Ohio State Buckeyes Dominate Ball State, Set Sights on Texas

On September 5, 2026, No. 1 Ohio State opened the season with a 56-3 win over Ball State at Ohio Stadium. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing score; wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had eight catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns. The Buckeyes totaled 671 yards to Ball State’s 165.

Sports IllustratedThe most interesting numbers from Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State Ohio State’s offense flashes with explosive plays in 56-3 win over Ball State as clash with Texas looms Columbus DispatchSports IllustratedBy the Numbers: Key numbers that stand out from Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State Columbus DispatchThe Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Ohio State’s 56-3 win vs. Ball State

The victory marked Ohio State’s 27th straight season-opening win, the longest active streak nationally. Head coach Ryan Day called the game a “great environment” and a test of the talent assembled in the offseason. The win leads into a road test against Texas in Austin the following weekend.

The most interesting numbers from Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State

• Ryan Day – head coach.

The most interesting numbers from Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State

• Julian Sayin – quarterback, 320 passing yards, three TDs, one rushing TD.

Columbus Dispatch

• Jeremiah Smith – junior receiver, 151 yards, two TDs.

The most interesting numbers from Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State

• Bo Jackson – sophomore running back, 83 yards, 65-yard TD.

Ohio State’s offense flashes with explosive plays in 56-3 win over Ball State as clash with Texas looms

• Ja’Kobi Jackson – transfer running back, 83 yards, 49-yard TD.

Ohio State’s offense flashes with explosive plays in 56-3 win over Ball State as clash with Texas looms

• Devin Sanchez – cornerback, Texas native.

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• Final score: Ohio State 56, Ball State 3.

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• Total offense: 671 yards (434 passing, 237 rushing).

Ohio State’s offense flashes with explosive plays in 56-3 win over Ball State as clash with Texas looms

• Sayin: 21-of-25, 320 yards, 3 TDs, 1 rushing TD.

Ohio State’s offense flashes with explosive plays in 56-3 win over Ball State as clash with Texas looms

• Smith: 8 receptions, 151 yards, 2 TDs.

By the Numbers: Key numbers that stand out from Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State

• Bo Jackson: 9 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD.

The most interesting numbers from Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State

• Ja’Kobi Jackson: 5 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD.

The most interesting numbers from Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State

Sayin said, “We’re not going to have much open,” praising the team’s execution. Sanchez noted excitement about playing near home.

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The opening win reinforces Ohio State’s top-five status and tests roster depth, especially the freshman contributors. Success in the Texas game will affect national rankings and could strengthen recruiting ties in Texas.

Ohio State makes multiple top school lists coming off blowout Week 1 win

Analysts disagree on the offensive line’s performance; some cite flexibility, others point to missed assignments and penalties that may affect the run game against stronger opponents. Special-teams decisions by freshman Legend Bey also drew criticism for field-position issues.

Grumpy Old Buckeye: Nitpicking Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State

• September 5, 2026 – Ohio State defeats Ball State 56-3.

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• Following Saturday – Ohio State travels to Austin for the Texas game.

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The Buckeyes face Texas next Saturday, a matchup that will shape early-season power rankings and test the team in a hostile environment.

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