The Ohio State football program does a good job of scheduling some tough non-conference games every year. Ryan Day sees value in playing some of the best programs across the country, even in the College Football Playoff era. He believes the games are good for college football, as well as his own team.
Since the decade started, the Buckeyes have played a premier team in the non-conference portion of their schedule every season except for one. With the decade half over, these are the three games that have been the toughest for the Buckeyes.
3. 2025 vs. Texas
Last year's season-opener against Texas was a tough challenge for the Ohio State Buckeyes. After winning a national championship, the Buckeyes were replacing a lot of talent offensively. It was Julian Sayin's first start at the quarterback spot. It certainly wasn't an offensive showcase.
The Buckeyes wound up winning 14-7 in large part thanks to the defense. It was the first sign that Matt Patricia was the right hire for Ohio State as a defensive coordinator. It was a precursor to things to come for the defense, which led pretty much every statistical category.
2. 2021 vs. Oregon
Ohio State was supposed to take on the Ducks in 2020 in Eugene. Then, COVID happened. That meant that the only meeting between these two as non-conference foes happened in 2021. It was C.J. Stroud's second start as a quarterback, and it ended up being his first loss.
The Ducks took down the Buckeyes 35-28 in the Shoe. It was disappointing for fans to see their team back at home for the first time since the pandemic and watch them lose. It was always going to be a tough game to win after Ohio State had played for a national title the year before. They lost too much talent on that team to win this game.
1. 2023 vs. Notre Dame
The Kyle McCord era was a wild ride. The Buckeyes turned the keys to the offense over to McCord after C.J. Stroud became the second overall pick in the NFL. McCord, a former five-star recruit, was expected to pick right up where Stroud left off.
This game against the Fighting Irish was his best moment as a Buckeye. He led Ohio State to a game-winning touchdown as time expired, as Ohio State won in South Bend 17-14. McCord was basically told to leave after the season ended after a poor performance against TTUN. He was by far the least talented QB that Day has coached.
Ohio State will continue to play tough non-conference opponents in the next few years.
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