Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) opened their Big Ten season with a commanding 42-19 victory over the Illinois Illini (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) on Saturday afternoon, September 26, 2026, at Ohio Stadium. The win was highlighted by record-setting offensive performances from receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin, who demonstrated a new aspect to his play.
Jeremiah Smith delivered a career-best performance, achieving personal highs in catches with 12, touchdown catches with four, and receiving yards with 217. His four touchdown catches, all thrown by Sayin, covered distances of 72 yards, 26 yards, 9 yards, and 7 yards. Ohio State coach Ryan Day observed Smith's progress, stating, “I believe he has taken his game to a new level this year.” Smith himself acknowledged his consistent improvement, stating he felt he 'got better all of this year,' with improved route running and weekly progress.
Quarterback Julian Sayin also played a pivotal role in the victory, completing 27 of 36 passes for 367 yards and four touchdowns. However, it was his newly displayed running ability that drew significant attention. Sayin carried the ball seven times for 29 yards, including a keeper for a first down and an 8-yard touchdown run, both occurring in the second quarter. Coach Day confirmed that the coaching staff had “challenged Julian this week” to run, identifying it as "the X-factor." Sayin mentioned that his discussions with Day the previous week focused on his 'missed opportunities' to run and extend plays during the Kent State game. Offensive lineman Luke Montgomery expressed his enthusiasm, calling it 'the most excited I’ve ever been for a touchdown' this season and respecting a quarterback 'putting his body on the line.'
The Buckeyes established a comfortable 28-10 lead by halftime. While Illinois managed to narrow the gap with a field goal early in the third quarter, they were unable to mount a full comeback. Early in the fourth quarter, Illinois threatened to make it a one-score game, holding the ball at Ohio State’s 20-yard line. However, the Buckeyes' defense held firm, with Will Smith Jr. stopping running back Jordan Anderson for a 2-yard loss on third down, and Jaylen McClain breaking up a pass on fourth down, squashing the Illini's scoring opportunity. The Ohio State offense and defense then took control in the final 15 minutes to seal the victory.
Despite the decisive win, Coach Day emphasized the need for more “hard running and more explosive runs” from the team’s running backs. Illinois outgained Ohio State on the ground 199 yards to 151 yards and averaged 6.0 yards per carry compared to OSU’s 4.7 yards per carry. The Illini also registered more explosive running plays. Illinois quarterback Katin Houser completed 21 of 37 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown.
