On Monday, August 24, the DePaul Blue Demons journeyed to Columbus, Ohio, for a season‑opening clash against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The match marked the first meeting of the year between the two programs and carried added weight as DePaul looked to break a winless start to the 2026 schedule.
Early Dominance Turns to Pressure
DePaul struck first when Luca Iaccino opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, giving the visitors a slender lead. The Blue Demons continued to press, and their persistence paid off when Mason Kutch equalized in the 86th minute, salvaging a point with a calm finish after a defensive scramble.
Despite the late equalizer, DePaul could not hold onto the lead. A swift counter after halftime saw Ohio State take a 2‑1 advantage, and the Buckeyes extended their lead with a corner‑kick header at the 58th minute. The final score read 2‑1 in favor of Ohio State, leaving DePaul to regroup for the next fixture.
The game also served as a debut platform for seven newcomers to the program. Scott Godden and Ronan Selbo logged over 80 minutes each, while Hayden Vostal earned his second career start and made two saves from four shots on target. Their contributions signaled depth and potential for the squad moving forward.
Ohio State’s Tactical Edge
Ohio State outshot DePaul 19‑6 and controlled possession for large stretches, but it was a set‑piece that proved decisive. A well‑timed corner found the back of the net, underscoring the Buckeyes’ aerial threat. The victory also marked Ohio State’s first win of the season, having opened with a 1‑0 triumph over Virginia Tech.
Historically, the Buckeyes hold the edge, having won the last two encounters and three of the four meetings overall. This matchup represented DePaul’s first contest against a Big Ten opponent other than Northwestern since 2023, adding a fresh narrative to the rivalry. The Blue Demons will return home on August 27 to host Western Illinois, a game that will be offered free of charge to fans.
While the result left DePaul without a win, the late rally and the performances of both established and rookie players suggest a team gaining momentum. The upcoming home game provides an opportunity to translate the resilience shown on the road into a positive result before the season truly takes shape.