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Ohio State routs Ball State 56-3 in opener

9/6/2026

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Summary

Ohio State Dominates

Ohio State defeated Ball State 56-3 in the season-opening game on September 5, 2026.
Julian Sayin completed 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards, three passing and one rushing touchdowns.
Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and scored two first-half touchdowns.
Ohio State amassed 671 total yards while limiting Ball State to 165 yards.
Brody Boehm kicked a 54-yard field goal, the third-longest ever.

Summary

Day Demands Improvement

Coach Ryan Day warned the Buckeyes must improve the offensive line before facing Texas next week.
Backup quarterback Luke Fahey earned the No. 2 role over Tavien St. Clair after matching stats in the opener.
Day limited the halftime celebration, urging players to focus on the upcoming Texas road game.
Offensive tackle Phillip Daniels drew criticism for allowing pressure on Sayin during the first half.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, Jim Tressel’s Ohio State Buckeyes completed a perfect 14-0 season, winning the Big Ten and the BCS national championship. The team’s balanced attack averaged 191.3 rushing and 173.2 passing yards per game while a stout defense limited opponents to 77.7 rushing yards, establishing a template of dominance that still shapes Buckeye expectations.

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Ohio State Dominates

Ohio State defeated Ball State 56-3 in the season-opening game on September 5, 2026.
Julian Sayin completed 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards, three passing and one rushing touchdowns.
Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and scored two first-half touchdowns.
Ohio State amassed 671 total yards while limiting Ball State to 165 yards.
Brody Boehm kicked a 54-yard field goal, the third-longest ever.

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