Ryan Day remains unbeaten against Iowa after Ohio State win

Jeremiah Smith (4) runs past Iowa defensive back Anthony Hawkins en route to one of his two touchdowns, and he scores, making him the all-time receiver with career receptions and receiving touchdowns. (Photo: Ohio State Football)

IOWA CITY, Iowa — In his first conference road game of the season, Ryan Day and Ohio State take care of business, defeating Iowa 31-14. 

Day has beaten Iowa every year since he has been head coach at Ohio State, and this is his third in a row, and he felt they played a complete game. "We wanted to play sixty minutes, and we accomplished that goal, and got the win," said Day. 

Jeremiah Smith Breaking Records 

Again, another Big Ten team's defense didn't have an answer for Jeremiah Smith as he finished the game with 206 yards receiving and two touchdowns on 11 receptions. In the third quarter, Smith caught a 57-yard deep shot from quarterback Julian Sayin for his second touchdown of the day, officially becoming the sole touchdown leader in Ohio State football history. 

THE TRIPLE CROWN 👑 ✅ https://t.co/aSuyjuDa7q

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 3, 2026

"I was surprised I had 200 yards; I didn't know I had that much," Smith said, laughing. "I was just focused on getting a win in a crazy environment today." 

That's how selfless he is; he never mentioned breaking the record in the press conference. 

Ohio State Running Back Rotation Stays Effective 

The group of running backs put up 160 yards and scored one touchdown on the ground. Three different players got carries - Ja'Kobi Jackson, Bo Jackson, and Isaiah West - but there was no sign of freshman star Legend Bay getting any playing time.

Offense Racking Up Numbers

Julian Sayin passed for 324 yards and three touchdowns; the team accounted for 25 first downs and 8 for 15 in third-down conversions. "Everyone kinda doing their job and clicking," said Sayin. 

Sayin has now had three games this season where he threw for 300 yards or more. 

Iowa's rushing attack was pretty weak, only getting 39 yards and scoring one touchdown against Ohio State's defense. They didn't throw any touchdown passes either, which made things even tougher. Their kicker ended up being super important since field goals made up six of their total 14 points in the game.

OTNO ➡️ https://t.co/0Tol058N4c

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 4, 2026

Next Up For Ohio State

The fifth-ranked Buckeyes, who have a record of 4-1 and are 2-0 in conference play, will play against Maryland at home on October 10. After that game, they'll face off against Indiana, which is currently ranked sixth in the nation.