If you were looking for a high-scoring shootout on New Year’s Eve, the score in Ohio State football game probably left you scratching your head. It wasn't the offensive explosion Buckeye Nation expected. Instead, we got a defensive slugfest in Arlington that ended in a 24-14 loss for No. 2 Ohio State against No. 10 Miami.
Honestly, it felt a little surreal. Seeing a team that averaged over 40 points a game during the regular season get stuck in the mud is never fun for the home crowd. But that’s playoff football for you. The Cotton Bowl wasn't just a loss; it was a reality check for a squad that many thought was destined for the National Championship.
The Numbers That Defined the Cotton Bowl
Basically, the game came down to missed opportunities and a relentless Miami pass rush. Ohio State finished the regular season a perfect 12-0, looking like an absolute juggernaut after dismantling Michigan 27-9. Then came the Big Ten Championship—a 13-10 heartbreaker against Indiana—and finally, the 24-14 exit in the CFP Quarterfinal.
The scoring breakdown looked like this:
Miami struck first, and while Ohio State managed to tie it up 7-7 in the third quarter thanks to a Quinshon Judkins touchdown, they couldn't sustain the momentum. Ryan Day made a gutsy call on fourth-and-2 in the fourth quarter. It paid off initially, with Jeremiah Smith catching a 14-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-14. But the Buckeyes couldn't get another stop. Miami padded the lead, and the clock just ran out on the season.
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Why the Offense Stalled
You’ve gotta look at the offensive line. Julian Sayin has been incredible all year, but he was under siege in Texas. Miami’s defense racked up five sacks. That’s a massive jump from the six sacks the Buckeyes allowed in the entire regular season.
- Quarterback Pressure: Julian Sayin was forced into quick throws and off-platform scrambles.
- Red Zone Woes: Getting inside the 20 is one thing; crossing the goal line is another.
- Run Game Disparity: The balance just wasn't there.
It wasn't all bad, though. Jeremiah Smith continued his historic freshman campaign, showing why he’s arguably the best receiver in the country. Even when the score in Ohio State football game was trending the wrong way, he was a bright spot.
The Post-Season Hangover and Moving Forward
Now that the dust has settled, the focus has shifted to who is staying and who is leaving. We just got word that four key juniors on the lines are returning for the 2026-27 season. Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. are all coming back.
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This is huge. Siereveld was a beast at left tackle this year, earning an 83.5 grade from PFF and not allowing a single sack in over 800 snaps. Luke Montgomery, an All-American, also announced his return. It’s clear these guys aren't happy with how things ended against Indiana and Miami. They want another shot at the title.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 schedule is already starting to take shape. It’s gonna be a gauntlet.
- September 5: Season opener against Ball State at the Shoe.
- September 12: A massive road trip to Austin to face Texas.
- September 19: Kent State comes to town.
The Big Ten schedule will feature trips to Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. If the Buckeyes want to avoid the scoring droughts that plagued them at the end of 2025, the renovated offensive line has to be the foundation.
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Actionable Takeaways for Buckeye Fans
If you’re still reeling from that final score in Ohio State football game, here is what you should keep an eye on during the spring:
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: With some departures to the NFL Draft, Ryan Day will likely look for a veteran interior defensive lineman or a depth piece at linebacker.
- Sayin’s Development: Julian Sayin has the "it" factor, but his second year as a starter will require better protection and more variety in the play-calling.
- Spring Game Attendance: Keep an eye on the date for the 2026 spring game. It’ll be the first real look at the "returning juniors" and the incoming freshman class.
- Recruiting Trail: The 2026 class is crucial. Locking down top-tier in-state talent is always the priority, especially at the tackle positions.
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster. It had the highest of highs—that dominant win in Ann Arbor—and some frustrating lows in the post-season. But with the core of the trenches returning, the 2026 Buckeyes are already looking like a team with a chip on their shoulder.
Check the official Ohio State Athletics site for ticket updates for the Ball State opener and the highly anticipated rematch with Texas. The journey back to the playoffs starts long before the first kickoff in September.