You know, there’s a specific kind of energy in Columbus when a MAC team rolls into the Horseshoe. It’s not the frantic, teeth-gritting anxiety of a Michigan week. It’s different. More like a family reunion where everyone knows who’s winning the backyard touch football game before it even starts.
But if you actually look at the history of Akron vs Ohio State football, you realize it isn't just a series of blowout wins for the Buckeyes. Well, okay, lately it has been. But there is a weird, deep-rooted history here that goes back over 130 years.
Honestly, it’s one of those matchups that reminds you how small the world of college football used to be.
The Day John Heisman Ruined the Buckeyes' Week
Most people think Ohio State has just steamrolled Akron since the dawn of time.
Nope.
Actually, back in 1894, a guy named John Heisman—yeah, that Heisman—was coaching at Buchtel College (which we now call the University of Akron). He took his squad into the Ohio State Fair and beat the Buckeyes 12-6.
Think about that. The man whose name is on the most prestigious trophy in the sport once handed Ohio State an L while leading the Zips. It’s the only time Akron has ever beaten them. Since then? It’s been a long, one-sided road. The Buckeyes have won the last six meetings, and the scores haven't exactly been nail-biters.
👉 See also: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
That 2024 Opener: Sluggish Starts and Jeremiah Smith
Fast forward to the most recent clash. August 31, 2024.
The Buckeyes were ranked No. 2 in the country. Expectations weren't just high; they were "national championship or bust." Akron came into the Shoe as massive underdogs, and for the first twenty minutes or so, things felt... weirdly tight.
Akron actually struck first.
Garrison Smith nailed a 48-yard field goal to put the Zips up 3-0. For a split second, you could hear the collective "wait, what?" from 102,000 fans. The Buckeyes looked sluggish. Will Howard, making his debut after transferring from Kansas State, was still finding his rhythm. The offensive line wasn't getting the push people expected.
Then Jeremiah Smith happened.
If you haven't followed the hype, Smith was the top recruit in the country, and he played like it. He hauled in two first-half touchdowns, effectively ending the "upset alert" whispers. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Buckeyes had poured it on, finishing with a 52-6 victory.
✨ Don't miss: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
The Reality of the "Body Bag" Game
Let’s be real for a second. Why do these two teams play?
It’s about the check.
For Akron, a trip to Columbus is a massive payday that helps fund their entire athletic department. For Ohio State, it’s a "tune-up" game. But for the players on the Akron sideline, it’s often the biggest game of their lives.
You saw that in 2024 with Tahj Bullock. The Akron QB was running for his life most of the afternoon, but he kept grinding. He finished with 68 passing yards and 42 rushing yards. It’s not Heisman-level stuff, but it’s gutsy.
On the flip side, Ohio State used the game to settle their backfield rotation. We saw TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins split carries—Henderson looked like his old explosive self, while Judkins had to work a bit harder for his 55 yards.
Recent Matchup History
If you’re looking at the raw numbers, here’s how the last few meetings have gone:
🔗 Read more: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
- 2024: Ohio State 52, Akron 6 (The Jeremiah Smith coming-out party)
- 2021: Ohio State 59, Akron 7 (Kyle McCord’s first career start)
- 2011: Ohio State 42, Akron 0
- 2007: Ohio State 20, Akron 2 (A surprisingly "close" game where Beanie Wells saved the day)
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
The biggest misconception is that these games are "worthless."
Try telling that to a freshman like James Peoples, who scored his first career touchdown for the Buckeyes in the 2024 game. These reps matter. They are the only time coaches get to see the depth chart in live-fire conditions before the Big Ten schedule starts.
Also, can we talk about Lathan Ransom?
In that 2024 game, he returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown. For a guy who had dealt with injuries, that moment was huge. It’s those individual stories that get lost in a 46-point blowout.
How to Approach This Series Moving Forward
If you're a bettor or just a die-hard fan, there are a few things to keep in mind when Akron vs Ohio State football pops up on the schedule:
- Watch the first quarter spread. Ohio State often starts slow in these "guaranteed" wins as they test out new schemes. Akron often covers early before the depth chart advantage takes over.
- Follow the freshmen. These games are the only time you’ll see the 5-star recruits who aren't quite starters yet. In 2024, it was Jeremiah Smith. In the future, it’ll be the next wave of Air Nolands or Julian Sayins.
- Check the injury report. Ohio State will often sit key starters like Donovan Jackson (who missed the 2024 opener) if they are even at 90%. They won't risk a star for a MAC matchup.
Essentially, this isn't a rivalry. It’s an exhibition with historical stakes. Akron is fighting for respect and a budget; Ohio State is fighting for perfection.
Keep an eye on the 2025 and 2026 schedules. While these matchups aren't annual, they serve as the barometer for the Buckeyes' depth and the Zips' resilience. If you want to see the future of the NFL, watch the second half of an Akron-OSU game. That’s where the real evaluation happens.