Eric Boggs
Ohio State continued its unbeaten march through the 2025 season with another complete performance, steamrolling Wisconsin 34-0 at Camp Randall. The Buckeyes’ victory marked their second shutout of the year and extended their winning streak to 11 games dating back to last season. Behind a career-best effort from quarterback Julian Sayin and a suffocating defensive performance, the Buckeyes once again looked every bit like the No. 1 team in the country.
From the opening drive, it was clear Ohio State came to make a statement. Redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin was sharp and in command, completing 36 of 42 passes for 393 yards and four touchdowns — the highest single-game passing total by a Buckeye since C.J. Stroud’s 573-yard performance in the 2022 Rose Bowl. Sayin’s precision and poise were on display early as he connected with Carnell Tate for two first-quarter touchdowns, helping the Buckeyes jump out to a 17-0 lead.
Tate was sensational, finishing with six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Jeremiah Smith added nine receptions for 97 yards, while Brandon Inniss caught a 13-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone on one of Sayin’s best throws of the night. The passing game was crisp, balanced, and efficient — proof that Ohio State’s offensive rhythm is hitting its stride as the season’s stretch run approaches.
While Sayin and the receivers lit up the scoreboard, the Silver Bullets were equally dominant. Matt Patricia’s defense suffocated Wisconsin from start to finish, allowing just 144 total yards and 49 through the air. Sonny Styles recorded his first career interception, Caleb Downs led the team with six tackles, and 10 Buckeyes tallied multiple tackles as Ohio State racked up three sacks and seven tackles for loss. The performance marked Ohio State’s first road shutout since its 56-0 win at Rutgers in 2017 and solidified its defense as one of the nation’s best, allowing only 5.8 points per game through seven contests.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell, facing his alma mater, could only tip his cap to the Buckeyes afterward. “I think that’s collectively as good a team as I’ve prepared for or played against in all phases,” Fickell admitted. “They play offensively, defensively, and in special teams at such a high level. That’s the No. 1 team in the country for a reason.”
The Badgers struggled to find any offensive rhythm, cycling through quarterbacks Hunter Simmons and Danny O’Neil amid lingering injury issues. Fickell’s team managed just 60 yards before its final possession and failed to reach scoring territory all game. “We knew we had to spread it out and find ways to move the ball,” Fickell said. “But when you’re facing that kind of defense, it’s tough to get much going.”
Ohio State’s victory was complete in every sense — physical domination at the line of scrimmage, a poised and confident quarterback performance, and a defense that continues to smother every opponent in its path. The Buckeyes converted 5 of 11 third downs, were perfect on fourth down, and outgained the Badgers 491-144. Even with a missed 38-yard field goal breaking a streak of 12 straight quarters with points, Ohio State never allowed Wisconsin to make the game competitive.
Now 7-0 and firmly in control of their playoff destiny, the Buckeyes will take their second bye week of the season before returning to Ohio Stadium on November 1 to host a James Franklinless Penn State team who is on a four game losing streak. After another positive performance, one thing is certain — this Ohio State team is built to finish what it started.
