Ohio State Football has long been a powerhouse in college athletics, captivating fans with its rich history and competitive spirit. As one of the most storied programs in NCAA history, Ohio State Football continues to draw massive attention, especially in the Big Ten Conference. With a legacy built on national championships, Heisman winners, and intense rivalries, the Buckeyes represent excellence on the gridiron. In the 2025 season, Ohio State Football faced highs and lows, culminating in a tough loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship game on December 6, 2025. Despite this setback, the program’s resilience shines through, as evidenced by their victory over arch-rival Michigan, which drew 18.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched regular-season game of 2025.
History of Ohio State Football
The roots of Ohio State Football trace back to 1890, when the team played its first game. Early years were marked by challenges, including heavy losses, but the program gained momentum after joining the Big Ten Conference in 1912. Under legendary coaches like Woody Hayes, who led from 1951 to 1978, Ohio State Football achieved dominance, securing multiple national titles with a run-heavy offense known as “Three Yards and a Cloud of Dust.” Hayes’ era included five claimed national championships and the infamous “Ten Year War” against Michigan.
Subsequent coaches built on this foundation. Paul Brown won the first national title in 1942, while Jim Tressel delivered the 2002 championship with an undefeated season. Urban Meyer added the 2014 title, introducing a modern spread offense that propelled the Buckeyes to new heights. Ryan Day, taking over in 2019, has maintained the program’s elite status, leading to a 2024 national championship win over Notre Dame. Over 135 years, Ohio State Football has amassed an all-time record of 989–335–53, with 10 undefeated seasons and a program value exceeding $2 billion.
Notable Achievements and Championships
Ohio State Football boasts an impressive trophy case, with nine claimed national championships: 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, 2014, and 2024. The Buckeyes have appeared in the College Football Playoff multiple times, including semifinal and championship games. Their bowl record stands at 29–29, with standout victories in the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl.
The program has produced seven Heisman Trophy winners, second only to one other school: Les Horvath (1944), Vic Janowicz (1950), Howard Cassady (1955), Archie Griffin (1974 and 1975—the only two-time winner), Eddie George (1995), and Troy Smith (2006). Additionally, Ohio State Football leads in consensus All-Americans with 93 and has won numerous awards like the Lombardi, Maxwell, and Outland Trophies. In the Big Ten, they’ve captured 41 conference titles, showcasing consistent excellence.
Iconic Rivalries
No discussion of Ohio State Football is complete without mentioning its fierce rivalries, particularly “The Game” against Michigan. Dating back to 1897, this matchup has seen 121 contests, with Michigan leading 62–52–6 as of 2025. The rivalry intensified under Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, and recent years have featured dramatic finishes. In 2025, Ohio State snapped a losing streak by defeating Michigan, boosting morale ahead of the postseason.
Other key rivalries include Illinois for the Illibuck Trophy (Ohio State leads 68–30–4) and Penn State, which has grown intense in the playoff era (Ohio State leads 26–14). These games not only define seasons but also fuel the passionate Buckeye Nation.
Current Team and Coaching Staff (2025)
In 2025, Ohio State Football is led by head coach Ryan Day in his seventh season, boasting an 82–10 record. The coaching staff includes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline (wide receivers), who is rumored to be departing for a head coaching position, and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. Assistants like Keenan Bailey (co-OC/tight ends) and Larry Johnson (defensive line) round out a talented group.
The roster features promising talent, including quarterbacks Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair. Standout players include wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, running backs James Peoples and Bo Jackson, and defensive stars like safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles. Despite a strong regular season, the Buckeyes fell to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship, impacting their playoff seeding. Looking ahead, the team has a challenging 2025 schedule, including games against Texas and Washington.
Traditions and Fan Base
Ohio State Football is steeped in traditions that enhance the game-day experience at Ohio Stadium, known as “The Horseshoe,” with a capacity of 102,780. The Ohio State University Marching Band, dubbed “The Best Damn Band in the Land,” performs the iconic “Script Ohio” at halftime. Fight songs like “Buckeye Battle Cry” and “Across the Field” rally the crowd, while the mascot, Brutus Buckeye, adds fun.
The fan base, one of the largest in college sports, packs the stadium and travels nationwide. Traditions include crossing out the letter “M” around campus before Michigan week and honoring legends through jersey retirements. This dedication has helped Ohio State Football maintain its status as a top program, with a 2011 study ranking it as having the most fans.
FAQ
What is Ohio State Football’s all-time record?
Ohio State Football holds an impressive all-time record of 989 wins, 335 losses, and 53 ties, reflecting over a century of success.
Who is the current head coach of Ohio State Football?
Ryan Day serves as the head coach, having taken the role in 2019 and leading the team to multiple playoff appearances.
How many national championships has Ohio State Football won?
The Buckeyes claim nine national championships, with the most recent in 2024.
What was the outcome of the 2025 Big Ten Championship?
Ohio State Football lost to Indiana in the 2025 Big Ten Championship game on December 6, allowing Indiana to secure the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Who are some notable Heisman winners from Ohio State?
Archie Griffin is the only two-time winner (1974, 1975), joined by Eddie George (1995) and Troy Smith (2006), among others.