disruptive front seven make the 2026 Ohio State football roster a legitimate national championship contender.
How Is the Ohio State Football Depth Chart Shaping Up for 2026?
Spring practice gave clarity to the two-deep, though summer camp battles will shuffle a few spots. Below is the projected Ohio State football depth chart entering fall camp.
Offense
- QB: Devin Brown → Lincoln Kienholz
- RB: James Peoples → Sam Williams-Dixon
- WR-X: Jeremiah Smith → Bryson Rodgers
- WR-Z: Carnell Tate → Brandon Inniss
- Slot: Brandon Inniss → Jayden Ballard
- LT: Luke Montgomery → Ian Moore
- LG: Carson Hinzman → Joshua Padilla
- C: Joshua Padilla → Austin Siereveld
- RG: Tegra Tshabola → Gabe VanSickle
- RT: Josh Fryar → Miles Walker
- TE: Jelani Thurman → Bennett Christian
Defense
- DE: Caden Curry → Kenyatta Jackson
- DT: Kayden McDonald → Jason Moore
- DT: Hero Kanu → Will Smith Jr.
- DE: Kenyatta Jackson → Omari Abor
- WLB: Arvell Reese → Gabe Powers
- MLB: Cody Simon → Nigel Glover
- CB: Denzel Burke → Jermaine Mathews
- CB: Davison Igbinosun → Calvin Simpson-Hunt
- S: Sonny Styles → Ja’Had Carter
- S: Malik Hartford → Jayden Bonsu
This Ohio State football depth chart shows few glaring holes, giving defensive coordinator Jim Knowles flexibility to attack from multiple fronts.
What’s the Latest Ohio State Football Recruiting News?
Ryan Day and his staff keep the cupboards overflowing. The 2026 recruiting class signed in February and finished ranked No. 2 nationally, per 247Sports. Ohio State football recruiting news points to a haul heavy on offensive line and defensive back talent.
2026 Class Headliners
- OT Jackson Lloyd (5-star, CA) – Nation’s top tackle prospect, early enrollee.
- CB Na’eem Offord (5-star, AL) – Lockdown corner with 4.35 speed.
- QB Brady Edmunds (4-star, CA) – Elite arm talent, already pushing for backup reps.
- S Trey McNutt (4-star, OH) – Hard-hitting in-state gem.
- WR Quincy Porter (4-star, NJ) – 6’4″ jump-ball specialist.
Momentum for the 2027 cycle is building. Three top-50 juniors have already given verbal commitments, signaling that Ohio State football recruiting continues to separate itself from the pack. The key: developing these commits into the next wave of first-round draft picks.
How Have Ohio State Football Transfer Portal Moves Impacted the Team?
The transfer portal giveth and taketh away. The Buckeyes addressed immediate needs while losing some depth. Here are the major Ohio State football transfer portal entries and arrivals since the 2025 season ended.
Arrivals
- OT Logan Howland (Oklahoma) – Grad transfer with 25 career starts, penciled in at right guard.
- DT Jamaal Jarrett (Georgia) – Former 5-star, gives the interior a 330-pound anchor.
- P Jack Stone (Michigan State) – Ray Guy Award semifinalist, flips the field.
Departures
- WR Jayden Ballard (to Pitt) – Sought a WR1 role; handled with class.
- LB Gabe Powers (to Cincinnati) – Wanted more snaps, leaves with two years of eligibility.
- S Ja’Had Carter (to North Carolina) – Grad transfer, reunited with former position coach.
The net talent exchange looks positive. Adding a veteran tackle and a space-eating defensive tackle patches the two biggest questions on the roster.
Who Is Ohio State Football Coach Ryan Day’s Staff for 2026?
Ryan Day enters his eighth season at the helm of Ohio State football, holding a 78-10 record. Continuity defines his staff. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline returns to guide the country’s most feared passing attack. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles enters his fifth season with a unit that ranked third in scoring defense in 2025.
Key assistants:
- Brian Hartline (OC/WR)
- Jim Knowles (DC/LB)
- Tony Alford (RB/Run Game Coordinator)
- Justin Frye (OL)
- Tim Walton (CB)
- Perry Eliano (S)
Day added former Buckeye linebacker James Laurinaitis as a defensive analyst, injecting even more program DNA into the building. The stability around the Ohio State football coach keeps the program humming at an elite level every offseason.
How Can Fans Get Ohio State Football Tickets for 2026?
Ohio State football tickets remain among the hottest in college sports. The official athletic ticket office releases single-game inventory in July, but these seats vanish fast. Here are your best options:
- Season Tickets – Renewals dominate; a small number of new season packages become available each spring.
- Verified Resale – Ticketmaster and SeatGeek carry inventory the moment single-game tickets sell out. Expect $150+ for non-conference games, $300+ for Michigan or Penn State.
- Student Tickets – Full-time Columbus campus students can buy the Buckeye Student Ticket Package.
- Away Games – Purchase through Ohio State’s visiting team allotment; request deadlines happen months in advance.
Booking a seat for the Notre Dame opener or The Game on November 28 gives you an electric Ohio Stadium experience. Act early to avoid triple-digit inflation.
What Makes Ohio Stadium Special for Ohio State Football Games?
Ohio Stadium, “The Shoe,” opened in 1922 and now holds 102,780 screaming fans. The rotunda, the massive block-O flag, and the ramp entrance dubbed “The Tunnel of Pride” make every game day feel sacred. When the Ohio State football team bursts onto the field to “Seven Nation Army,” the noise registers on seismic charts.
Premium areas like the Huntington Club and luxury suites deliver upscale comfort. Yet the best seats remain in the south stands, where students link arms and sway to “Carmen Ohio.” A tailgate scene along the Olentangy River blends brats, cornhole, and a sea of scarlet. Every home Saturday reaffirms that Ohio State football games are bucket-list events.
Where to Find Live Ohio State Football Scores and Breaking News Today?
During the season, lock onto the official Ohio State Buckeyes app for real-time Ohio State football score updates, live stats, and drive summaries. Follow @OhioStateFB on X (Twitter) for instant injury reports and sideline clips. For off-season Ohio State football news today, trusted beat reporters at The Columbus Dispatch and Eleven Warriors break stories on recruiting, transfers, and roster moves. ESPN and FOX Sports provide nationally televised analysis and game broadcasts. Bookmark this hub as well—we push fresh scores, schedule changes, and insider reports the moment they hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the 2026 Ohio State football season start?
The Buckeyes open at home against Notre Dame on September 5, 2026. That primetime clash kicks off a schedule loaded with College Football Playoff implications.
Who will be Ohio State’s starting quarterback in 2026?
Devin Brown returns as QB1 after a strong Cotton Bowl performance and a sharp spring camp. The dual-threat passer gives Ohio State football a dynamic leader under center.
How many national championships has Ohio State won?
The program claims eight national titles (1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, 2014). The most recent championship came after the inaugural College Football Playoff.
What is the best way to watch Ohio State football if I cut the cord?
Most games air on FOX, NBC, CBS, or ESPN. Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo carry the necessary channels. Peacock occasionally streams one Big Ten game per week.
Can I tour Ohio Stadium even when there is no game?
Yes. The athletics department offers guided stadium tours that include the press box, recruiting room, band center, and a walk through the tunnel to the field. Check ohiostatebuckeyes.com for availability.
Where does Ohio State football practice during the season?
The team trains at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, an indoor facility packed with two full practice fields, a massive weight room, and sports science labs. Outdoor sessions move to the adjoining fields next to the center.
Stay locked on this Ohio State football hub. As the 2026 season approaches, we will update the schedule with kickoff times, TV assignments, and ticket links. Watch for fresh recruiting announcements, depth chart movement, and game previews. Bookmark the page and share it with your Buckeye crew—when the news breaks, you will already be in the know.
