Indiana Hoosiers Football vs Ohio State Buckeyes Football Stats
Indiana Hoosiers Football vs Ohio State Buckeyes Football Stats: A Deep Dive into a Big Ten Classic
When you think about Big Ten football matchups, few rivalries carry as much weight and history as the clash between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes. For decades, this matchup was often seen as a David vs. Goliath story, with the Buckeyes dominating the win-loss column. However, recent seasons have flipped the script, turning this into one of the most anticipated college football stats by game battles on the calendar. Whether you are a die-hard alum or a casual fan, looking at the numbers reveals a fascinating story of tradition, dominance, and a modern-day resurgence.
Understanding the Indiana Hoosiers football vs ohio state buckeyes football stats requires a look at both the historical “Blue Blood” dominance and the tactical shifts of today. Traditionally, Ohio State has used its massive recruiting reach to build a wall against the rest of the conference. But in the 2025 season, the Hoosiers proved that a balanced attack and a ferocious defense could close the gap. This guide breaks down the essential numbers, key players, and the moments that have defined this high-stakes series over the years.
The All-Time Series Record and Historical Dominance
The history between these two programs dates back to 1901, and for a long time, it was one of the most one-sided affairs in the sport. Before the 2025 season, Ohio State held a commanding lead in the all-time series with over 80 wins compared to just 12 for Indiana. The Buckeyes even enjoyed a nearly 30-game winning streak that lasted from 1990 until their recent postseason meeting. This dominance was built on consistent top-tier coaching and a revolving door of NFL-caliber talent heading to Columbus.
Despite the lopsided record, Indiana has had its moments of glory, particularly in the late 1980s. Under coach Bill Mallory, the Hoosiers managed back-to-back wins in 1987 and 1988, which fans still talk about today. Looking at team comparison Indiana vs Ohio State metrics over a century, the Buckeyes usually average more than 30 points per game against the Hoosiers. However, the modern era of the Big Ten has brought more parity, making every yard gained much harder for the favorites.
2025 Big Ten Championship: A Statistical Masterpiece
The December 2025 meeting between these two was unlike any other in history. For the first time, both teams entered the game undefeated, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation. This wasn’t just another game; it was a battle for the Big Ten title and a top seed in the playoffs. The Indiana Hoosiers football vs ohio state buckeyes football stats from that night show a defensive struggle where every inch mattered. Indiana eventually pulled off a stunning 13–10 victory, marking a new era for the program.
Statistically, the game was a “slugfest” that favored the defensive coordinators. Ohio State, led by star quarterback Julian Sayin, struggled to find the end zone against a Hoosier defense that lived in the backfield. Indiana’s defense recorded five sacks, keeping the Buckeyes to their lowest point total of the entire season. While the offensive numbers weren’t flashy, the efficiency of Indiana’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the third quarter proved to be the statistical difference-maker that secured the win.
Offensive Team Comparison: Indiana vs Ohio State
When you look at the team comparison Indiana vs Ohio State for the 2025 season, you see two different philosophies. Ohio State operated a high-flying spread option that prioritized explosive plays through the air. They averaged nearly 37 points per game throughout the regular season. Their passing attack was ranked among the best in the nation, frequently testing the secondary of every opponent they faced. They relied on speed and the ability to outrun defenders in open space.
Indiana, on the other hand, focused on a balanced “Pro-Style” attack under offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan. They didn’t just pass; they utilized a gritty rushing game that wore down opponents over four quarters. In their most recent meetings, the Hoosiers managed to achieve a nearly 50/50 split between rushing and passing yards. This balance makes them difficult to defend because you can’t simply take away one aspect of their game without being punished by the other.
Defensive Powerhouses: Stopping the Move
Defense wins championships, and the Indiana football stats from the last year prove it. Indiana finished the 2025 season with the No. 2 scoring defense in the entire country, allowing only about 10.9 points per game. Their ability to stop the run was their calling card, often holding opponents to under 80 rushing yards. This forced teams to become one-dimensional, which allowed the Hoosier pass rushers to pin their ears back and attack the quarterback.
Ohio State’s defense was equally legendary, ranking No. 1 in several categories. They allowed fewer than 8 points per game for most of the season, a truly staggering statistic in the modern era. The Buckeyes used a 4–2–5 base defense that prioritized speed and versatility in the defensive backfield. When these two units met, it was a “mirror effect” where both sides struggled to move the ball, leading to the low-scoring affairs that have defined their recent matchups.
Key Individual Performance: QB Fernando Mendoza
A major reason for the shift in Indiana Hoosiers football vs ohio state buckeyes football stats is the play of Fernando Mendoza. In 2025, Mendoza posted a quarterback rating of over 180, throwing for more than 3,500 yards. His ability to stay calm under pressure against the Ohio State pass rush was the key to Indiana’s historic victory. He didn’t just throw for yards; he made “winning plays” on third down that kept the clock moving and kept the Buckeye offense on the sideline.
Mendoza’s performance in the Big Ten Championship was particularly impressive given the stakes. While he only threw for 222 yards in that specific game, his 51-yard bomb to Charlie Becker set up the game-winning touchdown. It is these types of “clutch” statistics that don’t always show up in a season average but define the outcome of the biggest games. His rivalry with Ohio State’s Julian Sayin provided some of the best statistical storylines of the year.
Ohio State’s Star Power: Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith
You cannot discuss Ohio State football stats without mentioning their superstar talent. Sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin was a Heisman contender, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2025. His primary target, Jeremiah Smith, became a nightmare for Big Ten secondaries, racking up over 12 receiving touchdowns. These two players represent the “Gold Standard” of college football talent, often making plays that seem impossible on paper.
In the head-to-head matchup against Indiana, Sayin showed his resilience. Even while being sacked five times, he managed to lead two 70-plus yard drives that unfortunately ended without touchdowns. The Buckeyes’ ability to move the ball between the twenties was elite, but their “Red Zone” efficiency dipped slightly against the Hoosiers’ top-tier defense. These individual stats highlight how close the margin of victory truly was between these two powerhouse programs.
Rushing Attack: The Battle in the Trenches
While the quarterbacks get the headlines, the college football stats by game show that the ground game often decides the winner. Indiana’s Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby provided a “one-two punch” that combined for over 120 yards in their win over the Buckeyes. By staying committed to the run, Indiana was able to control the time of possession, keeping the ball for over 32 minutes. This shortened the game and limited the number of opportunities for the Ohio State offense.
Ohio State’s rushing stats were slightly more explosive but less consistent in the big game. Players like CJ Donaldson Jr. averaged over 4.5 yards per carry on the season, but they were held to just 58 total rushing yards in the 2025 championship game. When a team as talented as Ohio State is held to under 60 yards on the ground, it usually results in a loss. This statistical outlier was the biggest surprise of the 2025 matchup.
Special Teams and Field Position
In a game decided by three points, special teams play is vital. The Indiana Hoosiers football vs ohio state buckeyes football stats show that field position was a major factor in their recent clash. Both teams featured elite punters who consistently pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line. This forced both offenses to work the full length of the field, which is a tall task against two of the best defenses in the nation.
Kicking was also a major storyline. Indiana’s Nico Radicic was perfect in the championship game, while Ohio State’s Jayden Fielding unfortunately missed a critical late-game field goal. These small statistical differences—a 3-point swing here or a 10-yard punt return there—are what separate a champion from a runner-up. In the high-pressure environment of the Big Ten, special teams are never just an afterthought; they are a core part of the winning formula.
Comparing the Coaching Philosophies
The stats also reflect the leadership of Ryan Day at Ohio State and Curt Cignetti at Indiana. Ryan Day has maintained an incredible winning percentage, staying well above .800 during his tenure. His teams are known for their offensive brilliance and aggressive play-calling. This often leads to “blowout” wins where the Buckeyes rack up 500+ yards of offense. However, this high-risk style can sometimes lead to turnovers against disciplined defenses.
Indiana’s approach has become one of “extreme efficiency.” They don’t take many risks, which is reflected in their low interception totals. In 2025, they were among the leaders in the country for “fewest turnovers lost.” By protecting the ball and relying on their defense, they have created a statistical profile that is very hard to beat. This “toughness” philosophy has allowed them to compete with—and finally beat—the giants of the Big Ten.
Match Stats Summary: Indiana vs. Ohio State (2025 Championship)
| Statistic | Indiana Hoosiers | Ohio State Buckeyes |
| Final Score | 13 | 10 |
| Total Yards | 338 | 322 |
| Passing Yards | 222 | 264 |
| Rushing Yards | 116 | 58 |
| First Downs | 19 | 17 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks Recorded | 5 | 3 |
| Time of Possession | 32:45 | 27:15 |
| 3rd Down Conv. | 7/15 | 4/11 |
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Rivalry
As we look toward the 2026 season, the Indiana Hoosiers football vs ohio state buckeyes football stats suggest that the gap has officially closed. The next regular-season meeting is scheduled to take place in Bloomington, where the Hoosiers will look to prove that their championship win wasn’t a fluke. Ohio State will be hungry for revenge, likely bringing in another top-ranked recruiting class to bolster their ranks. The rivalry has moved from a predictable outcome to a “must-watch” television event.
For fans, this means the numbers will only get more interesting. We are seeing a shift in how these teams are built, with Indiana utilizing the transfer portal effectively to match Ohio State’s depth. The statistical trends suggest that defense will continue to lead the way for both programs. As long as these two teams remain at the top of the Big Ten standings, every yard and every point in their head-to-head matchups will carry national championship implications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the all-time record between Indiana and Ohio State?
As of the end of the 2025 season, Ohio State leads the series 82–13–5. Ohio State had a 30-game winning streak in the series that was finally snapped by Indiana in the 2025 Big Ten Championship game.
2. Who are the key players to watch in this matchup?
For Indiana, quarterback Fernando Mendoza and wide receiver Elijah Sarratt are the primary offensive threats. For Ohio State, quarterback Julian Sayin and superstar wideout Jeremiah Smith are the standout statistical leaders.
3. Has Indiana ever won a Big Ten Championship against Ohio State?
Yes! Indiana defeated Ohio State 13–10 in the 2025 Big Ten Championship game to claim their first outright conference title since 1945.
4. How many times has Indiana beaten Ohio State in history?
Indiana has 13 official wins against Ohio State. While the Buckeyes have dominated the series overall, Indiana had a period of success in the early 1900s and again in the late 1980s.
5. What were the defensive rankings for both teams in 2025?
Ohio State finished the 2025 regular season with the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation, while Indiana followed closely at No. 2. Both teams allowed fewer than 11 points per game on average.
6. Where will the next Indiana vs Ohio State game be played?
The 2026 regular-season matchup is scheduled to be played at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana.
Conclusion: A New Era of Big Ten Football
The Indiana Hoosiers football vs ohio state buckeyes football stats tell a story of a shifting landscape in college football. While history heavily favors the Buckeyes, the recent emergence of the Hoosiers as a national powerhouse has breathed new life into this matchup. From defensive stands to Heisman-level quarterback play, the numbers show that these two programs are currently the class of the Big Ten.
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