by The mood in Columbus is one of stinging disappointment following a tough 13-10 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday. The defeat snaps a 16-game winning streak for the No. 1 Ohio State football team and prevents them from securing their first conference title since 2020. Despite the loss, the Buckeyes’ national championship aspirations are very much alive thanks to the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.
The attention of the entire Ohio State football community now pivots to Sunday’s CFP Selection Show, where they will learn their seeding and first-round opponent, likely receiving a crucial first-round bye as the projected No. 2 seed.
💔 Game Analysis: Where the Buckeyes Fell Short
The low-scoring, defensive battle saw the Ohio State football team struggle to find rhythm on offense, managing just 10 points against a fierce Indiana defense. Key mistakes proved costly: an interception thrown by quarterback Julian Sayin in the first quarter led directly to an Indiana field goal, and a missed 29-yard field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter by Jayden Fielding cost the Buckeyes a chance to tie the game. While Sayin passed for 258 yards, the team’s inability to convert in critical short-yardage situations, including a failed fourth-and-one conversion, showed the inexperience of this Ohio State football squad.
- Final Score: No. 2 Indiana 13, No. 1 Ohio State 10
- Key Errors: Missed 29-yard field goal, an interception, and a failed fourth-down conversion.
- Defensive Effort: The defense was solid, allowing only 13 points, but the offense could not capitalize on their opportunities.
This loss to Indiana, their first against the Hoosiers since 1988, serves as a major wake-up call for Coach Ryan Day’s squad as they head into the playoffs.
🎯 Playoff Picture: What the Loss Means for Seeding
Despite the devastating loss, the Ohio State football team is virtually guaranteed a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff and is still projected to receive one of the four crucial first-round byes. Their 12-1 record, combined with a National Championship win in 2024 and consistent Top 5 recruiting, places them well within the top tier. The Big Ten Championship winner, Indiana (13-0), is now a near lock for the No. 1 overall seed.
Coach Ryan Day emphasized the importance of securing the top seed, but even at No. 2, the Buckeyes get a bye and will host their first playoff game in the second round. This two-week break is invaluable, offering time for physical and mental recovery before facing a lower-seeded team that will have just played a grueling first-round game. The extended time off allows the Ohio State football coaching staff to self-scout and address the offensive inefficiencies exposed by the Hoosiers’ defense.
✍️ Coaching Rumors and Recruiting Updates
The offseason already brought change with the departure of Offensive Coordinator Brian Hartline, who took the head coaching job at South Florida. Rumors surrounding the replacement for the Ohio State football OC have heated up, with former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll being a name unexpectedly linked to the position. Hiring Daboll, known for his NFL offensive success, would continue the trend of high-profile defensive hires, like DC Matt Patricia, who is expected to stay.
On the recruiting front, the Ohio State football program finalized a strong 2026 class, holding on to key commitments like five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. despite Hartline’s departure. This success is a testament to Ryan Day’s ability to maintain strong relationships and the program’s recruiting prestige. Top recruits such as Henry Jr. and other highly-rated prospects like LB Cincere Johnson and EDGE Khary Wilder ensure the talent pipeline remains strong for the future of Ohio State football.
- OC Search: Brian Daboll is a surprising, high-profile rumor.
- Recruiting: Secured a strong 2026 class, retaining key five-star WR Chris Henry Jr.
The goal remains the same: win a national title. The path is now simply a little more difficult, beginning with the Selection Show.
