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10h ago

Ohio State Drops to No. 2 After Big Ten Title Loss, Awaits Cotton Bowl Semifinal Opponent

Ryan Day endorsed the ranking change, prioritizing red-zone efficiency, pass protection, kicking reliability during the layoff.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on during warmups before the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrates after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Overview

  • Indiana beat Ohio State 13–10 in the Big Ten Championship, the Buckeyes’ first loss of the season after producing only 10 points on four red-zone trips.
  • Quarterback Julian Sayin went 21-for-29 for 258 yards with one touchdown and one interception while taking five sacks under persistent pressure.
  • Right tackle Tegra Tshabola was benched during the game, with protection improving after Gabe VanSickle entered, highlighting a key offensive line concern.
  • Kicker Jayden Fielding missed a 27-yard attempt late that would have tied the game, underscoring ongoing special-teams reliability issues.
  • The final CFP rankings moved Ohio State to the No. 2 seed with a first-round bye and a Dec. 31 Cotton Bowl semifinal against the Miami–Texas A&M winner, and sportsbooks still list the Buckeyes as title favorites at around +225.