If you're frantically refreshing your feed asking what is the score of the Ohio State game, you probably caught the tail end of a wild weekend in Columbus. Sports in Ohio never really sleep, but mid-January is a special kind of chaotic. You've got the basketball team trying to survive the Big Ten gauntlet while the football program is basically playing a high-stakes game of "Musical Chairs: Transfer Portal Edition."
Honestly, keeping track of the Buckeyes right now feels like a full-time job.
The Big One: Men’s Basketball vs. UCLA
Yesterday, January 17, 2026, the Schottenstein Center was absolutely rocking. The Buckeyes faced off against UCLA in a game that many fans were nervous about, especially after that frustrating 81-71 loss to Washington just a week ago.
The final score? Ohio State 86, UCLA 74.
It wasn't even as close as the twelve-point margin suggests. The Buckeyes came out swinging. They controlled the tempo from the opening tip, and while the Bruins tried to make a run in the second half, Ohio State’s defense held firm. This win was massive for their standing in the Big Ten. It brings their season record to a respectable spot as they look toward a Tuesday night clash with Minnesota.
Why this win actually matters
Basketball in the Big Ten is a meat grinder. You lose one game on the road, and suddenly the "experts" are talking about your bubble status. By taking down UCLA at home, the Buckeyes proved they can handle elite-level athleticism.
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They didn't just win; they looked cohesive.
What is the score of the Ohio State hockey series?
Basketball wasn't the only thing happening on the ice and hardwood. The men’s ice hockey team just finished a grueling home-and-home or back-to-back style stretch against Michigan State.
On Friday night, things looked grim. The Buckeyes got thumped 6-2. It was one of those games where nothing seemed to go right—pucks weren't bouncing their way, and the Spartans looked a step faster. But if you know anything about this team, they’ve got grit.
Saturday (yesterday) was a totally different story. Ohio State clawed back for a 2-1 victory over Michigan State. It was a defensive masterclass. One goal can change everything in hockey, and the Buckeyes protected that slim lead like their lives depended on it.
Recent Hockey Results:
- Jan 10, 2026: Ohio State 2, Michigan State 1 (W)
- Jan 9, 2026: Ohio State 2, Michigan State 6 (L)
- Jan 3, 2026: Ohio State 3, Bowling Green 5 (L)
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. They’re sitting at 7-12-1 overall, which isn't where they want to be, but that win against a ranked Sparty team is a huge momentum builder.
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Football News: The Scoreboard That Never Stops
Even though the pads are off, the "score" for Ohio State football is measured in talent retention. If you missed the news from a few days ago, the Buckeyes just got some of the biggest "wins" of the 2026 season without even taking the field.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. officially announced he's returning for his fifth season.
This is huge. Jackson had 6.5 sacks last year and was a menace in the backfield. With the NFL Draft looming, many expected him to go pro. Instead, he’s coming back to anchor a defensive line that is losing a lot of production.
Then you have the offensive line. Luke Montgomery and Carson Hinzman both announced they are returning as well. After the way the season ended—specifically that 24-14 loss to Miami in the Playoff Quarterfinals on December 31—the line was under fire. Seeing these guys choose to "run it back" suggests a culture of unfinished business in the locker room.
The Transfer Portal Tracker
The Buckeyes are currently dealing with a massive roster overhaul. They’ve added 16 scholarship transfers so far this January. But it's a two-way street. They’ve also lost 31 players to the portal.
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It’s a different world.
Looking Ahead: What's Next?
If you're looking for the next live what is the score of the Ohio State update, mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 20. The men's basketball team stays at the Schottenstein Center to host Minnesota. Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM EST.
The Golden Gophers are always a "trap" team. They play physical, they slow the game down, and they try to turn it into a wrestling match. Ohio State needs to keep the momentum from the UCLA win to avoid a letdown.
Practical Steps for Fans
If you want to stay on top of the scores without having to search every five minutes, here is what you should actually do:
- Download the official Ohio State Buckeyes app. It's usually faster than the major sports networks for niche sports like wrestling or gymnastics.
- Check the "Value City Arena" schedule. Most big January games are happening there.
- Watch the Friday/Saturday hockey splits. Hockey almost always plays two-game series, so if they lose Friday, there's a 90% chance they'll be playing for redemption on Saturday.
The Buckeyes are in a transitional phase across almost every major sport. Whether it's basketball finding its rhythm or football rebuilding through the portal, the "score" is constantly changing. Stay tuned, because the road to March is only getting narrower from here.