Photo credit: X/Bo Jackson
Ohio State opened its 2026 season in strong fashion today, beating Ball State 56-3 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
The top-ranked Buckeyes quickly settled into the game after a three-and-out on their opening possession. They reached the end zone on seven of their next nine drives and took control before halftime.
Quarterback Julian Sayin completed 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns. He left the game midway through the third quarter after helping Ohio State build a comfortable lead.
Jeremiah Smith provided the biggest highlight of the afternoon.
The standout receiver caught eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Both scores came in the first half. His first touchdown covered 48 yards and featured a one-handed catch in the end zone.
Smith added a 3-yard touchdown reception with 10 seconds left before halftime. The score gave Ohio State a 28-3 advantage heading into the break.
Buckeyes find their running game
Ohio State’s ground attack became more dangerous after halftime.
Bo Jackson broke free for a 65-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Ja’Kobi Jackson followed with a 49-yard scoring run as the Buckeyes continued to pull away. The running backs finished with 230 yards on 28 carries, an average of 8.2 yards per carry.
Devin McCuin also made an impact in the passing game. He caught six passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, giving Ohio State another productive option alongside Smith. Sayin also scored his first career rushing touchdown. He ran 3 yards up the middle on fourth and goal early in the second quarter to put Ohio State ahead 21-0.
Ohio State defense controls Ball State
The Buckeyes defense gave Ball State few chances to build momentum. The Cardinals finished with 165 total yards. Their only points came on Brody Boehm’s 54-yard field goal with 1:17 left in the second quarter.
Ball State quarterback Keldric Luster completed 18 of 33 passes for 89 yards in his first collegiate start. Ohio State kept the Cardinals out of the end zone and forced the game into a one-sided
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