The Ohio State Buckeyes football team represents The Ohio State University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, specifically within the Big Ten Conference. Their home games have been played at Ohio Stadium, situated in Columbus, Ohio, since 1922.
In 1901, John Sigrist, a center for Ohio State, died from injuries sustained during a game against Western Reserve University. This incident raised serious questions about the future of football at the university.
The football rivalry between Ohio State and Illinois began in 1902.
In 1912, Ohio State joined the Big Ten Conference, after previously being a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference.
In 1912, Ohio State's football program underwent several changes, including joining the Western Conference, establishing football as part of the Department of Athletics, and hiring Lynn W. St. John as athletic director.
Ohio State started playing in the Big Ten in 1913.
Since 1914, Ohio State players have achieved All-American status.
The Buckeyes, led by Chic Harley, won their first Big Ten Championship in 1916, finishing with a perfect 7-0 record.
Ohio State won their second consecutive Big Ten title in 1917, going 8-0-1.
Chic Harley left Ohio State in 1918 to serve as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Service during World War I.
Chic Harley returned to Ohio State in 1919, leading the team to a near-perfect season with only one loss to Illinois.
Due to the large crowds Chic Harley drew, Ohio Stadium opened in 1922, funded entirely by fan donations.
In 1922, the Ohio State Buckeyes football team began playing their home games at Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State had three consecutive losses at Ohio Stadium for the first time since 1922 including rematches against Stanford and Florida State, and for the second consecutive year against Wisconsin, but eventually finished the season on a winning streak.
In 1930, Wes Fesler (E) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
In 1933, Ohio State was selected as national champion by some selectors, but the university does not claim this title.
Ohio State hired Francis Schmidt as head coach in March 1934, marking a move toward "big-time" competition. Known for his offensive innovations, Schmidt was the first Buckeyes football coach to receive a multi-year contract.
The Buckeyes played their first game against Notre Dame in 1935, losing 18-13.
The Buckeyes won the Big Ten Championship in 1939 under coach Francis Schmidt.
On December 17, 1940, Francis Schmidt resigned as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
In 1941, Jack Graf (FB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
Bill Willis, the first African American star for the Buckeyes, played prominently during the 1942-1944 seasons.
Chuck Csuri (OT) was recognized for his football prowess at Ohio State.
Despite losing many players to military service in World War II, Ohio State won their first national championship in 1942.
Ohio State won a national championship in 1942.
Gordon Appleby (C) was recognized for his football prowess at Ohio State.
In 1944, Les Horvath (QB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
In 1944, Ohio State was selected as national champion by some selectors, but the university does not claim this title.
Paul Brown accepted a commission in the U.S. Navy in 1944, ending his coaching tenure at Ohio State.
Under coach Carroll Widdoes, Ohio State went undefeated in 1944, and Les Horvath won the Heisman Trophy.
In 1945, Ollie Cline (FB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
In 1947, under coach Wes Fesler, the Buckeyes finished last in the Big Ten for the only time in program history.
The Buckeyes improved their record to 6-3 in 1948.
Ohio State had a winning season in 1949, culminating in a come-from-behind victory against California in the Rose Bowl.
In 1950, Ohio State started strong but lost to Michigan in the "Snow Bowl." Wes Fesler resigned after the season, citing health and family concerns.
In 1950, Vic Janowicz (HB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
On February 18, 1951, Woody Hayes was appointed as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, beating out other candidates like Paul Brown.
Chic Harley was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as an inaugural member in 1951.
In 1987, Ohio State lost to Indiana for the first time since 1951 by a score of 31-10.
In 1952, the Buckeyes improved their record to 6-3 and secured their first victory over Michigan in eight years.
Following a loss to Michigan in 1953, critics called for Woody Hayes's replacement as head coach.
Despite low expectations, the Buckeyes, led by Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, achieved a perfect season and shared the national championship in 1954.
Ohio State won a national championship in 1954.
In 1955, Howard "Hopalong" Cassady (HB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
The Buckeyes won the Big Ten title, set an attendance record, and won in Ann Arbor for the first time in 18 years in 1955. Hopalong Cassady also won the Heisman Trophy.
Woody Hayes and the Ohio State football program were placed on probation in 1956 following an investigation into possible NCAA violations related to loans to players.
In 1957, Ohio State won the Big Ten championship, the Rose Bowl, and a share of the national title. Woody Hayes was named Coach of the Year.
Ohio State won a national championship in 1957.
The Buckeyes were named national champions in 1961, but a faculty vote declined a Rose Bowl invitation, sparking public debate.
Ohio State had a losing season in 1966, leading to speculation about Woody Hayes's future as coach.
Ohio State won a national championship in 1968.
The Buckeyes went undefeated in 1968, culminating in a Rose Bowl victory and a national championship.
In 1969, Ohio State was selected as national champion by some selectors, but the university does not claim this title.
Ohio State's winning streak ended with an upset loss to Michigan in 1969, marking the beginning of the "Ten Year War" rivalry with coach Bo Schembechler.
In 1970, Ohio State went undefeated in the regular season, won the Big Ten title, and was named national co-champion despite losing the Rose Bowl.
On November 20, 1971, Michigan defeated Ohio State 10-7 in Ann Arbor during the "Ten Year War" rivalry.
Archie Griffin began his college career in 1972, setting a new Buckeye rushing record in his second game.
In 1972, the Buckeyes went undefeated in the regular season, with their only blemish being a tie against Michigan. Despite an impressive Rose Bowl win, they finished second in the AP poll.
In 1973, Archie Griffin (RB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
In 1973, Ohio State was selected as national champion by some selectors, but the university does not claim this title.
In 1974, Archie Griffin (RB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year.
In 1974, Ohio State was selected as national champion by some selectors, but the university does not claim this title.
In 1974, despite Archie Griffin's Heisman Trophy win, Ohio State lost to Michigan State and in the Rose Bowl, missing out on a potential national championship.
In 1975, Cornelius Greene (QB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
In 1975, Ohio State lost the Rose Bowl again, despite Archie Griffin winning his second Heisman Trophy.
In 1975, Ohio State was selected as national champion by some selectors, but the university does not claim this title.
The Wolverines won the final three games of "The Ten Year War", which pitted some of OSU's and UM's strongest teams ever against one another between 1969 and 1975.
The No. 1-ranked Buckeyes lost to 11th-ranked UCLA in the 1976 Rose Bowl.
In 1979, Earle Bruce took over as head coach, inheriting a strong team. Despite losing 11 starters, the team exceeded expectations by ending a losing streak against Michigan and reaching the Rose Bowl. They narrowly missed a national championship, losing both games by a single point. Bruce was named Coach of the Year.
Of the five major awards established before 1980, Ohio State players have won the most with 25.
The 1980 season marked the beginning of a trend for Ohio State, finishing with a 9-3 record. This was the first of six consecutive seasons with the same record, culminating in bowl game appearances but no national championships.
In 1981, Art Schlichter (QB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
In 1982, Ohio State suffered a three-game losing streak at home, including losses to Stanford, Florida State, and Wisconsin. However, the team rebounded with seven straight wins, finishing with a victory over BYU in the Holiday Bowl.
Sophomore running back Keith Byars had a standout season in 1983, rushing for 1,199 yards. Ohio State also defeated Oklahoma in Norman but finished fourth in the conference due to three losses.
In 1984, Keith Byars (RB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
Ohio State staged a remarkable comeback in 1984, overcoming a 24-0 deficit against Illinois to win 45-38. They also defeated Michigan to win the Big Ten championship outright. Keith Byars led the nation in rushing and scoring.
In 1986, Ohio State started the season with two losses for the first time in over 90 years. They rebounded with nine consecutive wins but lost a close game to Michigan. After the season, Bruce was offered a coaching position at the University of Arizona but ultimately stayed at Ohio State.
John Cooper was hired as Ohio State's 21st head football coach before the end of 1987, while still coaching at Arizona State. His record at ASU and Tulsa, along with a Rose Bowl win over Michigan, were key factors in his hiring.
The 1987 season was tumultuous for Ohio State. All-American Cris Carter was dismissed from the team, they suffered a significant loss to Indiana (dubbed the "darkest day"), and lost three consecutive conference games. Amidst rumors and speculation, President Edward Jennings fired coach Earle Bruce, leading to controversy and the resignation of Athletic Director Rick Bay. The team rallied for a victory against Michigan but declined a Sun Bowl invitation.
The 1988 season saw Ohio State experience its first losing season in 22 years, finishing with a 4-6-1 record, including losses to Pitt and Illinois, and another close loss to Michigan.
In 1989, Ohio State had a mixed season, losing to highly regarded teams like USC and starting the Big Ten season with a loss to Illinois. However, they achieved a notable comeback victory against Minnesota, overcoming a 31-0 deficit to win 41-37.
Ohio State finished the 1990 season with a 7-4-1 record, including a disappointing loss to Air Force in the Liberty Bowl.
The 1991 season was notable for sophomore running back Robert Smith quitting the team. The team finished 8-4.
In 1992, with Kirk Herbstreit at quarterback and Robert Smith back on the team, Ohio State finished 8-3-1 and tied with Michigan, breaking their losing streak against them.
When Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993, they were designated as one of Ohio State's rivals, along with Michigan.
Ohio State entered the Michigan game undefeated in 1993 but lost to the Wolverines, mirroring similar outcomes in 1995 and 1996.
Amid rumors of his resignation or firing, coach John Cooper's position was confirmed for the 1993 season by University President Gordon Gee.
In 1995, Eddie George (TB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
In 1995, Eddie George won the Heisman Trophy and Ohio State defeated Notre Dame. However, despite being undefeated going into the game, they lost to Michigan, missing a chance at a national championship.
The last time Ohio State lost three consecutive games to Michigan before 2021-2023 was in 1995-1997.
Eddie George was voted the Big Ten-Jesse Owens Athlete of the Year in 1996.
In 1996, Orlando Pace (OT) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
Ohio State repeated its 1995 pattern in 1996, defeating Notre Dame and remaining undefeated until a loss against Michigan.
In 1998, Joe Germaine (QB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
The last time Ohio State had back-to-back losses to Michigan before 2021-2022 was in 1999-2000.
After a successful run in the 90s, the 2000 season saw Ohio State finish 8-4, but criticism towards Cooper intensified, focusing on various aspects of the program beyond game results. The Outback Bowl game was marred by negative publicity surrounding player behavior.
In 2000, Ohio State last lost to Michigan at home before the 2022 loss.
John Cooper was fired on January 3, 2001, after a loss in the Outback Bowl and growing criticism. Factors contributing to his dismissal included his record against Michigan, difficulty winning big games, lack of a national championship, perceived lack of discipline, and a poor bowl game record.
Despite low expectations, Ohio State won the National Championship in 2002. Their success was attributed to strong defense, ball control, and strategic field positioning, a style dubbed "Tresselball."
In 2002, the Ohio State-Illinois football series became the longest continuous series.
Ohio State won a national championship in 2002.
On November 22, 2006, ten Ohio State Buckeyes football players were recognized with All-Big Ten First Team honors, with seven players selected by both coaches and conference media. Troy Smith also received the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award.
Troy Smith won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player award, in 2006.
Through the 2006 season, Ohio State players have won more major awards than any other NCAA Division 1A program.
In 2006, Troy Smith (QB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
In 2006, Ohio State was selected as national champion by some selectors, but the university does not claim this title.
In 2007, Illinois handed Ohio State their only loss of the regular season.
On January 1, 2010, Ohio State Buckeyes ended a 3-game BCS losing streak by defeating the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl with a score of 26–17. Terrelle Pryor was named MVP, achieving 2 touchdown passes and a career-high 266 passing yards, surpassing the total yards of the entire Oregon team.
In December 2010, it was announced that five Ohio State Buckeyes football players were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season due to NCAA violations. The violations involved trading autographs for tattoos and selling items provided by the university, such as championship rings.
On December 22, 2010, the NCAA announced suspensions for five Ohio State players, including Terrelle Pryor, for improper benefits, such as exchanging autographs for tattoos and selling memorabilia. This decision affected the first five games of the 2011 season.
Ohio State's vacated wins from 2010 are not included in the Big Ten matchup results table.
On January 4, 2011, Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl with a score of 31–26. Despite the victory, the win was later vacated due to a scandal involving improper benefits received by players.
On March 8, 2011, Ohio State University suspended head coach Jim Tressel for two games and fined him $250,000 for failing to report knowledge of players receiving improper benefits. His suspension was later increased to five games by the university.
On May 30, 2011, Jim Tressel resigned from his position as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes amid allegations of NCAA violations involving his players receiving improper benefits.
On June 6, 2011, Sports Illustrated published a report alleging that at least 28 Ohio State players traded memorabilia for tattoos or other services between 2002 and 2010, implicating coach Jim Tressel in unethical conduct for not reporting these violations.
On July 8, 2011, Ohio State University vacated all victories from the 2010 football season as self-imposed punishment for NCAA violations. Jim Tressel's status was changed to 'Retired,' and Luke Fickell was named interim head coach for the 2011 season.
On November 28, 2011, former University of Florida head coach Urban Meyer accepted the position of head coach for the Buckeyes. He officially took over after the January 2012 Gator Bowl.
On December 20, 2011, Ohio State was sanctioned by the NCAA with a one-year bowl ban, loss of scholarships, and probation due to violations, including vacating all wins from the 2010 season.
The Big Ten adopted a divisional format in 2011, initially called Legends and Leaders.
In 2011, a study by Nate Silver of The New York Times indicated that Ohio State had the largest fan base in college football.
In 2012, Braxton Miller (QB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
On November 23, 2013, Ohio State Buckeyes clinched their second straight Leaders Division Championship by defeating Indiana 42–14, setting a record for consecutive wins at 23.
In 2013, Braxton Miller (QB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
2013 marked the final year of the Legends and Leaders divisions in the Big Ten.
On January 3, 2014, Ohio State Buckeyes were defeated by Clemson in the Orange Bowl with a score of 40–35, marking the end of their season and a loss in a major bowl game.
On November 22, 2014, Ohio State Buckeyes clinched the first-ever Big Ten East Division Championship by defeating Indiana 42–27, securing a place in the Big Ten Championship Game.
In 2014, the Big Ten realigned its divisions geographically into East and West.
Ohio State won a national championship in 2014.
On January 1, 2015, Ohio State defeated Alabama 42–35 in the Sugar Bowl, advancing to the National Championship Game. This victory was part of the College Football Playoff, leading to their championship win.
In 2015, Ezekiel Elliott (RB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
By 2017, Ohio State's football program was estimated to be worth \$1.5–\$2 billion, the highest in the nation. Also in 2017, Quinn Ewers became the NCAA's first NIL millionaire student-athlete.
Through 2017, numerous Ohio State players have been named All-Americans and received All-Big Ten honors.
On December 4, 2018, Ohio State announced Urban Meyer's retirement, effective after the 2019 Rose Bowl, with Ryan Day named as his successor.
In 2018, Urban Meyer served a three-game suspension for mishandling domestic violence allegations. Ryan Day filled in as interim coach during the suspension, leading the team to a 3-0 start. Upon Meyer's return, the Buckeyes secured four more wins before losing to Purdue. They finished the regular season strong, winning their last four games, including a victory over Michigan and securing the Big Ten East Division title. They won the Big Ten Championship against Northwestern and the Rose Bowl against Washington.
The table reflecting Big Ten matchup results was updated as of November 9, 2019.
In 2019, Chase Young (DE) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
In 2019, Day led the Buckeyes to an undefeated 13-0 regular season, including victories over Michigan and Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship. They reached the College Football Playoff but lost to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl.
In 2019, Ryan Day began his tenure as head coach.
Through the 2019 season, Ohio State leads the series against Illinois 68-30-4.
In 2020, Justin Fields (QB) was named the Big Ten Most Valuable Player.
In 2020, after the NCAA approved the use of jersey number 0, Ohio State established a new tradition of selecting a player each season to wear the number in honor of Bill Willis.
On January 1, 2021, Ohio State defeated Clemson in the Sugar Bowl, advancing to the CFP National Championship Game against Alabama, which they lost.
On September 11, 2021, Ryan Day experienced his first regular season loss as head coach against Oregon.
On November 27, 2021, Ohio State lost to Michigan, ending their winning streak against their rival.
On January 1, 2022, the Buckeyes won the Rose Bowl against Utah.
On November 26, 2022, Ohio State lost to Michigan in Columbus for the first time since 2000, marking their second consecutive loss to their rival. They then played in the national semifinal game against Georgia, where they lost after a missed field goal in the final seconds.
On November 25, 2023, Ohio State lost to Michigan for the third straight year, the first such streak since 1995-1997.
On December 29, 2023, Ohio State lost to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.
As of the 2023 season, Michigan leads the all-time series against Ohio State 61-51-6.
From 2011 to 2023, the Big Ten used a divisional format.
Ohio State's 2022 season ended with a narrow loss to Georgia in the national semifinal on New Year's Eve 2022, going into 2023.
As of the 2024 season, Ohio State leads the series against Penn State 25-14.
The Big Ten's divisional format ended in 2024.