If you’re waking up on Friday, January 16, 2026, and asking what was the ohio state football score today, the answer might be a little confusing because there actually wasn't a game on the schedule for this morning. In fact, if you follow the Buckeyes, you know the gridiron has been quiet for a couple of weeks now.
The reality is a bit of a gut punch for Columbus.
The Last Time They Suited Up
The most recent—and final—score for the Ohio State football team this season came on New Year’s Eve. It wasn't the celebration fans were looking for. Ohio State fell to the Miami Hurricanes 24-14 in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals at the Cotton Bowl.
It was a weird game. Honestly, it felt like the Buckeyes were stuck in second gear for most of the night. Julian Sayin, the young quarterback everyone has been pinning their hopes on, showed flashes of absolute brilliance, but he also faced a relentless Miami pass rush that sacked him five times.
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That 24-14 loss ended a season that, up until the Big Ten Championship, looked like a "team of destiny" run.
Why the Buckeyes Aren't Playing Today
Since it's mid-January, the College Football Playoff is currently in its final stages. While Ohio State is home in Columbus, the national championship is set for Monday, January 19, 2026. That game features No. 10 Miami—the team that knocked the Buckeyes out—taking on No. 1 Indiana.
It’s a bit surreal to see Indiana in the top spot while the Buckeyes are sidelined. The Hoosiers actually beat Ohio State twice this season: once in the Big Ten Championship (13-10) and once in the regular season. That 13-10 defensive struggle in Indianapolis was probably the moment the season shifted.
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Checking the Scoreboard: Other Buckeye Sports
While football is in the offseason "portal and recruiting" mode, other Ohio State teams have been busy today. If you saw a score scrolling on a ticker and got excited, it might have been one of these:
- Women's Basketball: The No. 14 Buckeyes are on a tear. They just dismantled Penn State 108-84. Jaloni Cambridge is looking like an absolute superstar, putting up 33 points in that win.
- Men's Volleyball: The No. 13 ranked squad just completed a sweep of George Mason.
- Men's Basketball: They are gearing up for a huge matchup against UCLA tomorrow, Saturday, January 17.
A Look Back at the 2025-26 Football Season
When we look at what was the ohio state football score today in the context of the whole year, the Buckeyes finished with a 12-3 record. That sounds great for most programs, but in Columbus, three losses (Indiana twice and Miami) feels like a tragedy.
The defense, led by guys like Davison Igbinosun, was statistically elite for 90% of the year. But the offense struggled to find a rhythm in the biggest moments. Bo Jackson (the freshman running back, not the legend) had a solid season, but the ground game disappeared against Miami, managed only 45 yards total.
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What Happens Next for Ohio State?
Since there is no game today, the focus has shifted entirely to the transfer portal and the NFL Draft. We’ve already seen some movement, like cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. entering the portal, which sent some shockwaves through the fan base.
Coach Ryan Day is facing the usual pressure. Going 12-3 and missing the semifinals isn't enough to satisfy the boosters, especially with Indiana dominating the conference.
Next Steps for Buckeye Fans:
- Watch the National Championship: On January 19, see if Miami can finish the job or if Indiana's historic run ends with a trophy.
- Monitor the Portal: Expect more movement in the coming weeks as the Buckeyes look to beef up the offensive line.
- Support the Basketball Teams: With football over, the Schottenstein Center is the place to be, especially with the women's team playing at an elite level.
The football score today is 0-0, but the work for the 2026 season opener against Texas is already beginning in the weight room.