The Buckeyes opened the 2026 campaign on September 5 at Ohio Stadium, delivering a 56-3 blowout of Ball State that set an early tone for the season.
Quarterback Julian Sayin commanded the offense, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns, including his first career rushing score, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Early in the contest, Heisman finalist Jeremiah Smith caught a 48-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 7-0 and highlighting his eight receptions for 151 yards.
Mid‑third‑quarter, freshman quarterback Luke Fahey entered the game, taking over from sophomore Tavien St. Clair and steering the offense as the Buckeyes continued to pile on points.
The ground game was anchored by sophomore Bo Jackson, who broke a 65‑yard touchdown run, and Ja’Kobi Jackson, who added a 49‑yard rush, together amassing 166 yards on 17 carries and two scores.
On defense, the Buckeyes limited Ball State quarterback Keldric Luster to under 100 passing yards on 33 attempts, underscoring a disciplined unit that forced the opposition into a quiet night.
Defensive Dominance
The defensive effort was pivotal, as Ball State’s offense struggled to find rhythm, culminating in a total of just 100 passing yards for Luster, while the Buckeyes’ front line pressured the quarterback throughout the night.
With a commanding win and a balanced attack, Ohio State enters the remainder of its schedule poised to contend for a conference title, while the emergence of young talent like Fahey hints at a promising future.