As we continue on our way to another football Saturday, it seems that people have forgotten about the wave of conference realignment that just took place in front of our very own eyes. The PAC-12 saga was something to behold as we saw a conference die right in front of our own very eyes. We saw the Ohio State football program gain two incredible foes in Oregon and Washington.
In this destruction of the Conference of Champions, we also saw four universities join the Big 12. Those four schools are Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. While these schools will be joining the Big 12 conference in 2024, we should not forget that they also added schools for this season.
This season, you will notice that BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF are all playing under the Big 12 logo. This is because back in 2021, they were accepted and admitted to join the conference. So when the 2024 season comes along, you won’t see Texas and Oklahoma in the conference, instead, you will see a new Big 12.
This new Big 12 spans from Orlando, all the way to Provo, Utah. This leaves the question, How has the Ohio State football team faired all-time versus this new look Big 12? That is what we will be looking at today unless the Big 12 randomly decides to expand again, this is how Ohio State has done against the Big 12 of the future. So there will be no Oklahoma or Texas in this. Back in June, FanSided published an article on how Ohio State fared against their Big Ten foes. This will be a similar article. All stats will be provided by Winsipedia
Ohio State football versus Arizona
Last time played: 2000 Ohio State 27 Arizona 17
While the Wildcats are more known for their basketball program, they have had an up-and-down football program. However, it currently looks like it is on the upswing after some bad years.
I think Arizona will thrive in the new Big 12 and will be able to compete at a high level. I also would love to see Ohio State make a trip out to Arizona, or host the Wildcats in both football and basketball.
The Buckeyes lead this all-time series 3-1 with Ohio State winning in Tucson, 27-17. The Wildcats should make a trip back to Columbus for a long overdue return.
Ohio State football versus Arizona State
Last time played: 1997 Ohio State 20 Arizona State 17
These two played in the Rose Bowl in 1997. That game is considered to be one of the best Rose Bowls of all time. Jake Plummer brought the Sun Devils to a lead, but the Buckeyes led a last-minute drive for the win. The Sun Devils have also fallen victim to up and down seasons of football, just without the basketball success. It feels like a crime that these two have not faced one another since that legendary Rose Bowl.
I personally would love to see a matchup between these two. Seeing the Sun Devils make a trip up to Columbus would be a treat to watch. They also have an underrated fan base and are very passionate. With the Big 12 gaining the membership of Arizona State, maybe we will see these two face off once again.
Ohio State football versus Baylor
Last time played: 1982, Ohio State 21 Baylor 14
In Waco, Texas the Baylor Bears reside. Ohio State has only played Baylor twice, the most recent being in the early 1980’s. Before that 21-14 Buckeye victory, they faced in Columbus with the Buckeyes winning 34-28 in 1978.
With the success of Baylor in the past decade or so, it is somewhat surprising that these two have not faced one another. Baylor is more up and down than Ohio State. Baylor had found success before the Art Briles situation occurred. Matt Rhule and Dave Aranda have been able to keep Baylor good. Aranda guided the Bears to a Big 12 Title in 2021.
Hopefully, the Buckeyes will battle the Bears in a home-and-home series soon
Ohio State football versus BYU
Last time played: 1993, Ohio State 28 BYU 21
These two have played three times all time. Strangely enough, two out of three times they have played have been in San Diego, California. Ohio State leads the all-time series 3-0.
Ohio State won their first meeting in 1982, 47-17 in San Diego, then in 1985, Ohio State defeated BYU 10-7 in Orlando, and then in 1993, Ohio State won 28-21, in San Diego. Overall it is a shame that these two have not played much in their histories. The fact that they have not played in thirty years is surprising. However, with the Cougars joining the Big 12 this season, there is a good chance that the Buckeyes could see them in a bowl game or a potential home-and-home opponent.
Ohio State football versus Cincinnati
Last time played: 2019, Ohio State 42 Cincinnati 0
Feels weird seeing the Bearcats on this list, doesn’t it? Well, the Buckeyes and their in-state foe have faced each other 17 times, with Ohio State winning 15 of those contests. You may wondering “Oh when was the last time Cincinnati beat Ohio State?”
Well, dear reader, it was in 1897 when Cincinnati would beat the Buckeyes, 24-0. They actually beat them in back-to-back years with the Bearcats winning in 1896, 8-6. The most recent matchup saw a great Ohio State team shut out a very good Cincinnati team in 2019, 42-0.
While they aren’t far apart, it is honestly unclear if these two will play again. With Cincinnati joining the Big 12, and gaining that Power 5 conference notoriety, it is truly unknown when these two will play again. Who knows, maybe they will schedule a home and home. Perhaps they could see each other in a bowl game. Until then, this series will remain a mystery on the future of it.
Ohio State football versus Colorado
Last time played: 2011, Ohio State 37 Colorado 17
Ohio State and Colorado have faced 5 times, with Ohio State going 4-1 in those matchups. Ohio State won the last time they played one another in 2011, 37-17. They have not had a home-and-home series since 1985-1986, where Ohio State won both contests. Colorado won the first-ever meeting between these two in 1971, 20-14 in Columbus.
In July of 2023, Colorado announced they would be returning home and be in the Big 12. With a new-look football program led by Deion Sanders, it could be interesting to see if in the future if Coach Sanders sticks around in Boulder and if the Buckeyes would be interested in doing a home-and-home with the Buffalos.
Many Buckeye fans would love to go to Boulder to see the beautiful scenery they have. But most importantly to see some Buckeye football. Could Ohio State see these new-look Buffalos in a high-profile bowl game? Time will tell.
Ohio State football versus Houston
Last time played: 1994, Ohio State 52 Houston 0
Well, this history is not very in-depth like the others, as that 1994 matchup was the last time these two schools faced one another. Houston went 1-10 that year. With a new conference, and has been successful during the 2010’s perhaps we could see Ohio State face Houston again. Maybe a home and home? I am sure many of our Buckeye fans in Texas would like that idea!
Ohio State football versus Iowa State
Last time played: Never have faced one another
Well, if you thought the history with Houston was short, then look no further than the Buckeyes and Cyclones history, which has no matchups. Surprising isn’t it? Ohio State has conference foe Iowa and plays them every so often, so why have the Buckeyes not scheduled Iowa State? The Cyclones’ football history is not very storied, but they have been respectful under Matt Campbell.
It would be interesting to see how the Buckeyes held up in Ames, as that is considered to be a very tough environment in the Big 12.
Ohio State football versus Kansas
Last time played: Never have faced one another
Another school, another team Ohio State has never faced. This one I can somewhat understand. Kansas is considered to be one of the historically worst Power Five football programs in the country. However, with new life under them from Lance Leipold, there is hope that Ohio State could welcome the Jayhawks for a football game.
Ohio State football versus Kansas State
Last time played: 2004 Ohio State 35 Kansas State 28
Kansas State has proven that they are one of the best programs in the Big 12. They are consistently good, one of the most underrated programs in the country. Ohio State has only played them once, with Ohio State winning the Fiesta Bowl in 2004, 35-28.
It is a shame that they have only faced off one time, and I think many Buckeye fans respect the Wildcats. They won the Big 12 last season and played in the Sugar Bowl. While they may not be the flashiest program out there, they definitely are a well-respected one.
Ohio State football versus Oklahoma State
Last time played: 2004 Ohio State 33 Oklahoma State 7
How about we remember the Alamo for a second, or perhaps this matchup of the Alamo Bowl? Do not be confused by the year, as this was for the 2004-2005 season. The Cowboys were coached by one Les Miles.
This series definitely needs to happen. The battle of OSU’s. Ohio State would have a great crowd, and Oklahoma State always brings good home crowds to Stillwater. This is toward the top of my list for a home-and-home series, the battle of OSUs needs to happen.
Ohio State football versus TCU
Last time played: 2018 Ohio State 40 TCU 28
Now we return to the state of Texas with the Horned Frogs. TCU has proven that they are one of the best teams in this conference. They even made the national title game last season.
They were supposed to have a home and home back in the 2018-2019 season, however, it got moved to just being a one-time neutral site game. Many do not realize these two teams have played six times, with Ohio State leading the series, 5-1.
Before the 40-28 victory in 2018, it had been 45 years since these two had faced one another. The only time TCU won against Ohio State was in 1957 when Woody Hayes lost to TCU, 18-14. TCU that year was led by coach Othol “Abe” Martin
These two definitely need to have a home-and-home series to make up for that one that we missed out on. TCU usually has high-powered offenses, and would be fun to see how the Buckeyes would handle that style.
Ohio State football versus Texas Tech
Last time played: 2002 Ohio State 45 Texas Tech 21
It has been another long period of time since these two have faced off. Texas Tech’s program has not been the same as it once was under the late great Mike Leach. So it is not terribly surprising to see that these two have not faced since the early 2000’s. The Buckeyes lead the all-time series, 2-0.
While they have some current momentum under coach Joey McGuire it seems that this series won’t be continued unless the Red Raiders make a comeback, or back to high bowl prominence.
Ohio State football versus UCF
Last time played: 2012 Ohio State 31 UCF 16
One of the youngest programs in the country has joined the Big 12. UCF has a lot of momentum with head coach Gus Malzahn. They could be contenders in the new Big 12 as they are hot on the recruiting trail. Ohio State has just played the Knights once, but it would be interesting to see the Buckeyes make a trip down to Orlando.
Playing at UCF is quite the hornet’s nest to play in, as they have a very passionate fanbase. However, I would like to see it, because I know many Buckeyes who live in Florida would be in attendance.
Ohio State football versus Utah
Last time played: 2022 Ohio State 48 Utah 45
These two are more likely to see one another sooner rather than later with both programs toward the top of the college football world. They certainly put on an offensive show in the Rose Bowl back in the 2021-2022 season, which brought Jaxson Smith-Njigba to the front of the college football world as he had 347 yards receiving and three touchdowns.
Ohio State leads the all-time series 2-0. While there may be a future home-and-home series, and I think that would be tough to win at Utah for many schools, I think Ohio State would welcome that challenge. Utah’s Kyle Whittingham is one of the best coaches in the game. It would be a great battle to see once again
Ohio State football versus West Virginia
Last time played: 1998 Ohio State 34 West Virginia 17
We end the article off on a high note. We are letting the country roads take us home to a place that we belong in West Virginia.
Ohio State has played the Mountaineers 6 times, and Ohio State has won 5 times. Ohio State won in Morgantown in 1998.
It is a little surprising that they have not played in over 25 years. These two are not that far from one another. However, it seems that West Virginia’s football has fallen off a little bit since they were really good. It is a shame to see as they are a fun group to watch. Nevertheless, we shall wait to see if the Buckeyes will face the Mountaineers again soon.