No. 1 Ohio State Crushes Ball State 56-3 Behind 670-Plus Yards
Updated
Updated · WHIO · Sep 5
No. 1 Ohio State Crushes Ball State 56-3 Behind 670-Plus Yards
3 articles · Updated · WHIO · Sep 5
Summary
Ohio State opened its 2026 season with a 56-3 rout of Ball State at Ohio Stadium, piling up more than 670 yards of total offense.
Julian Sayin drove the blowout, throwing three first-half touchdown passes and running for another as the Buckeyes turned a first-series three-and-out into a 21-0 lead.
Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and two scores, including a touchdown that finished a 90-yard drive for a 28-3 halftime edge.
Bo Jackson broke the game open further with a 65-yard touchdown run in the second half, and Tavian St. Clair added his first collegiate touchdown pass late.
The top-ranked Buckeyes next face a far stiffer test on Sept. 12, when they travel to Austin to play Texas.