So, you’re looking for the score. Honestly, if you were hoping to see the Buckeyes playing today, January 18, 2026, I’ve got some tough news. They aren't on the field. The season is over for the Scarlet and Gray, and it didn't end with the confetti shower everyone in Columbus was planning for back in August.
The final score of the last Ohio State football game was Miami 24, Ohio State 14.
That happened back on New Year’s Eve in the Cotton Bowl. It was a College Football Playoff Quarterfinal that felt more like a defensive slog than a track meet. If you’re checking your phone today expecting a kickoff, you might be seeing scores for the Ohio State basketball team or even the gymnastics squad (they have a meet against Michigan today), but the football pads are tucked away in the lockers for the winter.
What's the score of the Ohio State football game: Breaking down the 24-14 loss
The game against Miami was... frustrating. That’s probably the kindest way to put it. Coming in as the No. 2 seed, Ryan Day’s squad had a first-round bye and all the momentum in the world after a dominant regular season where they went 12-0 before a hiccup in the Big Ten Championship.
But AT&T Stadium wasn't kind to them.
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The Buckeyes' offense, led by Julian Sayin, just couldn't find a rhythm against a Miami defense that played like they had thirteen guys on the field. Ohio State managed only 14 points. For a team that dropped 70 on Grambling State and 48 on UCLA earlier in the year, 14 points felt like a typo on the scoreboard.
The Quarter-by-Quarter collapse
It wasn't a blowout from the jump. Actually, it was a 7-7 game for a good chunk of the first half. Ohio State's defense, which has been the backbone of the program lately, kept them in it. But the second half was a different story.
- First Quarter: Defensive stalemate. Both teams feeling each other out.
- Second Quarter: Miami strikes first; Ohio State answers with a methodical drive. 7-7.
- Third Quarter: The wheels start wobbling. Miami hits a deep shot. OSU settles for punts.
- Fourth Quarter: A late Hurricanes touchdown puts it out of reach.
Basically, the Buckeyes couldn't convert on third down. They went 3-of-15. You aren't winning playoff games in 2026 with that kind of efficiency. It's just not happening.
Why the 2025-2026 season feels like a missed opportunity
Look, 12-2 is a record most programs would sell their soul for. Most fans would kill for a season where you beat Michigan 27-9 in Ann Arbor. That happened! The Buckeyes went into the Big House and absolutely stifled the Wolverines. It was beautiful.
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But at Ohio State, the standard is different. It’s "Natty or Bust."
Losing the Big Ten Championship to Indiana (13-10) was the first red flag. People thought it was a fluke. Then the Cotton Bowl happened, and suddenly the "Ryan Day can't win the big one" narrative started bubbling up again on social media and sports talk radio. It’s a bit harsh, considering they beat five Top 5 teams the previous year, but memories are short in college football.
Key Stats from the Season
- Final Record: 12-2
- The Game: Ohio State 27, Michigan 9
- Postseason: Lost Big Ten Title, Lost CFP Quarterfinal
- Top Performer: Jeremiah Smith continued to look like a literal Madden create-a-player.
What’s happening today?
If you see "Ohio State" trending today, it’s not because of a late-season bowl game. It’s January 18. The National Championship game is actually scheduled for tomorrow, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium. It’s No. 1 Indiana versus No. 10 Miami.
Yeah. Indiana.
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Seeing the Hoosiers in the title game while the Buckeyes watch from home is a bitter pill for folks in Central Ohio. There’s also the "Ohio State Open" happening today in gymnastics, and the men’s basketball team is gearing up for a big matchup against Minnesota in a couple of days.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season
The focus has already shifted to the transfer portal and spring ball. The 2026 schedule is already looking like another gauntlet.
Wait. Don't look for a score today. Look at the recruiting rankings. Ohio State is doing what they always do—reloading. The disappointment of the 24-14 loss to Miami is fueling the winter workouts.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the spring game rosters. That’s the next time you’ll see the Buckeyes in the Shoe. For now, the "score" is 0-0, and the countdown to August begins.
Next Steps for Buckeyes Fans:
- Check the Portal: Follow the 247Sports or On3 transfer trackers; the Buckeyes are expected to be active in the secondary this week.
- Support the Basketball Team: They play Minnesota on Tuesday; the Big Ten race is tightening up.
- Watch the Title Game: Tomorrow night (Jan 19) is Indiana vs. Miami. It’s worth watching just to see how the Hurricanes managed to shut down the Buckeyes' offense.