Eric Boggs
Ohio State continued its commanding march through the 2025 season with a decisive 34-10 victory over Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium, marking the Buckeyes’ eighth straight win by at least three scores and improving their record to 9-0. After punting on their opening possession, the Buckeyes exploded for 24 points in the second quarter and coasted the rest of the way, maintaining full control on both sides of the ball.
Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith once again powered the Ohio State offense, further bolstering their Heisman campaigns. Sayin completed 27 of 33 passes for 303 yards and a touchdown, marking his sixth 300-yard performance in nine starts, while Smith caught a career-high 10 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown — his 25th career score. Smith became the fastest player in Ohio State history to reach 25 touchdown receptions, accomplishing the feat in just 25 games.
After an early penalty negated a 70-yard Bo Jackson touchdown run, Smith made up for it with a pair of spectacular grabs on Ohio State’s second drive, including a diving catch through contact and a contested 31-yard reception to the 1-yard line that set up a short CJ Donaldson touchdown run. Sayin later connected with Smith on a perfect 35-yard strike to extend the Buckeyes’ lead to 14-3.
Cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. added to the momentum with an interception — his second of the season — that set up another touchdown drive. Lincoln Kienholz briefly entered the game at quarterback and scored on a 3-yard keeper, while kicker Jayden Fielding drilled a 49-yard field goal, the longest of his career, just before halftime.
Defensively, the Buckeyes were once again suffocating. Purdue managed fewer than 100 yards both passing and rushing and didn’t find the end zone until the final two minutes. Defensive tackle Eddrick Houston made his first start since September, and Ian Moore earned his first career start at right tackle in place of Phillip Daniels, who was held out after being listed as questionable.
Following the game, Purdue head coach Barry Odom was quick to praise the Buckeyes’ all-around excellence. “Give a lot of credit to Ohio State and Coach Day,” Odom said. “They’ve got a terrific team. They’re built the right way in every area, every level. The defense — they’re talented, they’re well-coached, they don’t make mistakes. That shows up.”
Odom continued by commending Ohio State’s elite defense under Matt Patricia, calling it “suffocating” and noting that the Buckeyes “take the air out of anything when a possible play can be there.” He added, “They’ve got talent at every position offensively… there’ll be some people that get upset with this statement, but that’s what we’re chasing. Right now, in our league, they’re setting the standard.”
He also reflected on what makes Ohio State’s program so formidable. “From recruiting, from development, from calling the game… right now, they are setting the standard. I give them a lot of credit on how they’re built and then how their kids go play.”
For Odom’s Boilermakers, the loss marked their eighth straight defeat and extended their search for a first Big Ten win of the season. Purdue will travel to Washington next week before closing the year against rival Indiana in the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket.
Meanwhile, Ohio State turns its focus to UCLA, welcoming the Bruins to Ohio Stadium next Saturday night for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on NBC. As the Buckeyes continue to fine-tune their play across all phases, the nation’s No. 1 team shows no signs of slowing down — or of letting anyone in the Big Ten catch up.
