So, you’re looking for the score of Ohio State game and probably feeling a bit of that post-season sting right about now. Honestly, it wasn’t the fairy tale ending fans in Columbus were banking on for the 2025-26 run. The Buckeyes’ season effectively hit a wall on New Year’s Eve in Arlington, Texas.
If you missed it or just want to relive the pain, here is the short version: Miami 24, Ohio State 14.
It was the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl, and frankly, the Buckeyes looked a little shell-shocked from the opening kickoff. While everyone was talking about Ohio State’s defense—which was basically a collection of future NFL first-rounders—it was the Hurricanes who played like they had something to prove.
The Reality of the Miami Upset
Going into that game, the Buckeyes were the No. 2 seed and heavy favorites. Miami was sitting at No. 10, a team many thought "barely" made the cut over Notre Dame. But the scoreboard doesn't care about seeds.
By halftime, Ohio State was staring at a 14-0 deficit.
Julian Sayin had a rough night under center. He was sacked five times, mostly because Rueben Bain Jr. decided to turn the Buckeyes’ offensive line into a revolving door. Bain was everywhere—one sack, a tackle for loss, and constant pressure that forced Sayin into quick, uncomfortable throws.
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Ohio State tried to make it a game in the second half. They put up 14 points to keep things interesting, but a late penalty killed their momentum. They were forced to punt on a crucial fourth-quarter drive, and Miami just leaned on them until the clock hit zero.
A Quick Look at the 2025 Season Scores
Before that New Year’s Eve collapse, the Buckeyes actually had a pretty dominant year. They went 12-2 overall and were perfect in the Big Ten (9-0).
- The Michigan Game: They absolutely handled business in Ann Arbor, winning 27-9. That’s always the score that matters most in Ohio, regardless of how the playoffs go.
- The Big Ten Championship: They scraped by Indiana with a 13-10 win. It wasn't pretty, but it got them the trophy and the No. 2 seed.
- The Early Blowouts: They dropped 70 on Grambling State and 42 on Minnesota earlier in the fall.
Why the Score of Ohio State Game Felt Different This Year
The expectations for this roster were "National Championship or bust." When you have a defense coached by Matt Patricia and talent like Jeremiah Smith on the outside, a 10-point loss in the quarterfinals feels like a massive failure.
But let’s be real: Miami’s defense was just more physical that night.
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It’s interesting to look back at the previous year's Rose Bowl for comparison. On January 1, 2025, Ohio State destroyed Oregon 41-21. In that game, Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith were unstoppable. Smith had 187 yards and two scores as a freshman. Fast forward to the 2026 Cotton Bowl, and that explosive "over the top" threat was mostly neutralized by Miami’s scheme.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Since the football team is officially out of the mix for the 2026 National Championship (which Indiana and Miami are currently fighting for), the spotlight has shifted to the ice.
Just yesterday, Friday, January 16, 2026, the Ohio State women’s hockey team went out and showed the football boys how it’s done. They traveled to Mankato and beat No. 13/14 Minnesota State with a final score of 7-4.
Joy Dunne was an absolute monster in that game. She scored four goals—a natural hat trick included—to seal the win. If you’re a Buckeye fan looking for a winning score to celebrate this weekend, that’s the one you want. The puck drops again for the rematch today at 4 p.m. ET.
Key Takeaways for Buckeye Fans
- Football Season is Over: The final relevant score was the 24-14 loss to Miami.
- Indiana is the New King? It's weird to say, but Indiana is the No. 1 seed in the National Championship game on January 19.
- Hockey is Keeping the Flame Alive: The No. 2 ranked women’s hockey team is currently 20-3-0.
If you are tracking the score of Ohio State game for betting purposes or just to stay in the loop, keep an eye on the transfer portal. With the football season ending earlier than expected, we’re likely going to see some roster movement before the spring ball starts.
For those looking to watch the next live event, the women's hockey rematch against Minnesota State is streaming on B1G+ this afternoon. It's a solid way to wash out the taste of that Cotton Bowl loss.