If you're refreshing your phone looking for osu football today's score, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. There is no score today. Honestly, the 2025-2026 campaign is officially in the books, and for Ohio State fans, the "today" part of that search query is a reminder of a winter that came a bit too soon.
The Buckeyes aren't taking the field this afternoon. Their season hit a wall on December 31, 2025, in a game that still feels like a fever dream for most of Columbus. It’s January 14, 2026, which means we’re deep into the "what went wrong" and "who’s hitting the portal" phase of the calendar.
What Happened to the Buckeyes?
To understand why there isn't an osu football today's score to report, you have to look back at the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State entered the College Football Playoff quarterfinals with a ton of momentum. They had just ground out a 10-13 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship—a weird, defensive slugfest—but they were still ranked highly enough to make the bracket.
Then came the Miami Hurricanes.
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It wasn't pretty. Ohio State fell 24-14 at AT&T Stadium. The offense, which had looked like a juggernaut at points during the regular season, just couldn't find a rhythm against Miami’s front seven. Ryan Day’s squad finished the year with a 12-2 record. Most programs would kill for that. In Columbus? It feels like unfinished business.
Breaking Down the Final Stats
Basically, the season was a tale of two halves. The Buckeyes started off by mauling teams. Remember that 70-0 blowout against Grambling State? Or the 48-10 dismantling of UCLA? Those games made it seem like this team was invincible.
But the cracks started showing late.
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- The Michigan Game: They won 27-9. It was satisfying, sure. But the offense struggled in the red zone.
- The Big Ten Title: Losing to the Hoosiers 13-10 was a massive red flag.
- The Playoff Exit: A 10-point loss where you only score 14 points isn't the Ohio State standard.
The Other OSU: Oklahoma State's Status
Kinda important to note: some of you might be looking for the other OSU. Oklahoma State also wrapped up their football schedule weeks ago. If you see people wearing orange and black today and talking about scores, they’re probably talking about basketball. The Cowgirls played Kansas last night, and the men's hoops circuit is in full swing.
But on the gridiron? It's quiet in Stillwater too. Both programs are currently staring at empty Saturdays until the spring games roll around.
Why Ohio State Fans Are Already Looking at 2026
Since there is no osu football today's score to celebrate, the focus has shifted entirely to the roster for next year. The "Transfer Portal Era" means the team you see in December is rarely the team you see in August.
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There’s a lot of chatter about the quarterback room. With the way the season ended, there's a lot of pressure on the coaching staff to bring in more explosive playmakers. We’ve seen some early departures for the NFL Draft, which happens every year, but the depth on the defensive line is the real concern heading into the 2026 spring ball sessions.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
The 2026 schedule is already circulating, and it’s a gauntlet.
- September 5: Ball State comes to the Shoe.
- September 12: A massive road trip to Austin to play Texas.
- September 19: Kent State.
That Texas game is basically the "real" next score everyone is waiting for. It’s going to be a top-ten matchup that likely defines the early part of the 2026 season.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
If you're suffering from Buckeyes withdrawal, here is how you can stay plugged in while we wait for the 2026 kickoff:
- Watch the Basketball Team: The men's team is currently navigating a tough Big Ten schedule. They just had a solid run against Washington and Oregon on the road.
- Track the Portal: Keep an eye on the 247Sports Transfer Portal tracker. Ohio State is expected to be aggressive in landing a veteran offensive tackle.
- Check Recruiting Classes: February is always big for late-period signings. See who is officially joining the "Select '26" class.
- Rewatch the Highlights: If you want to feel better, go back and watch the 24-6 win over Washington from September. It was arguably the best the defense looked all year.
The hunt for a national title continues. It didn't happen this year, and there's no score today to change that fact, but the road to the 2026 playoffs has already started behind the scenes in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.