Ohio State Beats Indiana, But At What Cost?

In a challenging matchup, the Ohio State Buckeyes narrowly defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 19-15 in an NCAA football game held at Indiana’s Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026. This was the third consecutive top-five game between the two programs, with this being their first top-five encounter at Indiana. The game was far from pristine, as both teams committed numerous mistakes. While Ohio State managed to secure a narrow victory, the win raises several questions about their chances moving forward.

Head coach Ryan Day faced criticism for his team's inability to defeat top opponents and his struggles with the backup quarterback position. Following the game, Day announced that Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin would be sidelined for several weeks due to injury. Will Howard took over in his place, but struggled mightily, completing only two passes in the fourth quarter. The team will now need to assess the performance of Luke Fahey and potential alternatives like Tavien St. Clair.

In the special teams department, Ohio State had the upper hand, thanks to Connor Hawkins' successful field goals and Joe McGuire's effective punting. Indiana, on the other hand, missed both of its field goal attempts, which ultimately proved to be decisive in the outcome. Meanwhile, Ohio State's running back lineup faced criticism, with Bo Jackson and Isaiah West both contributing but not standing out. The offensive line's inability to create running lanes was another significant issue for the team.

Despite the defense's efforts to limit Indiana's scoring, the Buckeyes' secondary struggled, failing to record an interception despite a strong showing from players like Jay Timmons, Jaylen McClain, and Earl Little Jr. Devin Sanchez, Indiana's second-year corner, dominated Ohio State's defense, although this may raise concerns about the team's overall secondary performance.

As Ohio State prepares to face the last Big Ten Championship Game, several questions remain, especially regarding their offensive lineup. Jeremiah Smith may need to prove his quarterback-proof ability, as the team considers the impact of a potential quarterback change. The upcoming bye week will provide an opportunity for the team to regroup, but they still face a challenging matchup against USC at the Coliseum.

The Buckeyes' journey to the championship game is far from over, and the upcoming games will determine their fate.