Ohio State football vs Rutgers highlights, Buckeyes bully Rutgers 42-9

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Ohio State football vs Rutgers highlights, Buckeyes bully Rutgers 42-9

Lori Schmidt, Columbus Dispatch · The Columbus Dispatch

Sat, Nov 22, 2025 ·

14 min read

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Ohio State football took care of business against Rutgers , winning 42-9 with a dominant defensive performance and four straight touchdown possessions in the second half.

Without star wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate , quarterback Julian Sayin completed 68% of his passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns. The Ohio State run game worked efficiently against the Scarlet Knights , averaging 6.7 yards per carry and snagging four rushing touchdowns for a second straight week.

Defensively, Ohio State held Rutgers to 147 yards of offense and had multiple highlight plays, including a Caden Curry strip sack in the third quarter that led to an Ohio State touchdown score.

Read below to see highlights from the Ohio State win.

Big Ten scoreboard

Peoples waltzes into the end zone | Ohio State 42, Rutgers 9

After his best game of the season against UCLA , James Peoples joins the scoring party with a 49-yard touchdown run.

Rutgers has more yards on that drive than... | Ohio State 35, Rutgers 9

Through three quarters, Rutgers had 70 yards of offense. On that drive, which ended with an Antwan Raymond 1-yard run, they had 71 yards. An attempted 2-point conversion after the TD failed.

CJ Donaldson extends OSU lead | Ohio State 35, Rutgers 3

11:39 left in fourth quarter:It took some time to review what was really a straightforward touchdown, in more ways than one. CJ Donaldson bulled straight ahead for 5-yard touchdown. It was fairly clear it crossed the goal line, but referees needed video to certify that.

Ohio State-Rutgers third quarter score, stats:

STAT	RUTGERS	OHIO STATE
Score	3	28
Total Yds	70	304
Rush Att-Avg	24 - 0.8	29 - 5.1
Rush Yds	18	147
Pass (C-A-T-I)	7-17-0-0	13-20-2-0
Pass Yds	52	157
Penalties	4-37	3-30
1sts (Rsh-Pss)	7 (4-1)	21 (9-9)
3rd Downs	4-12 (33%)	3-6 (50%)
4th Downs	0-1	0-0
Total Plays	41	49
Avg Yds/Play	1.7	6.2
Time of Poss	19:06	25:54
Field Goals	1-1	0-0
Turnovers	1	1
Fumbles-Lost	1-1	3-1
Punts-Avg	5-47.4	2-43.0
Sacks	0	4

Ohio State football announces today's attendance

There are 100,023 fans at Ohio Stadium today.

Bo Jackson scores second TD | Ohio State 28, Rutgers 3

2:30 left in third quarter:Julian Sayin tossed the ball to Bo Jackson, who used his speed to break out left. Jackson got a few blocks, powered through a few defenders and extended the OSU lead with a 10-yard score.

Max Klare continues to come up big for Buckeyes | Ohio State 21, Rutgers 3

7:00 left in third quarter:Backed up by a penalty, Ohio State's Julian Sayin was still able to get OSU a touchdown, an 11-yarder to Max Klare.

Caden Curry forces fumble, Ohio State gets ball

Ohio State's Caden Curry strip-sacked Athan Kaliakmanis , and then Curry grabbed the ball, giving OSU possession on the doorstep of the end zone at the 1-yard line.

David Adolph having career day for Ohio State

OK, it sounds modest: two catches for 23 yards on three targets, but Adolph is a great story. The Dublin (Jerome High School) native was honored before the game during senior day festivities; then with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate hurt, Adolph got his first start.

Adolph walked on to the team in June of 2022. He is an OSU Scholar-Athlete and was Academic All-Big Ten in 2023, who is majoring in business.

What to watch in the second half?

Can Bo Jackson get going again? The freshman running back has 62 yards, but 51 of those came on OSU's opening drive.
Does Ohio State get out of today's game healthy? There was already a scare with nickel back Lorenzo Styles. The Buckeyes desperately want to head into next week's rivalry matchup with Michigan as close to full capacity as possible.
Will Ohio State's defense finally force a turnover? The Buckeyes came close to stealing the ball in the first half. Can they get it done in the second?

Julian Sayin's, Bo Jackson's halftime stats

Quarterback Julian Sayin is 9 of 12 for 95 yards and a touchdown, and running back Bo Jackson has 62 yards on 11 carries and a score.

Ohio State-Rutgers halftime score, stats:

STAT	RUTGERS	OHIO STATE
Score	3	14
Total Yds	76	175
Rush Att-Avg	17 - 1.9	17 - 4.7
Rush Yds	33	80
Pass (C-A-T-I)	6-13-0-0	9-12-1-0
Pass Yds	43	95
Penalties	3-22	2-20
1sts (Rsh-Pss)	6 (3-1)	13 (5-6)
3rd Downs	3-9 (33%)	2-4 (50%)
4th Downs	0-1	0-0
Total Plays	30	29
Avg Yds/Play	2.5	6
Time of Poss	13:46	16:14
Field Goals	1-1	0-0
Turnovers	0	1
Fumbles-Lost	0-0	1-1
Punts-Avg	3-47.0	1-44.0
Sacks	0	2

Davison Igbinosun interception erased by penalty

Eddrick Houston was flagged for hands to the face, which wiped out a Davison Igbinosun pick. OSU has been flagged twice today for 15 yards.

Julian Sayin connects with Brandon Inniss | Ohio State 14, Rutgers 3

2:27 left in second quarter:Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin floated a beautiful pass to Brandon Inniss, who made an equally beautiful reception in the back right corner of the end zone. It was a 7-yard score.

Rutgers roughs the passer, Lincoln Kienholz

After using him as a red zone quarterback a couple of weeks ago and then extensively last week when OSU was up big against UCLA, Ohio State brought Lincoln Kienholz again today. He was roughed on the play.

Lorenzo Styles exits the medical tent

Ohio State's Lorenzo Styles has his helmet and 97.1 FM reports that his return has not been ruled out. However, they may play things cautiously, given OSU is a heavy favorite today.

Scarlet Knights get on the board | Ohio State 7, Rutgers 3

11:50 left in 2nd quarter:Styles' stop (see below) ended up being a big play. Rutgers failed to gain a first down and was eventually forced to attempt a Jai Patel 44-yard field goal. That kick gave Rutgers its first points of the game.

Lorenzo Styles heads to medical tent after trainers help him off field

Ohio State nickel back Lorenzo Styles helped bring down Rutgers receiver Kenny Fletcher Jr., but needed medical attention after the play. Although replays showed his right ankle twisting as he made the tackle, athletic trainers appeared to be tending to the senior's right shoulder.

Ohio State-Rutgers first quarter score, stats:

STAT	RUTGERS	OHIO STATE
Score	0	7
Total Yds	34	92
Rush Att-Avg	7 - 0.7	11 - 6.7
Rush Yds	5	74
Pass (C-A-T-I)	4-7-0-0	3-3-0-0
Pass Yds	29	18
Penalties	2-10	0-0
1sts (Rsh-Pss)	2 (1-1)	8 (5-2)
3rd Downs	2-4 (50%)	1-1 (100%)
4th Downs	0-1	0-0
Total Plays	14	14
Avg Yds/Play	2.4	6.6
Time of Poss	07:04	07:56
Field Goals	0-0	0-0
Turnovers	0	1
Fumbles-Lost	0-0	1-1
Punts-Avg	1-47.0	0-0
Sacks	0	1

Bo Jackson makes Rutgers pay | Ohio State 7, Rutgers 0

4:01 left in first quarter:Bo Jackson (no relation to the former dual-sport star who was a standout in the NFL and MLB) made Rutgers pay for their fourth-down gamble. He ran the ball 15 yards for an Ohio State score. He now has 64 yards on nine carries.

Rutgers takes fourth-down risk

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano gambled against the Ohio State defense and lost. The Scarlet Knights ran the ball on fourth-and-1 from their own 29 and Antwan Raymond was stopped for no gain.

The Buckeyes are getting the ball with a very short field.

Speaking of retirements...

Ohio State red coat John Austin , much revered by co-workers and visiting opponents alike, is working his last game today. He has been an Ohio Stadium mainstay for 59 years.

There is cheering in the press box

Ohio State's longtime sports information director Jerry Emig, who is retiring after this season, just addressed the media in the press box, using (appropriately for him) music lyrics to put his emotions into perspective. He ended with, "You made it possible for me to have a good SID day many, many times, and I thank you for that."

He then received a standing ovation.

Ohio State fumbles, Rutgers recovers

Ohio State running back Bo Jackson dropped the ball, which skittered into the end zone where the Scarlet Knights recovered. Before he fumbled, Jackson had carried it seven times for 51 yards on OSU's first offensive drive.

Rutgers got just 1 yard on an Antwan Raymond run on the opening possession before punting it to the Buckeyes.

Who are the officials for the Ohio State-Rutgers game:

Referee: Chris Coyte
Umpire: Jim Shaw
Head Linesman: Kristopher Lovin
Line Judge: Matt Dornan
Back Judge: Josh Dascher
Field Judge: Raymond Daniel
Side Judge: Steven Verbridge
Center Judge: Mike Stumberg

Who rang the Victory Bell for Ohio State?

Former OSU coach Jim Tressel rang the Victory Bell for the Buckeyes today.

NFL Scouts in attendance for Ohio State vs Rutgers

Scouts from the Buffalo Bills , New York Giants and the New England Patriots are expected to be in attendance today at Ohio Stadium.

Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate officially out

Ohio State has ruled out Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate for today's game. They are Ohio State's two leading wide receivers. OSU's next most prolific pass catcher is tight end Max Klare with 31 catches for 295 yards.

When does the Skull Session start, and other important pregame scheduling notes

5 a.m.: Parking lots open, tailgating starts
9:40 a.m.: TBDBITL performs at the Skull Session | Stream here
10 a.m. Stadium gates open
Noon.: Kickoff

Ohio State vs Rutgers time today

Date:Saturday, Nov. 22
Time:Noon
Location:Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)

What channel is Ohio State vs Rutgers on today?

Streaming:FOX | Streaming on Fubo
Radio:97.1 FM/1460 AM

The broadcast team features Gus Johnson calling the action, Joel Klatt providing commentary and Jenny Taft reporting from the sidelines.

The radio announcers are Paul Keels (play-by-play), Jim Lachey (color analyst) and Dom Tiberi (sideline reporter).

Ohio State vs Rutgers history

Ohio State is 10-0 vs. Rutgers. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator from 2016-18. He and Day were on Urban Meyer's staff together and remain friends, even if there last meeting at Ohio Stadium got a little heated .

Ohio State vs Rutgers predictions

Here is what our experts at The Columbus Dispatch think about today's game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 45, Rutgers 14 | The Scarlet Knights have been more competitive against Ohio State since Greg Schiano's return in 2020, but they have not been within 19 points of the Buckeyes in any of their losses, and don't expect the gap to be any closer this weekend. Despite the balance and efficiency of their offense, which could be the best Ohio State has seen since Washington , their defense is among the worst in the FBS, giving up at least 20 points in each Big Ten game. Ohio State will have little trouble moving the ball in another rout.
Rob Oller, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 49, Rutgers 3 | Injuries to top receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate could limit the scoring output, but the Buckeyes have enough other weapons, including slot receiver Brandon Inniss, tight end Max Klare and tailback Bo Jackson, to give quarterback Julian Sayin all the ammunition needed to come close to hanging half a hundred on the Scarlet Knights. Anticipate another strong rushing performance from OSU, because Rutgers' run defense is especially porous. As for the Buckeyes' defense, the main goal is not a shutout but to keep everyone healthy for Michigan.
Brianna Mac Kay, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 38, Rutgers 14 | The Buckeyes could be without their two top receivers, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, as they're both dealing with injuries that Ryan Day is remaining tight-lipped about. If the status for the two players ends up being unavailable or limited on Saturday, the offense will be impacted, but the Buckeyes proved they can find other solutions during their 48-10 victory over UCLA. Factor in Rutgers having the worst rushing defense in the Big Ten, allowing nearly 200 yards on the ground per game, Ohio State should be able to have another productive day.
Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 42, Rutgers 17 | As Ryan Day said in his press conference early in the week, not one player on the current roster has made it to the Big Ten Championship. The gas pedal will be pushed against the Scarlet Knights, but the bigger battle is keeping key players healthy for a likely playoff run. Expect another efficient day on the ground from Ohio State running backs as the wide receiver room gets healthy.

Ohio State vs Rutgers betting odds

Spread: Ohio State by 31.5

Over/under: 54.5

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Nov. 21.

Ohio State vs Rutgers injury updates

Ohio State beat UCLA handily without wide receiver Carnell Tate, who was out for a second straight week, and with Jeremiah Smith on the sidelines for the entire second half. He was seen limping after the game.

Offensive linemen Josh Padilla was still hobbled, and running back CJ Donaldson was hurt.

OSU's policy is to withhold details about injuries, and coach Ryan Day was unwilling to provide timelines on when those players might return.

The Buckeyes' official availability report is released closer to game time, and we should know more about the status of those players when that happens.

Ohio State vs Rutgers weather update

According to weather.gov , it will be cloudy through mid-morning and start clearing around game time. The high will be around 51 degrees.

Ohio State football schedule 2025

Aug. 30: Ohio State 14, Texas 7 | Record 1-0
Sept. 6: Ohio State 70, Grambling 0 | Record 2-0
Sept. 13: Ohio State 37, Ohio 9 | Record 3-0
Sept. 27: Ohio State 24, Washington 6 | Record 4-0
Oct. 4: Ohio State 42, Minnesota 3 | Record 5-0
Oct. 11: Ohio State 34, Illinois 16 | Record 6-0
Oct. 18: Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 0 | Record 7-0
Nov. 1: Ohio State 38, Penn State 14 | Record 8-0
Nov. 8: Ohio State 34, Purdue 10 | Record 9-0
Nov. 15: Ohio State 48, UCLA 10 | Record 10-0
Nov. 22: Ohio State vs. Rutgers; Ohio Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
Nov. 30: Ohio State at Michigan; Michigan Stadium; Ann Arbor, Michigan (noon on FOX)

Rutgers football schedule 2025

Aug. 28: Rutgers 34, Ohio 31 | Record 1-0
Sept. 6: Rutgers 45, Miami (Ohio) 17 | Record 2-0
Sept. 13: Rutgers 60, Norfolk State 10 | Record 3-0
Sept. 19: Iowa 38, Rutgers 28 | Record 3-1
Sept. 27: Minnesota 31, Rutgers 28 | Record 3-2
Oct. 10: Washington 38, Rutgers 19 | Record 3-3
Oct. 18: Oregon 56, Rutgers 10 | Record 3-4
Oct. 25: Rutgers 27, Purdue 24 | Record 4-4
Nov. 1: Illinois 35, Rutgers 13 | Record 4-5
Nov. 8: Rutgers 35, Maryland 20 | Record 5-5
Nov. 22: Rutgers at Ohio State; Ohio Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
Nov. 28: Rutgers vs. Penn State ; SHI Stadium; Piscataway, New Jersey

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State vs Rutgers replay: OSU cruises to 42-9 victory

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