The Ohio State Buckeyes kicked off the 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, routing Ball State 56-3 at Ohio Stadium on Senior Day, a performance that underscores a resurgence under head coach Ryan Day.
Historic Milestones and Honors
Day’s 83rd career victory ties him for fourth place in school history with Urban Meyer, cementing his place among the program’s all-time win leaders, while the ceremony also enshrined former coach Jim Tressel into the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor, recognizing his contributions to the program.
The Buckeyes amassed 671 total yards, including 434 passing yards and five receiving touchdowns, with junior quarterback Julian Sayin delivering 320 yards through the air and wideouts Jeremiah Smith and Devin McCuin turning in standout receptions.
Defensively, Ohio State limited Ball State to just 165 yards of total offense, showcasing a balanced attack that held the opposition well below their season average.
The victory adds to a remarkable run of 27 consecutive season-opening wins dating back to 2016 and places the Buckeyes second nationally in total wins since the start of the 2023 season, a stretch that has yielded a 42.2 points-per-game average over the last 31 games.
Road to Texas
Looking ahead, the Buckeyes face No. 5 Texas on September 12, marking the third straight year the two programs meet, after securing victories in 2025 and 2024 with a 14-7 win in the most recent encounter.