Indiana edges Ohio State in Big Ten title game reaction, highlights

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Indiana edges Ohio State in Big Ten title game reaction, highlights

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.

Lori Schmidt, Columbus Dispatch · The Columbus Dispatch

Sat, Dec 6, 2025 ·

19 min read

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Ohio State football (12-1) has fallen for the first time this season, losing to Indiana (13-0) in the Big Ten championship game.

The 13-10 win gives the Hoosiers their first league title since 1967.

The Buckeyes defense held Indiana to well below its season average of 44.3 points/game, but the OSU offense struggled to get going.

Ohio State was 3 for 10 on third down, gave up 9 tackles for loss, and averaged just 2.2 yards per carry.

In a battle of Heisman Trophy contending quarterbacks , Fernando Mendoza got the better of Julian Sayin .

Sayin was 21 for 29 for 258 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Mendoza completed 15 of his 23 attempts for 222 yards, and he also had a touchdown and interception.

Ohio State, perhaps haunted by the memory of Sayin being stopped short on a fourth-down sneak from the Indiana 5-yard line late in the third quarter, sent out Jayden Fielding on fourth-and-1 from the Indiana 9 with 2:51 remaining. Given a chance to tie the game with the 27-yard attempt, Fielding sent the kick wide left.

The College Football Playoff selection show airs Sunday Dec. 7. The broadcast starts at noon.

Here's a replay of how the game played out.

Big Ten championship scoreboard

Ohio State football final score, stats:

STAT	INDIANA	OHIO STATE
Points	13	10
Total Yds	340	322
Pass Yds	222	264
Rush Yds	118	58
Penalties	5-49	2-20
1st Downs	17	17
3rd Downs	6-13	4-11
4th Downs	1-1	0-1
Total Plays	57	56
Avg Yds/Play	6	5.8
Avg Yds/Completion	14.8	12
Avg Yds/Rush	3.5	2.2
Sack-Adj Rush Yd(Avg)	128 (4.1)	87 (4.1)
Red Zone	3-4	2-4
Time of Poss	29:17	30:43
Turnovers (Def Pts Off)	1 (7)	1 (3)
Fumbles-Lost	0-0	0-0
Sacks (Def Yds)	5 (29)	3 (10)
TFL (Def Yds)	9 (38)	4 (11)

Ohio State falls in Big Ten championship game

Indiana improves to 13-0 and Ohio State drops to 12-1 after falling 13-10 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Jayden Fielding goes wide left | Indiana 13, Ohio State 10

2:48 left in fourth quarter:Ohio State had a 27-yard attempt that hooked badly. It went left and leaves Ohio State down with 2:48 remaining.

Ohio State driving, but...

OSU is down in the second half of a game for the first time this season, and they are on the move in the fourth quarter, but the Buckeyes have given up nine tackles for loss this evening.

If Indiana has a bugaboo tonight, it's penalties. The Hoosiers have been flagged five times for 49 yards.

Ohio State score, third quarter stats:

STAT	INDIANA	OHIO STATE
Points	13	10
Total Yds	266	209
Pass Yds	167	177
Rush Yds	99	32
Penalties	4-34	2-20
1st Downs	14	12
3rd Downs	5-10	1-7
4th Downs	1-1	0-1
Total Plays	44	39
Avg Yds/Play	6	5.4
Avg Yds/Completion	13.9	12.6
Avg Yds/Rush	4	1.6
Sack-Adj Rush Yd(Avg)	109 (5)	61 (4.1)
Red Zone	3-4	2-3
Time of Poss	22:32	22:28
Turnovers (Def Pts Off)	1 (7)	1 (3)
Fumbles-Lost	0-0	0-0
Sacks (Def Yds)	5 (29)	3 (10)
TFL (Def Yds)	8 (33)	3 (10)

Ohio State turns over the ball on downs

1:04 left in third quarter:Ohio State couldn't get the last yard it needed on a quarterback sneak. A video review ruled Julian Sayin short, and OSU has given Indiana the ball at the Hoosiers' 5-yard line. OSU is 1-7 on third down, they have given up eight tackles for loss.

Bo Jackson , no relation to the two-sport legend, reaches milestone

With 56 yards rushing tonight, Ohio State's Bo Jackson has surpassed 1,000 on his freshman season.

Ohio State's Tegra Tshabola subbed out

Having given up five sacks, Ohio State is looking for ways to juice its offensive line, and Gabe Van Sickle has come in for Tegra Tshabola.

Fernando Mendoza hits big pass, and later a TD | Indiana 13, Ohio State 10

Fernando Mendoza's 51-yard pass to Charlie Becker led to a touchdown four plays later. Mendoza hit Elijah Sarratt on a 17-yard score. Sarratt was being defended fairly closely by Jermaine Matthews.

Ohio State falters on opening second-half drive

11:41 left in third quarter:Ohio State is now 0-5 on third down. A couple of negative plays erased OSU's early gains. Julian Sayin was sacked for losses of 4 and 15 yards. The Buckeyes were forced to punt, and Indiana will take over at their own 12-yard line.

What to watch in the second half:

Can Ohio State improve on third down? They have yet to convert on third down on four opportunities. That stat might improve with better pass protection. The Buckeyes gave up three first-half sacks.
How many tackles does Sonny Styles end up with? At halftime, the Pickerington native already had registered nine stops.

Ohio State defensive stats:

Sonny Styles leads OSU with nine tackles. He also has a quarterback hurry. Caden Curry has two sacks, Kenyatta Jackson has another. Davison Igbinosun recorded a first-half interception.

Who has Heisman edge? Julian Sayin vs. Fernando Mendoza first-half stats:

Julian Sayin is 7 of 11 for 109 yards, a touchdown, an interception and a quarterback rating of 158.7. His long is 52 yards.
Fernando Mendoza is 9 of 15 for 87 yards an interception and a quarterback rating of 95.4. His long is 14 yards.

Ohio State score, first half stats vs Indiana:

STAT	INDIANA	OHIO STATE
Points	6	10
Total Yds	166	128
Pass Yds	87	109
Rush Yds	79	19
Penalties	4-34	2-20
1st Downs	10	7
3rd Downs	3-8	0-4
4th Downs	1-1	0-0
Total Plays	35	22
Avg Yds/Play	4.7	5.8
Avg Yds/Completion	9.7	15.6
Avg Yds/Rush	4	1.7
Sack-Adj Rush Yd(Avg)	89 (5.2)	29 (3.6)
Red Zone	2-3	2-2
Time of Poss	17:58	12:02
Turnovers (Def Pts Off)	1 (7)	1 (3)
Fumbles-Lost	0-0	0-0
Sacks (Def Yds)	3 (10)	3 (10)
TFL (Def Yds)	4 (12)	3 (10)

Ryan Day's Ohio State Buckeyes forced to punt

0:32 left in second quarter:Julian Sayin was sacked for the third time on OSU's most recent drive, and that, in part, led to Ohio State needing to punt the ball to Indiana with seconds remaining.

The Buckeyes will get the opening possession of the second half.

Indiana ends time-consuming drive with field goal | Ohio State 10, Indiana 6

2:47 left in second quarter:Indiana put together a 4-play, 61-yard drive that chewed up 7:21, but at the end of it, they could only get a field goal. Ohio State's Sonny Styles has nine tackles already tonight.

OSU's Jayden Fielding extends lead | Ohio State 10, Indiana 3

10:08 left in second quarter:Jayden Fielding has connected on a 30-yard field goal attempt. A 52-yard pass from Julian Sayin to Jeremiah Smith set up the score.

Worth noting that after protecting Sayin so remarkably vs. Michigan in a 27-9 win last week, OSU's offensive line has given up two sacks tonight. He was limping slightly after the most recent takedown.

Indiana kicker no longer perfect | Ohio State 7, Indiana 3

13:31 left in second quarter:Indiana's Nicolas Radicic missed a 39-yard field goal attempt for the first time this season, sending his kick wide left.

The Hoosiers offense has been hampered by the fact that receiver Omar Cooper Jr. suffered a lower-body injury on the opening possession of the Big Ten title game.

The Fox Sports broadcast reported his return as questionable.

Ohio State score vs Indiana, first quarter stats:

STAT	INDIANA	OHIO STATE
Points	3	7
Total Yds	91	59
Pass Yds	30	46
Rush Yds	61	13
Penalties	2-13	2-20
1st Downs	6	4
3rd Downs	2-4	0-2
4th Downs	0-0	0-0
Total Plays	19	13
Avg Yds/Play	4.8	4.5
Avg Yds/Completion	10	9.2
Avg Yds/Rush	5.5	2.6
Sack-Adj Rush Yd(Avg)	66 (6.6)	17 (4.3)
Red Zone	1-1	1-1
Time of Poss	8:43	6:17
Turnovers (Def Pts Off)	1 (7)	1 (3)
Fumbles-Lost	0-0	0-0
Sacks (Def Yds)	1 (4)	1 (5)
TFL (Def Yds)	2 (6)	1 (5)

OSU's Julian Sayin moves and finds Carnell Tate | Ohio State 7, Indiana 3

0:46 left in first quarter:Ohio State's Julian Sayin had to scramble right and Carnell Tate found space as Sayin rolled out. The resulting 9-yard completion gives the Buckeyes a lead over Indiana.

Ohio State's Davison Igbinosun picks off Fernando Mendoza

1:41 left in first quarter:OSU's Davison Igbinosun went into the Michigan game without a pick. Now he has two in as many weeks. His interception of Indiana's Fernando Mendoza has given the Buckeyes the ball at the Indiana 25.

Ohio State offense stalls with offensive line giving ground

3:07 left in first quarter:Ohio State was moving the ball, but Indiana got back-to-back tackles for loss, getting to Bo Jackson 2 yards behind the line of scrimmage and sacking Julian Sayin for a 4-yard loss, forcing OSU to punt. Indiana takes over at its 11-yard line.

Hoosiers get on scoreboard first | Indiana 3, Ohio State 3

6:53 left in first quarter:Ohio State has given up just 7 touchdowns in its opponents' 21 trips to the red zone. They held Indiana to a 29-yard field goal, despite having a short field to work with. A side note: Arvell Reese has been jumping around as if he is fighting leg cramps

Ohio State's Julian Sayin picked off

8:57 left in first quarter:Indiana's Louis Moore has grabbed his sixth interception of the season and has given the Hoosiers the ball at the OSU 23.

Ohio State forces Indiana to punt

10:35 left in first quarter:Ohio State's Caden Curry has recorded a sack, and Lorenzo Styles has a pass breakup. The Buckeyes will take over at their own 12 after a 39-yard Hoosiers punt.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza returns

He missed just one play, in which his brother, Alberto, filled in.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza down

On Indiana's first offensive play of the game, Fernando Mendoza was hit hard by Caden Curry. He lay on the field until trainers came out to tend to him, and after a time, jogged off.

Who are the officials for tonight's Big Ten championship game?

Referee: Ron Snodgrass
Umpire: Keith Vaverchak
Head Linesman: Ric Hinkamper
Line Judge: Sergio DeHoyos
Back Judge: Josh Dascher
Field Judge: Justin Nelson
Side Judge: Steve Thielen
Center Judge: Jason Gant
Replay Official: David Witvoet

Are there more Indiana fans or OSU fans in Indianapolis ?

Per 97.1 FM, tonight's crowd is about a 60-40 split, with Indiana fans slightly outnumbering the Buckeyes supporters. The former are waving white towels. The latter have scarlet "THE" towels.

Which team is in red?

Ohio State's colors are scarlet and gray; Indiana's are crimson and cream. So, which team is playing in red tonight? That would be OSU, which is wearing its home jerseys.

Ohio State team leaders

Passing yards:Julian Sayin, 3,065
Rushing yards:Bo Jackson, 952
Receiving yards:Jeremiah Smith, 942
Tackles:Sonny Styles, 69
Interceptions: Caleb Downs , Jermaine Matthews, 2

Indiana team leaders

Passing yards:Fernando Mendoza, 2,758
Rushing yards: Roman Hemby , 866
Receiving yards:Omar Cooper Jr., 864
Tackles:Rolijah Hardy, 77
Interceptions:Louis Moore, 5

Georgia- Alabama final score

Georgia has won the SEC championship by beating Alabama 28-7.

Michigan hires former Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs

Michigan has announced the hiring of Kerry Coombs, who was an Ohio State defensive backs coach from 2012-2017 and was the Buckeyes defensive coordinator in 2020 and 21. He has been named the Wolverines new special teams coordinator .

Julian Sayin vs. Fernando Mendoza

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin's stats:

Attempts: 327
Completions: 258
Completion percentage: 78.9
Yards: 3,065
Yards/attempt: 9.4
Touchdowns: 30
Interceptions: 5
Quarterback rating: 184.84

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza's stats:

Attempts: 293
Completions: 211
Completion percentage: 72.0
Yards: 2,758
Yards/attempt: 9.4
Touchdowns: 32
Interceptions: 5
Quarterback rating: 183.71

Ohio State wins, Indiana falls ... in men's basketball

Many of the pregame shows noted that Indiana fans were able to catch a game in Indianapolis between their beloved No. 22-ranked men's basketball team and No. 6 Louisville before tonight's Big Ten championship game. The Hoosiers fell in that one 87-78. Meanwhile, Jake Diebler's crew beat Northwestern 86-82.

OSU football and Indiana injury reports are out

As expected, both teams are healthy headed into this game.

OSU lists non-starters as out: De'Zie Jones, Malik Hartford , Quincy Porter, Mason Maggs, Logan George and Ahmed Tounkara

Aside from Kellan Wyatt, Bryson Bonds, Lee Beebe Jr, who were all previously ruled out for the season, Indiana is missing only backup kicker Brendan Franke, who hit a 58-yarder against Oregon , but has just one other attempt on the season (a miss against ODU).

Ohio State-Indiana comparisons

Latest CFP rankings

Ohio State
Indiana
Georgia
Texas Tech
Oregon
Mississippi
Texas A&M
Oklahoma
Alabama
Notre Dame
BYU
Miami
Texas
Vanderbilt
Utah
USC
Virginia
Arizona
Michigan
Tulane
Houston
Georgia Tech
Iowa
North Texas
James Madison

Final scores from elsewhere in college football today:

Western Michigan won the Mid-American Conference crown by beating Miami 23-13, and Texas Tech is tops in the Big 12, thanks to its 34-7 victory over BYU. Georgia and Alabama just kicked off the SEC title game.

What is Ohio State's record in the Big Ten championship?

Ohio State is 5-1 in the title game.

2013: No. 10 Michigan State 34, No. 2 OSU 24
2014: No. 5 OSU 59, No. 13 Wisconsin 0
2017: No. 8 OSU 27, No. 4 Wisconsin 21
2018: No. 6 OSU 45, No. 21 Northwestern 24
2019: No. 1 OSU 34, No. 8 Wisconsin 21
2020: No. 4 OSU 22, No. 14 Northwestern 10

ESPN "College GameDay" picks for Ohio State-Indiana

Desmond Howard: Indiana
Nick Saban: Ohio State
Pat McAfee: Indiana
Ernie Johnson: Ohio State
Kirk Herbstreit: Ohio State

Ohio State vs Indiana time today

Date:Saturday, Dec. 6
Time:8 p.m.
Location:Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, Indiana)

What channel is Ohio State vs Indiana on today, live stream information

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 Tyler Danburg (sideline reporter).

What is Ryan Day's record against Indiana?

Ohio State football coach Ryan Day is 6-0 against the Hoosiers. Meanwhile, Indiana's Sherrone Moore is 0-1 against the Buckeyes.

Ohio State vs Indiana history

Today's game marks the 99th meeting between Ohio State and Indiana.

Most recent matchup:Ohio State 38, Indiana 15; Nov. 23, 2024; Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
Overall record:Ohio State leads 82-12-5
Streak:Ohio State has won 29 straight; Indiana's last win came in 1988.
First meeting:1901, which Indiana won 18-6

Ohio State vs Indiana predictions

Here is what our experts at The Columbus Dispatch and USA Today think about today's game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers .

Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 28, Indiana 20 | It's possible that Ohio State has never been as vulnerable against Indiana, and if it's going to stumble in the series for the first time since 1988, the conditions appear ripe. The Hoosiers are coming off their first perfect regular season and get the Buckeyes in their backyard. It's fair to also wonder whether the Buckeyes might suffer some sort of an emotional letdown after ending their losing streak to archrival Michigan. But the wire-to-wire dominance of Ohio State during the regular season makes it too difficult to pick against the No. 1 team.
Rob Oller, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 27, Indiana 17 | Neither team has seen a defense like what will be encountered at Lucas Oil Stadium, although the Buckeyes are coming off a tougher test in Michigan than the Hoosiers had with Purdue. The hyped matchup is Julian Sayin vs. IU quarterback Fernando Mendoza, but just as central to the outcome will be OSU's offensive line vs. IU's defensive front. Protect Sayin and it will be game, set, match. Slip up and the Hoosiers have more than a fighting chance.
Brianna Mac Kay, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 28, Indiana 14 | The Buckeyes are entering their first Big Ten title game since 2020 riding the high of their victory over Michigan. Ohio State proved its rushing and passing offense can adapt to the rough conditions in Ann Arbor, but will now be facing an Indiana defense that ranks above Michigan in both areas. With the Hoosiers ranking second nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 79.2 yards per game, Ohio State will need receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate to continue getting back to the form they were in before their respective injuries to pick up the championship victory.
Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 28, Indiana 21 | Both teams are within the top-five FBS rankings in total and scoring defense, passing efficiency and third down conversion percentage. Indiana has a more impressive win than Ohio State, upsetting the Oregon Ducks and No. 3 defense in the country in Eugene. Indeed, Ohio State has yet to play a team nearly as good as Indiana in 2025, but the Buckeyes' defense and vertical passing game will be the deciding factor in what could be a national championship preview in the Big Ten championship.
Blake Toppmeyer, USA Today: Ohio State 27, Indiana 17 | Curt Cignetti's offense feasts on most Big Ten defenses. This is not your ordinary Big Ten defense, though. The Buckeyes keep winning with an anaconda defense that suffocates opponents. Pair that with steady-handed quarterback Julian Sayin and the best receiving corps in the country, and you get the nation's most complete team. I've been on the Buckeyes to win the national championship since August. I'm not fading them now.
Matt Hayes, USA Today: Indiana 27, Ohio State 24 | I just can't get over what the Ohio State defense has faced, instead of what it has done. Who have the Buckeyes played this season that could actually stress their defense? Texas? In Arch Manning's first start? Washington? Illinois? Come on. The Hoosiers will be a completely different animal, a multiple offense with an accurate quarterback who can make every throw and scramble and get critical yards. One more thing: Hoosiers have 34 sacks and have forced 24 turnovers. The defense will get enough stops, and Indiana will be the No.1 seed in the CFP.
Paul Myerberg, USA Today: Ohio State 34, Indiana 16 | Ohio State's historically good defense is going to be tested by Indiana and possible Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. This is a group with no weak links, nearly unmatched depth and all-everything talent such as safety Caleb Downs, who might be the best pound-for-pound player in college football. The Buckeyes are on a collision course for a repeat national title and won't be tripped up even by the mighty Hoosiers.

Ohio State vs Indiana betting odds

Over/under: 47.5

Spread: Ohio State by 4

Moneyline: Ohio State -200

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Dec. 6.

Ohio State vs Indiana injury updates

Ohio State came out of its 27-9 win over Michigan healthy. Even wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, who had been nursing unspecified injuries, were fine . We'll learn if that remains the case when the official availability report is released at 6 p.m.

Ohio State vs Indiana weather update

Although it won't affect the game because it is being played indoors, those traveling to Indianapolis may want to know that, according to weather.gov , there will be cloudy skies and a high around 34, with a slight chance of snow and freezing rain starting around 1 a.m.

How far is the drive to Indianapolis, Indiana from Columbus?

As of 2 p.m., the commute from Columbus, Ohio, to Lucas Oil Stadium took around three hours. It's a 177-mile journey.

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 42, Rutgers 9 | Record 11-0
Nov. 30: Ohio State 27, Michigan 9 | Record 12-0
Dec. 6: Ohio State vs. Indiana; Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana

Indiana football schedule 2025

Aug. 30: Indiana 27, Old Dominion 14 | Record 1-0
Sept. 6: Indiana 56, Kennesaw State 9 | Record 2-0
Sept. 14: Indiana 73, Indiana State 0 | Record 3-0
Sept. 21: Indiana 63, Illinois 10 | Record 4-0
Sept. 28: Indiana 20, Iowa 15 | Record 5-0
Oct. 11: Indiana 30, Oregon 20 | Record 6-0
Oct. 18: Indiana 38, Michigan State 13 | Record 7-0
Oct. 25: Indiana 56, UCLA 6 | Record 8-0
Nov. 1: Indiana 55, Maryland 10 | Record 9-0
Nov. 8: Indiana 27, Penn State 24 | Record 10-0
Nov. 15: Indiana 31, Wisconsin 7 | Record 11-0
Nov. 28: Indiana 56, Purdue 3 | Record 12-0
Dec. 6: Ohio State vs. Indiana; Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State vs Indiana score, reaction as OSU loses Big Ten championship

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