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| QB Julian Sayin prepares to throw a pass during a game against Ball State on September 6, 2026. (Provided photo: Ohio State Football/Ohio State Athletic Communications) |
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The No. 1-ranked team in FBS College Football, Ohio State rolled over Ball State to open the 2026 football season 56-3.
It wasn't really a shock that the Buckeyes' offense began slowly, but they quickly figured out how to handle Ball State's defense, especially with the run game, using four running backs: Jackson, Bey, West, and Ja'Kobi Jackson, who totaled 237 net yards on the ground, with Bo Jackson nearly running for 90 yards on the day on just 9 carries.
"Coming into halftime, I don't think anyone would have said the run game looked great, but that's why you play a whole game of football," said Day.
Sayin threw for 325 total yards on 21 of 25 passes and 3 touchdowns. "I think we worked on a lot this offseason," said Sayin. "It was a fun game today; we did some fun things offensively."
But by the game's end, they totaled 671 yards of total offense.
Understanding the significance of the week two matchup against Texas, star receiver Jeremiah Smith played just the first half, catching touchdown passes of 43 yards and 3 yards, both thrown by Julian Sayin.
"We decided to hold him in the second half because he understands we have a monster game coming up," Day elaborated.
Backup quarterback Luke Fahey, a freshman, threw for 52 yards on 5 of 6 passes, one touchdown and one interception. Tavian St. Clair also got some snaps in a lopsided win for the Buckeyes, throwing for 52 yards on 5 of 6 passes and one touchdown.
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| Tarvos "TJ" Alford celebrates after his first-quarter interception in a game against Ball State on Sept 6 2026. (Provided photo: Ohio State Football/Ohio State Athletic Communications) |
Game Breakdown
First Quarter
Sayin connected with Smith for a 48-yard touchdown reception and also found Devin McCuin for a 17-yard receiving touchdown. Ball State struggled offensively, resulting in two punting situations and a thrown interception by Keldric Luster to linebacker Tarvos "TJ" Alford. Ohio 14, Ball State 0.
Second Quarter
Sayin would use his legs early in the quarter, scoring on a quarterback keeper and finding his #1 target, Jeremiah Smith, for his second and final touchdown of the day, recording 151 yards on 8 catches. Ball State managed 38 yards on 11 plays that resulted in a Brody Boeheim 54-yard field goal. Ohio State 28, Ball State 3.
Third Quarter
Ohio State's rushing attack really came alive; Bo Jackson would dash into the end zone with a 65-yard touchdown run, while his teammate Ja'Kobi Jackson added a 49-yard touchdown. Ball State couldn't score at all. Ohio State 42, Ball State 3.
Fourth Quarter
At this point, Ohio State let the young guys get some playing time. Freshman Legend Bey had a receiving touchdown from freshman Luke Fahey for 25 yards, and Bellafontaine's standout Tavien St. Clair found Chris Henry Jr. in the end zone for a 15-yard receiving touchdown on just eight plays for 58 yards. Final Score: Ohio State 56, Ball State 3.
The Buckeyes (1-0) are aiming for Texas (0-0), as they head out for an important week two game on the road. Ohio State won a close one last season, 14-7, as that was quarterback Arch Manning's freshman year. This will be the Longhorns' home opener, with the game scheduled for September 12, with a kickoff at 7:30. "We're fired up about it," said Sayin.
The game will be televised on ABC.
**Remote recap**
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