Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s undefeated season is over, and the celebration Indiana unleashed inside Lucas Oil Stadium made sure the Buckeyes felt every bit of it. A 13-10 loss to No. 2 Indiana ended Ohio State’s Big Ten title hopes for a fifth straight year, snapping a 30-game winning streak over the Hoosiers and handing the Buckeyes their first defeat since Michigan edged them by the same score in 2024. From an Ohio State fan’s perspective, the frustration is as real as the opportunity still ahead: this team can still win back-to-back national championships.
The night began with promise. After Julian Sayin opened the game with an interception and the next drive fizzled into a punt, Ohio State’s defense delivered the spark the team needed. Lorenzo Styles Jr. tipped a screen pass, Davison Igbinosun picked it off, and the Buckeyes were suddenly set up at the 25. Sayin answered immediately, extending a play for more than five seconds before finding Carnell Tate wide open for a 9-yard touchdown that put Ohio State in control. When Sayin hit Jeremiah Smith deep for 54 yards early in the second quarter, leading to a Jayden Fielding field goal, the Buckeyes built a 10-3 lead and looked ready to separate.
Yet that would be the final time Ohio State put points on the board.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza — soon to be Heisman winner — orchestrated an 88-yard march midway through the third quarter, capping it with a 17-yard strike to Elijah Sarratt to steal the lead. It was the first time Ohio State trailed in the second half all season, and the offense couldn’t muster an answer. A fourth-and-1 quarterback sneak attempt at the 5-yard line was ruled short, and the Buckeyes left crucial points on the field. Later, with a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, Fielding pushed a 27-yard kick wide left, setting up Indiana’s aggressive downfield dagger: a 33-yard completion from Mendoza to Charlie Becker that slammed the door on the Buckeyes’ comeback hopes.
Despite the heartbreak, there were moments worth celebrating. Jeremiah Smith surpassed 1,000 yards for the second straight year, joining Marvin Harrison Jr. as the only Buckeye receivers to ever do so. Bo Jackson became just the fifth Ohio State freshman to rush for over 1,000 yards. And the 68,214 fans in attendance set a new Big Ten Championship Game record — a testament to the size and passion of Buckeye Nation.
Ryan Day didn’t hide from the disappointment. He spoke plainly about the offensive struggles, especially on third down and in the red zone, calling the result “a major lesson for this team.” But he made sure to highlight the bigger picture: Ohio State’s season is far from finished. With the Buckeyes expected to land no lower than the No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff, their championship dreams remain very much alive.
Indiana’s Curt Cignetti credited his players for their composure and big-play execution, noting that he was determined to coach aggressively rather than play not to lose. That mindset ultimately sealed the Hoosiers’ first Big Ten championship since 1967.
For Ohio State fans, the emotion is simple — frustration mixed with belief. Losing in Indianapolis stings. Ending a perfect season stings. Watching Indiana snap decades of futility stings. But the Buckeyes are still in position to chase the trophy that matters most. The playoff awaits, the goals remain intact, and the fight for another national championship begins anew on Sunday when the bracket is revealed.
