Ohio State's 45-0 rout of Purdue showcased the Buckeyes’ dominance across the board, both offensively and defensively. Here are five key takeaways from the game, with particular attention to emerging stars, key defensive improvements, and under-the-radar performers who are propelling this team toward winning the Big Ten:
1. Jeremiah Smith is poised to become Ohio State’s greatest receiver
Jeremiah Smith continues to cement his status as a future Buckeye legend, breaking freshman receiving records once held by Cris Carter. In just nine games, Smith has surpassed Carter's marks for receptions, yards, and touchdowns, with 45 catches for 765 yards and nine touchdowns.
Smith's 17-yard TD against Purdue gave him sole possession of Ohio State's freshman touchdown record, adding another chapter to his remarkable season. His ability to read coverages, create separation, and consistently perform under pressure hints at a potentially historic career trajectory.
Smith’s dominance is not just about stats—it’s about the evolution of his game. With his mix of size, speed, and intelligence on the field, Smith could very well surpass not just freshman records but Ohio State’s all-time receiving records.
2. Jim Knowles has reinvented Ohio State’s defense since the Oregon game
Many fans questioned defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' scheme after Ohio State’s early season struggles, especially in losing to Oregon. However, the Buckeyes’ defense has been nearly impenetrable since that game. Over the last three games, Ohio State has allowed only one touchdown.
Purdue, Nebraska, and Penn State have struggled mightily against Knowles’ defensive adjustments, scoring just five times in ten red zone attempts. The 45-0 shutout of Purdue marks a continuation of Ohio State’s defensive resurgence, as the team held the Boilermakers to not scoring a single time in the red zone. Ohio State has held teams to scoring just 5 of 10 times in the past three games.
This defensive transformation is especially impressive, as depth players have stepped up to make impact plays, reflecting Knowles’ ability to make critical adjustments midseason. If the Buckeyes continue this defensive play, they could be even more dangerous heading into the postseason.
3. TreVeyon Henderson is the nation’s most under-appreciated star
While national media may not be singing his praises, TreVeyon Henderson’s versatility makes him one of the country’s most valuable running backs. His numbers—590 yards and five touchdowns on 78 carries—may not leap off the page, but his impact on games cannot be overstated.
Against Purdue, he added another 85 rushing yards and a touchdown, while also catching three passes for 43 yards. Henderson’s ability to be a consistent threat both as a runner and receiver, combined with his elite blocking, makes him indispensable to Ohio State’s offense.
Henderson’s reduced workload—10 or fewer carries in eight of Ohio State’s nine games—has less to do with his ability and more with Ohio State's deep roster of offensive weapons. His efficiency remains unmatched, and Buckeye fans, along with opposing defenses, recognize his game-changing potential every time he touches the ball.
4. Ohio State’s safety duo of Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom is the best in the country
The pairing of Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom in Ohio State’s secondary has emerged as the best safety duos in college football. While their individual stats may not grab headlines, their impact on the field is undeniable. Against Purdue, the duo played a strategic role, with Downs shifting into a box-safety role, while Ransom played as a deep safety. This adjustment paid off, as Ransom’s end zone interception and Downs’ five tackles, tied for second-most on the team, helped shut down Purdue’s offense.
Ransom’s ability to patrol deep zones while Downs excels as an in-the-box safety adds versatility to Ohio State’s defense. This complementary skill set has made them key to the Buckeyes’ defensive success and has given Jim Knowles the flexibility to adapt his schemes based on the opponent’s strengths.
5. Cody Simon is the key playmaker linebacker this team needed
Linebacker Cody Simon’s breakout over the past few games has been crucial to Ohio State’s defensive resurgence. After a slow start due to injury, Simon has been on fire, especially in the last few weeks. His three tackles for loss against Nebraska were a sign of things to come, and he followed that up with more strong performances against Penn State and Purdue. Simon's speed and instincts, especially on blitzes, have turned him into a disruptive force.
With two double-digit tackle games in the past four weeks (it would've been three if not for limited snaps against Purdue), Simon is playing some of his best football at a crucial point in the season. His rise adds aggression and versatility to an Ohio State linebacker corps that was a question at the beginning of the season but is now emerging as a key piece for a potential championship run.
Overall, Ohio State’s dismantling of Purdue highlights not just the individual brilliance of its stars but also the synergy between offense, defense, and coaching. With players like Jeremiah Smith rewriting record books and the defense hitting its stride under Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes are building momentum as they push toward a potential playoff berth.