COLUMBUS, OH - In a commanding performance, the Ohio State Buckeyes triumphed over the Ball State Cardinals with a decisive score of 56-3 on September 5, 2026. The victory not only marked the beginning of the season on a high note for Ohio State but also highlighted the team's depth, as both starters and backups contributed significantly throughout the game.
The Buckeyes initially struggled on their first drive, punting after three plays, but quickly found their rhythm. Head coach Ryan Day's squad utilized this game to showcase key players such as quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, while also providing valuable playing time to backups in the second half. This strategy paid off, as Ohio State amassed an impressive total of 671 yards, including 434 yards through the air.
Ohio State's victory extended their remarkable streak of season-opening wins to 27, the longest active streak in the nation. Their last loss in a season opener dates back to 1999 against the Miami Hurricanes in the Kickoff Classic. This achievement ties the Buckeyes with Florida for the second-longest winning streak in Division I history, just two wins shy of tying Nebraska's record of 29 consecutive season-opening victories.
In terms of coaching milestones, Ryan Day's 83 wins at Ohio State now tie him with former coach Urban Meyer for fourth-most in the program's history. Notably, Day has achieved nine of those wins in season openers, boasting an average victory margin of 28.4 points in those games. His record against teams from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) remains unblemished at 7-0, with an average winning margin of 51.4 points.
Prior to the kickoff, Ohio State honored 31 members of its senior class in a new tradition, recognizing their contributions before the first game of the season. These seniors have collectively achieved 38 wins since the start of the 2023 season, as they aim to lead the team toward another College Football Playoff appearance and a potential national championship.
Another highlight of the day was the induction of former head coach Jim Tressel into Ohio State’s Ring of Honor, making him the third Buckeye coach to receive this honor. Tressel, who finished his coaching career with 94 wins at Ohio State, was celebrated in a ceremony following the first quarter.
Jeremiah Smith was a standout performer, catching eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He is now just seven touchdowns away from breaking Chris Olave's school record of 35 receiving touchdowns and is 189 yards shy of surpassing Michael Jenkins' career yardage mark of 2,898 yards. Smith's performance continues to solidify his place in Ohio State's record books, as he aims to break multiple records during his junior season.
In a unique statistical occurrence, both Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson each rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown against Ball State, showcasing the depth of Ohio State's running game. The team totaled 237 rushing yards, with the running backs aiming to impress former Buckeye Maurice Clarett, who participated in a pre-game tradition by ringing the Victory Bell.
Ohio State's defense also played a crucial role in the victory, limiting Ball State to just 165 total yards, with only 120 of those coming through the air. This marked the 13th time since the start of the 2025 season that the Buckeyes have held an opponent under 200 passing yards. T.J. Alford recorded the first turnover of the season for Ohio State with an interception in the third quarter, while Devin Sanchez contributed with two passes defensed.
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