So, you're looking for the Ohio State University football score today, January 18, 2026. I'll get straight to the point: there isn't one. The Buckeyes aren't on the field today, and honestly, if you're a die-hard fan, the reason might still sting a little bit.
College football is currently in that weird, quiet pocket between the high-octane drama of the playoffs and the absolute chaos of the transfer portal season. While the National Championship between the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes is set to kick off tomorrow, Monday, January 19, the Buckeyes are already back in Columbus looking toward the 2026 season.
What Happened to the Buckeyes?
Ohio State’s 2025-26 campaign was a rollercoaster that ended earlier than anyone in the 614 wanted. After a perfect 12-0 regular season—their first since 2019—the wheels hit some serious friction in December.
They dropped the Big Ten Championship to Indiana in a 13-10 defensive slugfest. Then came the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Eve. That’s where the season officially hit the wall. The Buckeyes fell 24-14 to the Miami Hurricanes. Julian Sayin threw for 287 yards and found Jeremiah Smith for a late touchdown, but two costly interceptions and a stifling Miami defense proved to be too much.
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The Score That Matters Right Now
Since there is no Ohio State University football score today, the "score" fans are actually tracking is the one happening in the Transfer Portal. This is where Ryan Day is currently trying to win his next championship.
The Buckeyes have been incredibly aggressive this January. They've already snagged some massive names to shore up a defense that's losing pillars like Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs.
- James Smith and Qua Russaw (Alabama transfers)
- John Walker (UCF defensive tackle)
- Terry Moore (Duke safety)
It’s basically a total rebuild of the defensive depth chart in real-time. If you're looking for "results" today, these roster additions are the only points being put on the board.
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Why Today Feels Empty for Buckeye Nation
January 18 is traditionally a day for NFL playoffs or preparing for the college title game. Seeing Indiana—the same team that snapped Ohio State’s winning streak in Indianapolis—preparing to play for the trophy tomorrow at Hard Rock Stadium is a tough pill to swallow for the local faithful.
The 2025 defense was statistically historic, holding every single regular-season opponent to 16 points or less. That’s the first time a team has done that since the 1975 Florida Gators. Yet, without a trophy to show for it, that stat feels like a trivia answer rather than a legacy.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule
If you’re already counting down the days until there is an Ohio State University football score today, mark your calendar for September 5, 2026. The Buckeyes open at home against Ball State.
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The 2026 schedule is already looking like a gauntlet. They have a massive road trip to Austin to face Texas on September 12, which will likely be a Top-5 matchup. Then they dive into the expanded Big Ten with games against Nebraska, Iowa, and the usual season-ending war with Michigan.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the National Championship: Tune in tomorrow, Jan 19, at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN. It’s a good chance to scout Miami and Indiana, both of whom will be major hurdles for OSU again next year.
- Follow the Portal: Keep an eye on the late-January transfer window. The Buckeyes are still looking for offensive line depth to protect Julian Sayin.
- Check the Basketball Score: If you need a Buckeye fix right now, the Men's Basketball team just beat UCLA 86-74 yesterday, and the No. 14 Women's team plays No. 10 TCU tomorrow at noon.
The football season is over, but in Columbus, the work for next year's Ohio State University football score today has already begun.