Maryland at Ohio State football is the game everyone circles, then forgets, then panics about halfway through the third quarter. It's weird. On paper, it looks like a blowout waiting to happen every single year. The Buckeyes are 9-0 against the Terrapins since Maryland joined the Big Ten back in 2014. If you just look at the record, you'd think this was a boring, one-sided rivalry. But man, if you’ve actually watched these games, you know that isn’t the whole story.
There is a specific kind of tension that happens when Mike Locksley’s squad rolls into the Horseshoe. It’s that feeling where the Buckeyes are heavy favorites—sometimes by three touchdowns—and yet, suddenly, it’s 17-10 in the second half and the crowd in Columbus starts getting real quiet.
The Mental Hurdle of Maryland at Ohio State Football
Let’s talk about the 2023 game. Honestly, Maryland had them. For three quarters, the Terps looked like the better, faster, more disciplined team. Taulia Tagovailoa was humming, the defense was flying around, and Ohio State’s offense looked stuck in mud. Then, the fourth quarter happened. It always happens. Josh Proctor grabs a pick-six, Kyle McCord finds Marvin Harrison Jr. for a dagger, and suddenly a tight game turns into a 37-17 final that looks "comfortable" on a box score.
It wasn’t comfortable.
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That’s the thing about Maryland at Ohio State football. The talent gap is closing, but the "finish" gap is still a canyon. Maryland has this habit of playing 45 minutes of elite football and 15 minutes of "what just happened?"
Why the Buckeyes usually survive
- Depth that doesn't quit. When Maryland’s starters get winded in the humidity or the late-October chill, Ohio State rotates in a five-star sophomore who is just as fast.
- The "Horseshoe" factor. It’s cliché, but 100,000 people screaming when a Maryland tackle jumps offsides on 3rd and 5 matters.
- Draft-level playmakers. Even when the Buckeyes play a "bad" game, they have guys like Emeka Egbuka or TreVeyon Henderson who can erase a mistake with one 70-yard burst.
The Ghost of 2018: The Closest We Ever Got
If you want to understand the soul of Maryland at Ohio State football, you have to look at the 2018 thriller in College Park. 52-51. That game was pure insanity. Anthony McFarland Jr. was running through the Buckeyes like they were a high school JV team. He had 298 yards. Two hundred and ninety-eight!
The Terps scored a touchdown in overtime and decided to go for two. They went for the win. No fear. Tyrrell Pigrome had a wide-open receiver in the flat. The ball sailed just an inch too far. Incomplete. Game over.
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That single play basically defines this entire series. Maryland takes the swing, puts the giant on the ropes, and then... just misses the chin. It’s heartbreaking for Terps fans and a massive sigh of relief for the Columbus faithful.
What to Watch for in 2026 and Beyond
As we look at the upcoming 2026 schedule, the game is back at Ohio Stadium. Maryland is in a transition phase. They’ve lost the Tagovailoa era and are leaning on young talent like freshman standout Sidney Stewart on defense, who has been absolutely terrorizing Big Ten offensive lines with 7.0 sacks in his rookie year.
Ohio State is, well, Ohio State. They are consistently bringing in the top-ranked recruiting classes in the country. With Julian Sayin and Bo Jackson (yes, that Bo Jackson, the freshman RB) looking like the next generation of Buckeye legends, the hill for Maryland isn't getting any flatter.
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Key Matchup Variables
- The Quarterback Evolution: Can Maryland find a guy who doesn't just put up stats but avoids the "hero ball" turnover late in the game?
- The Trenches: Maryland’s offensive line has historically struggled to keep the Buckeyes' pass rush away from their QB for four full quarters.
- Special Teams: This is where Ohio State often hides their advantage. A 40-yard punt return or a blocked field goal has flipped at least three of these matchups in the last decade.
Actionable Tips for Fans Attending
If you’re planning on heading to Columbus for the next edition of Maryland at Ohio State football, you need a plan. Columbus on a Saturday is a different beast.
- Parking is a nightmare. Unless you have a pass, aim for the West Campus lots and take the shuttle. It’s cheaper and you won't lose your mind in traffic.
- The Varsity Club. It’s the legendary spot. Go there at least three hours before kickoff if you want to soak in the "Hang on Sloopy" vibes.
- Watch the Warmups. Maryland usually brings some of the fastest skill players in the Big Ten. Seeing them go through drills next to Ohio State's NFL-bound secondary gives you a real sense of the speed on the field.
The reality is that until Maryland actually crosses the finish line and beats the Buckeyes, this will stay a "trap game" for Ohio State and a "what if" for Maryland. But don't let the 9-0 record fool you. This game is usually a lot closer to a disaster for the Buckeyes than the media likes to admit.
Check the official Big Ten schedule updates and ticket releases on the Ohio State Athletics site or SeatGeek as the 2026 season approaches. Secure your lodging in the Short North or near High Street early, as hotels fill up months in advance for conference games.