If you just look at a box score from the last few years, you might think the Ohio State and Purdue score tells a story of total dominance. On paper, it's easy to see the Buckeyes as this immovable object and the Boilermakers as the plucky underdog that eventually gets worn down. But honestly, if you've spent any time in West Lafayette on a Saturday night or watched Mackey Arena when the lights get bright, you know these numbers carry a weird kind of weight.
Take the most recent football meeting on November 8, 2025. Ohio State walked away with a 34-10 win at Ross-Ade Stadium. To a casual observer, a 24-point margin feels like a "business as usual" trip for the Buckeyes. But the game started with a literal 3-0 lead for Purdue after a methodical 70-yard drive. It wasn't until the second quarter that Ohio State’s offense, led by Julian Sayin, actually woke up. They scored 24 points in that quarter alone, basically ending the competitive portion of the afternoon in a 15-minute span.
Sports aren't played in a vacuum, though. The "Spoilermakers" reputation exists because of those games where the score went the other way—like the 49-20 shocker back in 2018. When people search for the latest Ohio State and Purdue score, they’re often checking to see if the "chaos magic" happened again or if the talent gap finally held steady.
The 2024 Shutout and the 2025 Grind
We should talk about the contrast between the last two football seasons. In 2024, the game was at the Shoe in Columbus. It was a 45-0 bloodbath. Will Howard was under center then, and Jeremiah Smith—who is basically a human highlight reel—was already breaking freshman records. That game was never in doubt. The Buckeyes blocked a punt, scored on a fumble recovery by Jack Sawyer, and basically suffocated Purdue from the opening kickoff.
Then you look at the 2025 score: 34-10.
💡 You might also like: Jake Ehlinger Sign: The Real Story Behind the College GameDay Controversy
Different vibe entirely. Ohio State was ranked No. 1 in the country, yet they actually trailed at the end of the first quarter. Sayin threw for over 300 yards, and Smith hauled in 10 catches for 137 yards, but Purdue’s defense actually forced a few mistakes. They even picked off a pass in the end zone in the third quarter. It was a "methodical" win, which is coach-speak for "it was harder than the final score looks."
Breaking Down the Numbers (Football)
If you’re looking for the specifics of that November 2025 matchup, here is how it actually shook out:
- Final Score: Ohio State 34, Purdue 10
- Total Yards: Ohio State 473, Purdue 186
- Time of Possession: This was the wild part. Ohio State held the ball for nearly 41 minutes. They basically just sat on the ball and refused to give it back.
- Key Performers: Bo Jackson (the freshman RB, not the legend) had 75 yards on the ground. Julian Sayin was 27-of-33.
Purdue’s Ryan Browne struggled to get anything going in the air, finishing with only 76 yards. When you only have 186 total yards of offense, you aren't winning many games in the Big Ten, let alone against the top-ranked team in the nation.
The Basketball Score: A Different Beast
Now, if you’re looking for the Ohio State and Purdue score on the hardwood, the story flips. Recently, the basketball side of this rivalry has been even more of a rollercoaster. On January 21, 2025, the Buckeyes pulled off a massive 73-70 upset over Purdue at Mackey Arena. If you know college hoops, you know winning at Mackey is like trying to win a fistfight in a hurricane.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
Then you have the women's side of things. Just a few weeks ago, on December 31, 2025, the No. 19 Ohio State women's team absolutely dismantled Purdue 83-56. Jaloni Cambridge was all over the place with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.
It’s kind of fascinating how the power dynamics shift depending on whether there’s grass or hardwood under their feet. In football, Purdue is trying to survive the Buckeyes’ depth. In men's basketball, Purdue is often the one with the target on their back, leaning on their own history of dominant big men and tactical precision.
Why the Score Often Misleads Fans
There’s a misconception that these games are always blowouts. While the 45-0 and 59-31 scores from recent years exist, the series is littered with games that were decided by a single play. Remember 2012? A 29-22 overtime win for Ohio State. Or 2011? A 26-23 overtime win for Purdue.
When you see a score like 34-10, you don't see the 70-yard touchdown run by Bo Jackson that was called back for a penalty. You don't see the "what ifs."
👉 See also: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
Purdue has a school-record streak of 16 straight losses against Big Ten foes as of late 2025, which is honestly heartbreaking for a fan base that prides itself on being the "Giant Killers." But for Ohio State, these scores are just hurdles on the way to the College Football Playoff. They aren't looking for style points; they're looking for health and a win.
Recent History at a Glance
Since 2018, the football series has been relatively one-sided, but the venues matter immensely.
- 2025 (Away): 34-10 Ohio State. A slow start but a dominant finish.
- 2024 (Home): 45-0 Ohio State. A complete shut-down in Columbus.
- 2023 (Away): 41-7 Ohio State. Kyle McCord and Marvin Harrison Jr. made it look easy.
- 2021 (Home): 59-31 Ohio State. An absolute track meet where defense was optional.
What to Look for Next Time They Meet
So, what does this mean for the next time you're searching for the Ohio State and Purdue score?
First, check the location. If the game is at Ross-Ade Stadium, expect weirdness. Even in years where the Buckeyes are vastly superior, the atmosphere in West Lafayette tends to flatten the talent gap for at least a half.
Second, look at the turnover margin. In almost every "upset" score in this series, the Buckeyes turned the ball over at least twice. In the 34-10 game, Sayin's interception in the end zone was a rare glimpse of hope for the Boilers, even if they couldn't capitalize on it.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Don't bet the spread early: As we saw in 2025, Ohio State can be a slow starter on the road. The -29.5 spread didn't cover because of that late Purdue touchdown to make it 34-10.
- Monitor the injury report: In the 2025 game, Carnell Tate was out for precautionary reasons. That shifted a massive workload to Jeremiah Smith. If a key Buckeye receiver is out, the score might be lower, but the remaining stars will inflate their personal stats.
- Watch the clock: Ohio State’s ability to hold the ball for 40+ minutes is their new defensive strategy. It keeps their defense fresh and the opponent's offense out of rhythm.
If you’re tracking these teams for the rest of the 2026 season, keep an eye on how Ohio State handles the pressure of being No. 1. The score isn't just about who won; it's about how much energy they had to expend to get there. For Purdue, every point scored against a top-tier defense is a building block for a program trying to snap a historic losing streak.