Eric Boggs
After struggling offensively in its season-opening win over Texas, Ohio State left no doubts in its second game of the season, dismantling Grambling State 70-0 in front of 100,624 fans at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes scored touchdowns on nine of their eleven possessions, showing an explosive balance between the air and ground attacks while the defense completely suffocated Grambling’s offense, even outscoring them with a defensive touchdown of their own. It was a dominant display that showed exactly why Ohio State is once again a serious national title contender.
Julian Sayin delivered one of the most impressive quarterback performances in Ohio State history in just his second career start. The redshirt freshman completed 18 of 19 passes for 306 yards and four touchdowns — all in the first half — breaking the school record for most consecutive completions to start a game with 16. “Julian just came out locked in,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said after the game. “He had great command, made smart reads, and put the ball exactly where it needed to be. You could see his confidence growing with every drive.”
Sayin’s precision passing helped set the tone early, connecting with Will Kacmarek for a 47-yard touchdown on the opening drive, the tight end’s first score since transferring to Ohio State. Moments later, Sayin and sophomore superstar Jeremiah Smith connected on an 87-yard bomb — the second-longest pass play in school history — as Smith blew past the Grambling secondary and glided into the end zone untouched. “That’s just a play we’ve worked on a lot,” Sayin said. “Jeremiah’s speed and route-running make it easy for me. When he’s open, I just have to put the ball there.”
Smith finished with five receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns, quickly proving again why he’s one of the most dangerous wideouts in college football. Carnell Tate added another highlight-reel moment, hauling in a leaping 13-yard touchdown catch in the left corner of the end zone to make it 21-0 less than 11 minutes into the game. By halftime, Ohio State held a commanding 42-0 lead, and the outcome was never in question.
Ohio State’s young talent also shined, with three true freshmen scoring their first touchdowns as Buckeyes. Running back Bo Jackson found the end zone on his very first career rushing attempt, bursting through the line for an 11-yard score. Moments later, fellow freshman Isaiah West punched in a 12-yard touchdown on his second career carry. On the defensive side, linebacker Riley Pettijohn delivered the Buckeyes’ first defensive touchdown of the season, scooping up a forced fumble from Kayden McDonald and returning it 23 yards for the score on the opening play of the second half.
The second half also featured a special moment for backup quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who threw his first career touchdown pass — a 4-yard strike to Jelani Thurman — early in the fourth quarter. By the time the dust settled, nine different Buckeyes had scored touchdowns, showcasing Ohio State’s remarkable offensive depth.
While Sayin’s record-breaking day stole the spotlight, the Ohio State defense quietly turned in another dominant effort. After holding Texas to just seven points in the opener, the Buckeyes pitched their first shutout of the season, limiting Grambling State to just 128 total yards and forcing two turnovers. “We talk every day about playing with energy and discipline, and I thought we saw that today,” defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said. “We flew to the football, created pressure, and didn’t let them get comfortable.”
The win also marked Ohio State’s first-ever matchup with Grambling State and improved the Buckeyes to 5-0 all-time against FCS opponents. Former Ohio State head coach John Cooper served as the pregame Victory Bell ringer, giving the crowd an early jolt before the Buckeyes’ fireworks began.
