Game Preview: Ohio State vs Ohio
Through two weeks, Ohio State has already shown two very different versions of itself — the gritty, defensive-minded team that slugged out a 14-7 win over then-No. 1 Texas, and the explosive juggernaut that steamrolled Grambling State 70-0 in a historic shutout. Now, the Buckeyes sit at 2-0 and ranked No. 1 in both polls for the first time since 2015, but the challenge in Week 3 is all about balance: keeping the intensity of the Texas win while sustaining the explosiveness of the Grambling blowout.
Standing in their way is Ohio University, a proud in-state rival from the MAC. At 1-1, the Bobcats enter with quiet confidence, having narrowly lost to Rutgers in the opener (34-31) before bouncing back with a 14-7 win over West Virginia — their second Big 12 win in the past three seasons. Ohio has momentum, belief, and a dual-threat quarterback who can test Ohio State’s defensive discipline.
Ryan Day knows what’s at stake: “They’ve got to come in here with a lot of confidence. They’re going to take it one play at a time, try to get the game to the fourth quarter and go from there. But it’s an opportunity more than anything to build confidence for the rest of the season. They’re well-coached. They have a good team, so we know these guys are going to come in and play really hard.”
Saturday night in the Horseshoe will showcase more than just an in-state matchup — it’s a chance for Ohio State to continue fine-tuning its new identity while giving Ohio University a rare shot on college football’s biggest stage.
Know The Opponent:
Head Coach: Brian Smith (1st Season)
2025 Record: 1-1
Conference: MAC
Location: Athens, OH
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗹. 𝟬𝟯 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗢𝗛𝗜𝗢 🍿🔥🎥 pic.twitter.com/UI9Msfi5UQ
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 11, 2025
Ohio State Preview
Quarterback Julian Sayin is coming off one of the most efficient performances in school history. Against Grambling, he completed his first 16 passes — a new school record — and finished 18-of-19 for 306 yards and four touchdowns in one half. Through two games, Sayin has thrown for 432 yards on 79.5% passing with 5 TDs and just 1 INT. Ryan Day praised the young signal-caller: “I thought Julian really had some accurate throws, the ball came out on time and the spacing, timing and protection was good.”
His top target, freshman Jeremiah Smith, has lived up to the hype with 11 catches for 162 yards and 2 scores, including an 87-yard highlight reel against Grambling. Carnell Tate continues to emerge as a reliable big-play threat (118 yards, 2 TDs), while tight ends Will Kacmarek and Jelani Thurman have added a red-zone punch.
On the ground, the Buckeyes are spreading carries. CJ Donaldson leads with 112 yards and 2 TDs, while true freshman Bo Jackson exploded for 108 yards and a score last week. The run game hasn’t hit full stride yet, but with Ohio’s defensive front as the next test, Day could use this as a chance to see more of his depth.
Defensively, Matt Patricia’s unit has been suffocating, allowing only one touchdown all season. Linebacker Arvell Reese (13 tackles) and safety Caleb Downs (7 tackles, 1 INT) have been tone-setters, while the line continues to rotate and build depth. Patricia’s mantra — “stop the dang run” — will be tested this week against a mobile quarterback.
Ohio Preview
The Bobcats aren’t just here for a paycheck. Quarterback Parker Navarro has been everything for Ohio’s offense, throwing for 486 yards and 4 touchdowns while also leading the team with 180 rushing yards. He’s a legitimate dual-threat, averaging 6.7 yards per carry, and will look to extend plays and frustrate the Buckeye defense.
Running back Sieh Bangura (152 yards, 1 TD) is a steady chain-mover, and Navarro’s favorite target, wideout Chase Hendricks, has already caught 17 passes for 236 yards and a score. Tight end Jake Bruno has chipped in with two touchdown grabs, giving Navarro a reliable safety valve.
Defensively, Ohio proved its grit last week, holding West Virginia to just 2-of-13 on third downs and forcing eight punts. Linebacker Michael Molnar (14 tackles, 1.5 sacks) and safety DJ Walker (13 tackles) headline a unit that thrives on discipline and swarming to the football. If they can slow down Ohio State’s tempo early, they’ll give themselves a chance to hang around.
Coach Brian Smith knows what his team is facing: “Our kids are extremely competitive. They’re very confident. They obviously know this is a big challenge. We’re playing a really strong program that has earned the right to be one of the top programs in the country. And they’re excited for the challenge.”
Buckeye Spotlight
Julian Sayin. After a record-setting game, the young QB faces a different type of test — a veteran, experienced defense that has nothing to lose. His ability to stay sharp, push the ball downfield, and avoid costly turnovers will go a long way toward whether the Buckeyes can keep the momentum rolling.
Bobcat Spotlight
Parker Navarro. He’s not only Ohio’s quarterback but also their leading rusher, the engine of everything they do. If he can extend plays, pick up third downs with his legs, and find Hendricks on the edge, Ohio can at least stress Ohio State’s defense. Containing Navarro is priority number one for Patricia’s defense.
Water Cooler Stat of the Game
2010. Ohio State is 52-0-1 against in-state opponents since 1921, when they lost to Oberlin 7-6. The Buckeyes are officially 6-0 all-time against Ohio, with the 2010 win vacated by the NCAA. Of course, that 2010 meeting is remembered not for the score, but for Rufus the Bobcat tackling Brutus Buckeye in one of the strangest mascot moments in college football history.
Prediction
The Bobcats will not be intimidated. Quarterback Parker Navarro has been efficient (486 yards passing, 4 TDs, 3 INTs) and dangerous on the ground (180 yards rushing), and he’ll test Ohio State’s pass-rush lanes and linebacker discipline. Ohio’s defense, led by linebacker Michael Molnar and safety DJ Walker, is physical and disciplined, holding West Virginia to just 2-of-13 on third downs last week. If Ohio can shorten the game with clock control and limit big plays early, they’ll keep things interesting into the first half.
That said, Ohio State is simply built different. Julian Sayin has settled into the offense with an almost surgical efficiency — 79.5% completions, 432 yards, and 5 TDs in just six quarters of football. His chemistry with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate gives the Buckeyes the ability to strike from anywhere on the field. Add in a deep stable of backs — CJ Donaldson, Bo Jackson, and James Peoples — and the offense has multiple ways to attack. Defensively, Matt Patricia’s front seven has allowed just one touchdown all season, and the secondary, anchored by Caleb Downs, should feast on any forced throws from Navarro.
Expect Ohio to scratch out a few early first downs behind Navarro’s legs and Bangura’s power running, but the Buckeye defense will adjust quickly. Sayin and the offense will look to score fast and often, forcing the Bobcats out of their comfort zone. Once the tempo favors Ohio State, this game will tilt heavily toward the home team.
Ohio State’s talent, depth, and explosiveness are too overwhelming. This is less about whether the Buckeyes win and more about how clean and sharp they look doing it. For Day, it’s another opportunity to build confidence, rotate depth, and sharpen execution heading into Big Ten play.
Ohio State 52 – Ohio 10
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