Indiana football fans are left reeling after the Hoosiers, ranked No. 5 in the College Football Playoff standings, suffered their first loss of the season in a humbling 38-15 defeat to No. 2 Ohio State. The Buckeyes dominated in every phase of the game, proving too strong for an Indiana team that had enjoyed a magical season under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti.
Despite an early glimmer of hope when Indiana forced Ohio State to a goal-line stand in the first quarter, the game quickly spiraled out of control. The Hoosiers, now 10-1 on the season and 7-1 in Big Ten play, face an uncertain playoff future as their strength of schedule and lack of wins against ranked opponents come under scrutiny.
Indiana opened the game with a promising, methodical touchdown drive, showcasing their offensive creativity and physicality. However, the Buckeyes responded with a relentless pass rush that Indiana’s offensive line struggled to contain. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke was under constant pressure, taking five sacks and struggling to find rhythm against Ohio State’s defense.
Indiana’s defense initially held strong, keeping the Buckeyes scoreless in the red zone twice in the first half. But mistakes in other areas, including a disastrous fumbled punt by James Evans and a punt return touchdown by Caleb Downs, handed Ohio State momentum they never relinquished.
Ohio State’s defense was led by standout linebacker Tommy Simon, who recorded 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. On offense, quarterback Will Howard delivered a steady performance, while his receivers capitalized on Indiana’s inability to generate consistent pressure.
The Buckeyes tallied 151 total yards against Indiana’s defense in the first half and dominated time of possession. By the end, Ohio State had secured their largest victory against a top-five opponent in over two decades, reminding the college football world why they are perennial championship contenders.
For Indiana, the loss raises questions about their place in the College Football Playoff. Entering the game, the Hoosiers were seen as legitimate contenders despite skepticism over their relatively weak schedule. With just one win over an FBS opponent with a winning record, Saturday’s performance did little to silence critics.
Indiana’s playoff fate now lies in the hands of the selection committee. While an 11-1 record would typically position a Big Ten team well for a playoff spot, the Hoosiers’ lack of marquee victories may hurt them compared to two-loss SEC powerhouses like Georgia and Ole Miss.
Indiana wraps up its regular season against in-state rival Purdue next week. The Boilermakers, currently 1-10, are unlikely to pose much of a challenge, but a win alone may not be enough to bolster Indiana’s playoff résumé. The Hoosiers will also need help from other teams faltering in the final weeks of the season.
Despite Saturday’s disappointment, this season has been a remarkable turnaround for Indiana under Cignetti. The coach has revitalized the program, combining strong recruiting, transfer portal success, and a gritty playing style to elevate the Hoosiers to national prominence.
Indiana football’s loss to Ohio State was a sobering reminder of the gap between the Hoosiers and college football’s elite programs. While their dream season is not yet over, the Hoosiers will need to regroup, dominate Purdue, and hope for favorable outcomes in other conferences to keep their playoff aspirations alive.