Ohio State Football Faces Setback in Big Ten Championship but Eyes Playoff Run

7 December 2025 Football

Introduction: A Season-Defining Moment

Ohio State football’s remarkable undefeated season came to an unexpected halt on December 7, 2025, when Indiana pulled off an upset of Ohio State in the Big Ten title game for its first conference title since 1967. The Buckeyes fell to Indiana 13-10 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game, marking their first defeat after a perfect 12-0 regular season. Despite this setback, Ohio State remains firmly positioned as a College Football Playoff contender, with head coach Ryan Day emphasising the team has “a lot of football ahead of us.”

The Championship Game Battle

The Buckeyes had a chance to tie the game with just over two minutes left, but OSU kicker Jayden Fielding hooked a 27-yard field goal attempt and Indiana held on for a 13-10 win. Indiana’s defence exposed the dormant flaws in Ohio State’s offence, as red zone failures, offensive line breakdowns and bad play calls cost the Buckeyes. The championship game showcased both teams’ defensive prowess, with both Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State QB Julian Sayin struggling for much of the contest against the two top-tier defences.

Bright Spots Amid Disappointment

Despite the loss, Ohio State’s season featured remarkable individual achievements. Bo Jackson became the fifth Ohio State freshman with 1,000 single-season rushing yards, joining Robert Smith, Maurice Clarett, J.K. Dobbins and TreVeyon Henderson. Additionally, Jeremiah Smith became the second receiver in Ohio State history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The Buckeyes also dominated their rivalry game, with Ohio State defeating Michigan 27-9 in their regular season finale.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

The championship loss is unlikely to severely damage Ohio State’s playoff prospects. The Buckeyes won’t likely slip too far since it’s their first loss of the season. Ohio State’s defence remains the meanest in college football, giving up only 203 yards per game. Meanwhile, Ohio State signed 27 prospects in the 2026 class, headlined by five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr, ensuring the programme’s continued strength. As the College Football Playoff selection committee prepares its final rankings, the Buckeyes’ body of work throughout the season positions them as legitimate championship contenders despite this single defeat.