So, you’re looking for the Ohio State football score today, January 16, 2026. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you flip on the TV right now, you aren't going to see Julian Sayin or Jeremiah Smith taking snaps. There is no score because there is no game.
The Buckeyes are officially in the offseason.
It feels weird, right? Usually, around this time in January, Columbus is vibrating with playoff energy. But this year, the calendar looks a little different for Ryan Day and his crew. The road to the natty hit a massive roadblock a few weeks back, and honestly, fans are still kind of processing how it all went down in Arlington.
What was the score of Ohio State football game today?
The short answer is: 0-0, because the game doesn't exist. Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. The 2025-26 college football season for Ohio State ended on December 31, 2025.
If you’re feeling a bit of Deja Vu, it’s probably because you’re thinking of the College Football Playoff National Championship. That game is happening in just a few days on January 19, 2026. But the Buckeyes won’t be there. Instead, the final match features a surprising showdown between the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes.
Yeah, you read that right. Indiana and Miami. It’s a strange new world in the Big Ten and beyond.
Why aren't the Buckeyes playing today?
Basically, Ohio State got bounced in the CFP Quarterfinals. It was a cold night at the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Despite being the No. 2 seed and entering the game as a heavy favorite, Ohio State fell to the Miami Hurricanes with a final score of 24-14.
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It was a tough pill to swallow. The Buckeyes' offense, which had been a juggernaut all year, just couldn't find a rhythm. Julian Sayin threw for 287 yards, but two costly interceptions—one of which was a 72-yard pick-six by Keionte Scott—really took the wind out of their sails. Bo Jackson managed a short touchdown run and Jeremiah Smith caught a late TD to make it interesting, but Miami’s defense was just too opportunistic.
The 2025-2026 Ohio State Season Recap
Looking back, the season was actually incredible until the very end. The Buckeyes finished with a 12-2 record. They went undefeated in the regular season, including a dominant 27-9 win over Michigan in Ann Arbor. Seriously, that game was a masterclass in defensive football.
But then things got rocky.
- The Big Ten Championship: Ohio State lost a nail-biter to Indiana, 13-10.
- The CFP Quarterfinal: The aforementioned 24-14 loss to Miami.
It’s crazy to think that a team this talented—one that spent the entire year ranked in the top three—ended up with two losses in their final three games. That’s the "new" playoff for you. One bad night and you're at home watching other teams hoist the trophy.
What’s happening in Columbus right now?
Even though there’s no Ohio State football score today, the program is far from quiet. The "Winter of Discontent" has officially begun in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
First off, the roster is in flux. With Brian Hartline departing for a potential head coaching gig, the offense is undergoing a bit of a retooling. We just saw news that former Baylor kicker Connor Hawkins committed to the Buckeyes through the portal, which should stabilize the special teams unit after some shaky moments late in the season.
Also, can we talk about James Laurinaitis? He was just named to the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. It’s a bright spot in an otherwise quiet January.
When do the Buckeyes play again?
If you're already itching for the 2026 season, you've got a long wait. The Buckeyes don't return to the field until September 5, 2026, when they host Ball State at Ohio Stadium.
That game will mark the beginning of a new era. The 2026 schedule is actually pretty brutal. After Ball State, the Buckeyes have to travel to Austin to take on Texas on September 12. That's going to be a massive early-season test for a team that will be looking to prove the 2025 postseason was just a fluke.
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Summary of what happened
To recap why you can't find an Ohio State football score today:
- Season Over: The Buckeyes were eliminated from the College Football Playoff on December 31, 2025.
- The Final Score: Their last game was a 24-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes.
- National Championship: The title game is Monday, Jan 19, but it's Indiana vs. Miami.
- Next Game: September 5, 2026, against Ball State.
So, for now, you might want to check out the Ohio State women's basketball team. They've been on a tear lately, recently crushing Penn State 108-84 behind a 33-point performance from Jaloni Cambridge. Or, if you're a hockey fan, the No. 2 ranked men's team is still putting in work.
Football-wise? It's time to hit the recruiting trail and wait for spring ball. The quest for the 2026-27 title starts in the weight room today, even if there's no scoreboard to prove it.
If you're looking for something to watch this weekend, keep an eye on the NFL playoffs or the upcoming CFP National Championship. While it hurts to see Indiana in that top spot, it’s a testament to how much the Big Ten has changed.
To stay updated on the Buckeyes' offseason moves, follow the official Ohio State Athletics portal or keep an eye on the 2026 recruiting rankings, as Ryan Day is already expected to land one of the top classes in the country.