Four offensive players shine for the Buckeyes as Ohio State exploded to beat Minnesota 42-3. Let’s highlight their performances.
In front of more than 105,000 fans, the Buckeye defense came out as advertised, completely shutting down the Minnesota offense. However, it was the offense that stole the show in the 42-3 win over the Gophers. The Buckeyes totaled 476 yards of offense, and even Lincoln Kienholz found the end zone.
These four players stood out on offense for the Buckeyes:
Carnell Tate
Carnell Tate likely had his best game as an Ohio State Buckeye, hauling in nine catches for 183 yards and a touchdown while averaging 20.3 yards per reception. Tate continues to get better and better each week.
As the season progresses, Tate may be looking at an All-Big Ten season. With defenses now paying more attention to him, other Buckeye playmakers are finding more opportunities around him.
Carnell Tate in the first half against Minnesota:
🔥7 catches
🔥163 yards
🔥1 TDDominant performance.
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) October 5, 2025
Max Klare
Buckeye Nation has been waiting for Max Klare to emerge, and he did just that. Klare became a reliable target for Julian Sayin, consistently picking up key first downs. He finished with five receptions for 63 yards.
The Purdue transfer is finding his rhythm, and his role is expanding as the season goes on. In an already deep tight end room, Klare will continue to emerge. Expect his receptions and touchdowns to rise as defenses key in on Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.
Jeremiah Smith
Jeremiah Smith continues to play like the All-American receiver he is. Smith found the end zone not once, but twice, finishing with seven catches for 67 yards.
Smith is well on his way toward a Biletnikoff Award campaign and possibly a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist. Now that defenses must also account for Klare and Tate, look for Smith’s production to climb even higher.
SUPER SAYIN 💫
Julian Sayin was BALLIN’ at the Horseshoe for the Bucks 🌰 pic.twitter.com/UuQQzKl2U3
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 5, 2025
Julian Sayin
Julian Sayin continues to display that California-cool confidence at quarterback. His deep ball was phenomenal, completing 23 of 27 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns. Sayin stood tall in the pocket and delivered strikes to his playmakers all night.
He’s currently on pace to break Will Howard’s single-season completion percentage record, completing 80.2% of his passes. Sayin is putting up video game like numbers right now and if this continues, he’ll have a seat in New York for the Heisman Trophy.
What’s Next
The Buckeyes hit the road again, this time traveling to Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini. This will be the first matchup between the two teams since 2017 and the first game in Champaign since 2015.
Will the Buckeyes retain the Illi-Buck Trophy? We’ll find out at noon on FOX this Saturday.
Co-Host of The Bunch of Nuts Podcast. Broadcaster for FCSN. I have worked multiple Big Noon Kickoff productions in the booth with Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt.