Basketball or football? If you're asking about the Buckeyes right now, you're likely chasing the fallout from a wild week in Seattle or still nursing a hangover from the Cotton Bowl heartbreaker.
Honestly, being an Ohio State fan in January is an emotional workout. Just when you think the football season is the only thing that defines the city of Columbus, the hoops team drags you into a Big Ten dogfight.
The Latest Score: Men’s Basketball Falls in Seattle
If you came here looking for what's the ohio state game score regarding the most recent action on the hardwood, the news isn't great for the Scarlet and Gray. On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the Ohio State men's basketball team took a tough 81-74 loss against Washington.
It was a late-night battle at Alaska Airlines Arena that felt like it was within reach until the very end. Bruce Thornton was basically a one-man wrecking crew, dropping 28 points and trying to carry the team on his back. Freshman Amare Bynum chipped in a career-high 20 points, showing why there's so much hype around his future, but the Huskies' Zoom Diallo was just too much to handle in the second half.
The Buckeyes actually led 38-36 at the half. Then, the wheels kinda wobbly-ed. Washington went on a 12-0 run that flipped the script, and despite a late push that got Ohio State within one point with seven minutes left, they couldn't close the gap.
The Football Fallout: Cotton Bowl Heartbreak
While basketball is in the thick of it, we can't ignore the elephant in the room: the football score that's still stinging. On December 31, 2025, No. 2 Ohio State fell to No. 10 Miami 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl.
This wasn't supposed to happen.
The Buckeyes entered the College Football Playoff as heavy favorites with a first-round bye, but the "U" brought a defensive front that looked like it was from the 1980s. Julian Sayin, the freshman phenom quarterback, threw for 287 yards but was hounded all night, suffering two critical interceptions.
Jeremiah Smith—who is basically a human highlight reel—caught a 14-yard touchdown on a gutsy fourth-down call to give fans hope late in the fourth quarter. It just wasn't enough. A late CharMar Brown touchdown for Miami sealed the deal, leaving Columbus in a state of "what if."
Current Standings and Context
To really understand what's the ohio state game score in the grander scheme of the 2025-26 season, you have to look at the records.
- Men's Basketball: 11-5 overall (3-3 in the Big Ten). They've got a week off to lick their wounds before hosting UCLA on January 17.
- Women's Basketball: These ladies are actually the bright spot right now. They just beat Maryland 89-76 on January 11, moving to 14-2. They're ranked No. 19 and playing like a top-10 team.
- Football: Finished the season 12-2. They won the Big Ten Championship over Indiana (13-10) but the CFP exit hurts.
The transfer portal is also a "score" of its own. Since the Cotton Bowl loss, we've seen nearly 20 players enter the portal, including some big names like Tegra Tshabola and Quincy Porter. It’s a total rebuild in some rooms, but Coach Ryan Day has already started swinging back, landing commitments from Alabama transfers James Smith and Qua Russaw.
Why the Score Isn't Just a Number
In Columbus, the score is a mood ring for the entire state. When the Buckeyes lose a conference road game in basketball, the "fire the coach" threads start on 11W. When the football team loses in the playoffs, it's a month-long mourning period.
But here's the nuance: the basketball team is actually out-rebounding opponents and showing grit. They out-rebounded Washington 39-29. The issue is defensive consistency and shooting percentages. If Thornton gets some help from the bench, this 11-5 record could easily be 14-2.
What to Watch Next
The "next" score you need to worry about is Saturday, January 17. The UCLA Bruins come to the Schottenstein Center. It's a 1:00 PM tip-off on CBS. This is a "must-win" if the Buckeyes want to stay in the upper half of the Big Ten standings and secure a decent seed for March.
If you are tracking the football team, the "score" is now in the recruiting rankings and the portal. Keep an eye on those defensive line additions; that's where the Miami game was lost, and that's where the 2026 season will be won.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your calendar: The next men's game is Jan 17 vs. UCLA (1 PM ET on CBS).
- Watch the Lady Buckeyes: They play next on Wednesday; they are currently the most dominant team on campus.
- Check the Portal: Follow the 247Sports Transfer Portal tracker daily this week, as Ohio State is expected to name a new starting-caliber offensive lineman soon.