The Ohio State Buckeyes football team represents Ohio State University, competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as part of the Big Ten Conference. Their home games are played at the iconic Ohio Stadium in Columbus, which has a capacity of 102,780 since 1922. The Buckeyes are one of the most successful programs in college football history, boasting numerous national championships, conference titles, and individual accolades.
In 1901, Ohio State center John Sigrist sustained a fatal injury during a game against Western Reserve University, leading to serious questions about the future of the football program. Head coach John Eckstorm subsequently resigned.
Results against Michigan between 1907 and 1916 are excluded from this table.
In 1912, Ohio State joined the Big Ten Conference after being a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC).
In 1916, Chic Harley and the Buckeyes won the first Big Ten championship in school history, finishing with a 7-0 record.
Results against Michigan between 1907 and 1916 are excluded from this table.
In 1917, the Buckeyes, led by Chic Harley, repeated as Big Ten champions, finishing with an 8-0-1 record.
In 1919, Chic Harley returned to OSU, and the Buckeyes lost only one game, against Illinois.
In 1922, Ohio Stadium opened, prompted by record crowds drawn by Chic Harley. The stadium was built entirely on fan donations.
In 1922, Ohio Stadium, with a capacity of 102,780, became the home field for the Ohio State Buckeyes, located on the university's campus in Columbus.
There were no specific details mentioned about events that occurred in 1922.
In 1933, Ohio State was selected as national champion by various NCAA-designated major selectors, but the university does not recognize this championship.
In March 1934, Ohio State hired Francis Schmidt as its football coach, marking a move to a more competitive level. Schmidt, known for his innovative "razzle-dazzle" offense, was the first Buckeye coach to receive a multi-year contract.
In 1935, the Ohio State football team played its first game against Notre Dame, losing 18-13.
In 1939, the Buckeyes, coached by Francis Schmidt, won the Big Ten championship.
Results against Chicago after 1939 are excluded from this table.
On December 17, 1940, Francis Schmidt resigned as the head coach of Ohio State football, due to fading popularity after initial success and a Big Ten championship in 1939.
Bill Willis became the first Buckeye African American star in 1942 and was prominent on the 1942-44 teams.
In 1942, Ohio State was recognized as a national champion by NCAA-designated consensus selectors.
In 1942, despite losing 22 veteran players to military service, Ohio State, with a team primarily composed of sophomores, achieved its first national championship.
In 1944, Ohio State was selected as national champion by various NCAA-designated major selectors, but the university does not recognize this championship.
In 1944, Ohio State's coach, Paul Brown, accepted a commission in the United States Navy, ending his coaching tenure before the season began.
In 1944, under the direction of Carroll Widdoes, Ohio State's team fielded 31 freshmen and completed an undefeated season, including a victory over Paul Brown's Great Lakes Navy team. Les Horvath won the Heisman Trophy.
In 1947, Wes Fesler became the head coach for Ohio State's football team, but the team finished last in the Big Ten conference.
In 1948, Ohio State improved greatly, winning 6 games and losing 3.
In 1949, led by sophomore Vic Janowicz, Ohio State had a successful season and received an invitation to the Rose Bowl, where they defeated California.
In 1950, despite rumors of resignation, Wes Fesler returned to coach the Buckeyes, leading them to six consecutive wins. However, the season faltered with a loss to Michigan in the 'Snow Bowl'. Shortly after, Fesler resigned, citing health and family concerns.
On February 18, 1951, Wayne Woodrow "Woody" Hayes was named the head coach of Ohio State, beating out Paul Brown, among others.
In 1951, Chic Harley was inducted as an inaugural member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
In 1952, the team improved to 6-3 and recorded their first victory over Michigan in eight years.
After a 1953 loss to Michigan, critics called for the replacement of head coach Woody Hayes.
In 1953, Public speculation that Hayes would be replaced as a coach grew.
Results against Michigan State before 1953 are excluded from this table.
In 1954, Ohio State was recognized as a national champion by NCAA-designated consensus selectors.
In 1955, Ohio State won the Big Ten, set an attendance record, won in Ann Arbor for the first time in 18 years, and Hopalong Cassady secured the Heisman Trophy.
In 1956, after an article in Sports Illustrated revealed small personal loans made by Hayes to financially needy players, the Big Ten and NCAA investigated. Ohio State was found guilty of violations and placed on a year's probation.
In 1957, Ohio State was recognized as a national champion by NCAA-designated consensus selectors.
In 1961, Ohio State went undefeated and was named national champions by the FWAA. However, the faculty council declined an invitation to the Rose Bowl.
In 1966, Ohio State had a losing season, fueling public speculation about replacing coach Woody Hayes.
In 1968, Ohio State defeated the number one-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, had an undefeated season, and won the national championship after a Rose Bowl victory over the USC Trojans.
The year 1968 was a key part of a time where the middle four years of the 10-year war saw the greatest success for Hayes against Michigan, although the teams fell short of repeating their 1968 national championship.
In 1969, Hayes set the tone in spring practice placing a rug at the entrance to the Buckeye dressing room emblazoned with the words: "1969 MICH 24 OSU 12 — 1970 MICH:__ OSU:__" as a constant reminder of their objective.
In 1969, Michigan, coached by Bo Schembechler, upset the Buckeyes 24-12, initiating 'The Ten Year War.'
In 1969, Ohio State was selected as national champion by various NCAA-designated major selectors, but the university does not recognize this championship.
In 1970, the Class of 1970 might have gone on to three consecutive national championships except for what may have been the most bitter loss in Buckeye history.
The year 1971 was less successful than the preceding seasons, but the middle four years of the 10-year war saw the greatest success for Hayes against Michigan, although the teams fell short of repeating their 1968 national championship.
In 1972, Archie Griffin began his college football career, setting a new Buckeye rushing record with 239 yards in his second game and leading the team in rushing for the season with 867 yards.
In 1973, Ohio State was selected as national champion by various NCAA-designated major selectors, but the university does not recognize this championship.
In 1974, Ohio State was selected as national champion by various NCAA-designated major selectors, but the university does not recognize this championship.
In 1974, the Ohio State Buckeyes seemed destined for a national championship, but their hopes were dashed by an unexpected loss to unranked Michigan State. Despite this setback, Archie Griffin won the Heisman Trophy that year, recognizing his outstanding performance.
In 1975, Ohio State was selected as national champion by various NCAA-designated major selectors, but the university does not recognize this championship.
In 1975, the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes suffered a significant defeat, losing 23–10 to 11th-ranked UCLA in the 1976 Rose Bowl, preventing them from securing a national championship.
In the 1976 Rose Bowl, which took place after the 1975 season, the top-ranked Buckeyes were defeated by UCLA 23-10.
In 1980, Ohio State began a trend of consistent but not championship-winning seasons, finishing with a 9-3 record. This marked the start of six consecutive years with the same record under Coach Bruce.
Of the five major awards created prior to 1980 (Heisman, Lombardi, Maxwell, Outland, and Walter Camp), Ohio State has received the most with 25.
In 1984, Ohio State, led by Keith Byars' five touchdowns and 274 rushing yards, completed a remarkable comeback against Illinois after falling behind 24-0. They also defeated Michigan to secure the Big Ten championship. Byars led the nation in rushing and scoring, finishing second in Heisman balloting.
In 1986, Earle Bruce received a 3-year contract, marking a modern program first, but the team started with two losses, a situation not seen in over 90 years. After winning nine games consecutively, they lost a close game to Michigan.
In 1987, a turbulent season saw All-American Cris Carter dismissed, a loss to Indiana after a long winning streak, and the firing of Coach Earle Bruce. Despite the turmoil, the team achieved an emotional victory over Michigan, wearing headbands in support of Bruce, and then declined a Sun Bowl invitation.
In 1990, Ohio State concluded the season with a 7-4-1 record, which included a loss to Air Force in the Liberty Bowl.
The 1991 season was notable as the year that sophomore running back Robert Smith quit the team. The team finished with an 8-4 record.
In 1992, led by senior quarterback Kirk Herbstreit and with Robert Smith back on the team, Ohio State had an 8-3-1 season and broke their losing streak against Michigan with a 13-13 tie.
Results against Penn State before 1993 are excluded from this table.
The 2000 season was more successful with an 8-4 record, but criticism of Cooper intensified, focusing on various program aspects beyond specific game records. Negative publicity peaked before the Outback Bowl due to player misconduct and internal conflicts.
On January 3, 2001, John Cooper was fired as head coach of Ohio State. Factors contributing to his dismissal included a loss in the Outback Bowl, negative publicity, record against Michigan, inability to win big games, lack of a national championship, and perceived lack of team discipline.
In 2002, Ohio State surprised many by winning the National Championship, employing a style of play known as "Tresselball", characterized by strong defense and ball control.
In 2002, the series versus Illinois became the longest continuous series as the schools played in their 89th consecutive year.
In a story on June 6, 2011, a Sports Illustrated story reported that at least 28 players, including Rob Rose, T. J. Downing, Louis Irizarry, Chris Vance, C. J. Barnett, Dorien Bell, Jamaal Berry, Bo DeLande, Zach Domicone, Storm Klein, Etienne Sabino, John Simon, Nathan Williams, Jermale Hines, Devon Torrence, Donald Washington, Thaddeus Gibson, Jermil Martin, Lamaar Thomas, and Doug Worthington traded team memorabilia or used equipment for tattoos or other merchandise or services between 2002 and 2010.
In 2006, Ohio State was selected as national champion by various NCAA-designated major selectors, but the university does not recognize this championship.
The 2006 regular season ended with just one loss and an appearance in the national championship game, which the Buckeyes lost.
Through the 2006 season, Ohio State players have won more trophies than any other NCAA Division 1A program.
In 2007, Ohio State suffered their only regular season defeat by the Illini.
The 2007 regular season ended with just one loss and a consecutive appearance in the national championship game, which the Buckeyes lost.
On January 1, 2010, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Oregon Ducks in The Rose Bowl Game by a score of 26–17, ending a 3-game BCS losing streak for Ohio State. Terrelle Pryor was named MVP.
In December 2010, it was announced that five student-athletes on the football team would be suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season due to NCAA violations involving receiving tattoos for autographs and selling items given to them by the university, such as Big Ten championship rings.
On December 22, 2010, the NCAA announced suspensions for five Ohio State players for receiving improper benefits, including trading autographs for tattoos and selling university-provided memorabilia. The scandal originated at Fine Line Tattoos and Piercings.
During the 2010 season, Ohio State had all of its wins vacated, along with the 2010 Big Ten Conference championship and the 2011 Sugar Bowl win, as part of NCAA sanctions. The school's share of the Sugar Bowl proceeds was also forfeited.
In a story on June 6, 2011, a Sports Illustrated story reported that at least 28 players, including Rob Rose, T. J. Downing, Louis Irizarry, Chris Vance, C. J. Barnett, Dorien Bell, Jamaal Berry, Bo DeLande, Zach Domicone, Storm Klein, Etienne Sabino, John Simon, Nathan Williams, Jermale Hines, Devon Torrence, Donald Washington, Thaddeus Gibson, Jermil Martin, Lamaar Thomas, and Doug Worthington traded team memorabilia or used equipment for tattoos or other merchandise or services between 2002 and 2010.
On January 4, 2011, the Buckeyes defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl. However, this win, along with every other one from the 2010 season, was later vacated due to the tattoo scandal.
On March 8, 2011, OSU suspended head coach Jim Tressel for the first 2 games of the 2011 season and fined him $250,000 for not informing the university and the NCAA about his knowledge of players receiving improper benefits. His suspension was later increased to 5 games.
On May 30, 2011, Jim Tressel resigned from his position as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes amid the ongoing NCAA investigation and related controversies.
On June 6, 2011, a Sports Illustrated story reported that at least 28 players had traded team memorabilia or used equipment for tattoos or other merchandise/services between 2002 and 2010, further detailing the scope of the scandal and Tressel's alleged violations of NCAA bylaws.
On July 8, 2011, Ohio State University decided to vacate all victories from the 2010 football season as self-imposed punishment for major NCAA violations.
On November 28, 2011, Urban Meyer accepted the position of Buckeyes head coach after being a college football analyst for ESPN.
On December 20, 2011, Ohio State received NCAA sanctions including a one-year bowl ban, the loss of three scholarships each year for three years, and three years' probation to end on December 19, 2014.
In 2011, the Big Ten Conference established divisions known as Legends and Leaders to determine the conference championship participants.
In December 2010, it was announced that five student-athletes on the football team would be suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season due to NCAA violations. The punishments stemmed from an incident when some of the Buckeye players received tattoos for their autographs, according to news reports. Other violations committed by the players included the selling of several items given to them by the university, such as Big Ten championship rings.
Results against Nebraska before 2011 are excluded from this table.
In January 2012, Urban Meyer officially assumed head coaching responsibilities following the Buckeyes' Gator Bowl appearance.
On November 23, 2013, the Buckeyes clinched their second straight Leaders Division Championship after defeating Indiana, setting a team record for all-time consecutive wins with 23.
From 2011 to 2013, Big Ten conference used Legends and Leaders divisions format.
On January 3, 2014, the Buckeyes were defeated by Clemson in the Orange Bowl with a score of 40-35.
On November 22, 2014, the Buckeyes clinched the first-ever Big Ten East Division Championship by defeating Indiana, earning a berth in the 2014 Big Ten Championship Game.
On December 19, 2014, Ohio State concluded its three-year probation period imposed by the NCAA.
In 2014, Ohio State was recognized as a national champion by NCAA-designated consensus selectors.
In 2014, the Big Ten divisions were realigned geographically into East and West divisions.
On January 1, 2015, OSU defeated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl to qualify for the National Championship Game.
The 2015 season for the Buckeyes began with a 10-0 start before losing on a last-second field goal to Michigan State on November 21, ending the Buckeyes' quest to repeat as National Champions.
The 2016 season saw the Buckeyes finish 11-1, not play in the Big Ten Championship, but controversially receive a spot in the College Football Playoff, ultimately losing in the Fiesta Bowl to Clemson.
In the 2017 season, the Buckeyes ended with a 12-2 record, winning the Big Ten Championship against Wisconsin and the Cotton Bowl against USC.
On December 4, 2018, the university announced that Meyer would retire after the 2019 Rose Bowl and be replaced by Ryan Day.
In 2018, Urban Meyer was suspended for the first three games, with Ryan Day as interim coach. The team won the Big Ten Championship and the Rose Bowl.
In 2019, Ryan Day's first year, the Buckeyes went 13-0 before losing to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl.
On January 1, 2021, the Buckeyes defeated Clemson in the Sugar Bowl to advance to the CFP National Championship Game.
On September 11, 2021, Ryan Day suffered his first regular season loss as head coach when the Oregon Ducks defeated the Buckeyes.
On January 1, 2022, the Buckeyes won the Rose Bowl against Utah.
On December 29, 2023, the Buckeyes lost to the Missouri Tigers in the Cotton Bowl.
The 2022 season concluded on New Year's Day, 2023, with a loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the national semifinal game, after a missed field goal attempt.
The 2023 season was the last year for Big Ten divisions to determine who would play for the conference championship.
As of December 2024, Ohio State indicated that it will not count CFP First Round games as bowl appearances.
The roster was last updated on December 19, 2024.
In 2024, Ohio State was recognized as a national champion by NCAA-designated consensus selectors.
In 2024, Ohio State won the CFP National Championship and the ninth recognized championship in school history.
This table reflects the results of Big Ten matchups when both OSU and its opponent were members of the conference through the 2024 season.
Through the 2024 season, Ohio State leads the series against Penn State 25-14.
On January 10, 2025, Ohio State beat Texas in the Cotton Bowl, a CFP semifinal.
On January 20, 2025, Ohio State won the 2024 CFP National Championship Game against Notre Dame.
As of 2025, the Ohio State football program was valued between $2 and $2.5 billion, marking it as the highest valuation of any college football program in the United States.
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