Ohio State Football: Three Things to Watch in the Buckeyes’ Matchup against Oregon

Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey (13) waits for the call on Ohio State's final drive of the game against USC. The Buckeyes fell 30-18 to the Trojans on Oct. 31, 2026. Credit: Liam Ahern | Managing Photo Editor
November 4, 2026

Ohio State must find a way to rebound and handle business this week against Oregon after a consequential loss to USC. Ohio State enters Saturday’s matchup with Oregon facing an important opportunity to respond after its 30-18 loss to USC. The Buckeyes must clean up costly penalties, continue developing Luke Fahey and establish consistency in the ground game against a talented Ducks team. With the postseason picture tightening, Ryan Day’s…

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Paul Finebaum Rips CFP Committee Over Ohio State Ranking; Buckeyes Have No Margin for Error

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) celebrates a first down run behind USC Trojans cornerback Jontez Williams (0) during the NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch
November 4, 2026

Paul Finebaum believes the College Football Playoff selection committee got it wrong about Ohio State. After Ohio State opened the initial CFP rankings at No. 12, the ESPN analyst questioned how the committee evaluated the Buckeyes, particularly the value of their road performance against Texas and their head-to-head victory over Indiana. “They went to Texas, Greeny, in the second week of the season. That’s what you’re supposed to do in…

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Ryan Day Faces a Trust Test as Ohio State’s Coaching Staff Comes Under Scrutiny

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches from the sideline during the NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch
November 4, 2026

Ryan Day faces a trust test at Ohio State as the Buckeyes evaluate their coaching staff, confront offensive struggles and look to restore confidence after their loss to USC. Ryan Day knows what Ohio State expects. He has spent 10 years in Columbus, understands the pressure that comes with the job, and knows what happens when the Buckeyes lose a game they are expected to win. Questioning whether Day understands…

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Christian Alliegro Calls Out Ohio State’s Lack of Effort After USC Loss, Demands Urgency

USC Trojans tight end Mark Bowman (19) leaps over Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (8) during the NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch
November 3, 2026

Christian Alliegro says Ohio State’s lack of effort against USC was its biggest disappointment as the Buckeyes confront accountability before Oregon. Ohio State’s 30-18 loss to USC exposed problems across the roster, but Christian Alliegro believes one issue stood above the missed assignments, explosive plays and breakdowns that cost the Buckeyes the game. Effort. The Ohio State linebacker did not soften his assessment Tuesday when asked about comments from captain…

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Buckeye Stock Market: Who Rose and Who Fell After Ohio State’s Loss to USC?

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) reacts during the NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch
November 3, 2026

Ohio State’s loss to USC exposed major concerns, but Luke Fahey, Bo Jackson and Connor Hawkins boosted their stock in Week 9. Ohio State’s 30-18 loss to USC exposed problems across the roster, and the Buckeyes have plenty to address heading into November. The Trojans struck on the second play from scrimmage with a 69-yard touchdown, putting Ryan Day’s team in an early hole it never recovered from. Despite finishing…

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Ohio State Football Faces a Crossroads: Ryan Day Must Decide What Comes Next

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 31: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes walks out of the tunnel before the game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) Getty Images
November 2, 2026

Ohio State football has four games left, and Ryan Day must address offensive line struggles, red-zone execution, and coaching accountability. The Buckeyes have four games to determine their postseason destination after falling to 6-4 in their last ten games. Ryan Day’s decisions now will determine whether Ohio State can correct its shortcomings and compete to achieve its goals. Ohio State is 6-2 following Saturday’s 30-18 loss to USC, and the…

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Ohio State Football: Undisciplined Mistakes and Puzzling Clock Management Plague Buckeyes in Loss to USC

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (2) tackles USC Trojans wide receiver Trent Mosley (4) during the NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network Via Reuters Co
November 2, 2026

After a puzzling 30-18 loss to the Trojans in LA, Ohio State is ranked outside the top ten for the first time in over five years. Coming off a bye week, the Buckeyes came out noticeably flat and undisciplined against USC. The Trojans struck on the second play with a screen pass to Trent Mosley that went 69 yards for a touchdown. Right away, the defense was not gap-sound, and…

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Ohio State’s Loss to USC Exposed the Flaws That Have Been There All Along

Ohio State vs. USC | Image Credit: Ohio State Football
November 1, 2026

Ohio State lost 30-18 to USC as penalties, turnovers, defensive breakdowns, and red zone failures exposed problems beyond Luke Fahey. LOS ANGELES — Ohio State needed to help its true freshman quarterback Luke Fahey in his first start. Instead, the Buckeyes made nearly every mistake possible, putting him in a difficult position. USC defeated Ohio State 30-18 on Halloween night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, handing the Buckeyes their…

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Ohio State vs. USC Recap: Buckeyes Fall Short, 30-18, as Self-Inflicted Wounds Plague OSU

Ohio State quarterback Luke Fahey warms up before an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in Los Angeles.AP Photo/Ryan Sun
October 31, 2026

Ohio State comes up short in Los Angeles as the USC Trojans capitalize on a slew of miscues by the Buckeyes. Ohio State won the toss and elected to defer. USC didn’t take long to seize momentum: on the second play of the game, Trent Mosley took a 69-yard screen pass for a touchdown. The Buckeyes would have to start from behind with a true freshman at quarterback. OSU set…

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Ohio State Football: Jeremiah Smith Breaks Big Ten Career Receiving Touchdowns Record Against USC

October 31, 2026

Jeremiah Smith makes Big Ten history against USC, breaking the career receiving touchdowns record as Ohio State’s star receiver continues his record-setting career. LOS ANGELES — Jeremiah Smith added another milestone to his Ohio State career Saturday night, becoming the Big Ten’s all-time leader in career receiving touchdowns with his 40th touchdown catch against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Smith entered the matchup tied with former Michigan wide…

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