Indiana Hoosiers Football vs Ohio State Buckeyes Football Stats
Indiana Hoosiers Football vs Ohio State Buckeyes Football Stats: A New Era
For many years, the football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes felt like a foregone conclusion. Ohio State was the powerhouse, and Indiana was the underdog. However, the tides have shifted in a big way. In 2025, the Hoosiers didn’t just compete; they shocked the world by taking down the top-ranked Buckeyes in a historic Big Ten Championship.
This rivalry is now one of the most talked-about matchups in college football. Fans are no longer just looking at old records of Buckeye dominance. Instead, they are looking at how a transformed Indiana program is matching up against a perennial national title contender. Whether you are a fan of the Cream and Crimson or the Scarlet and Gray, the numbers tell a story of grit, tradition, and a massive power shift in the Midwest.
The All-Time Series Record
When you look at the long history of these two teams, the numbers lean heavily toward Columbus. The series began way back in 1901. For over a century, Ohio State built a massive lead in the win column. Before the 2025 season, the Buckeyes held a 30-game winning streak against the Hoosiers that dated back to 1988.
As of early 2026, the all-time record stands at 81 wins for Ohio State, 13 wins for Indiana, and 5 ties. While the total win count is lopsided, the recent games have been much closer. Indiana’s recent success has breathed new life into a series that many fans used to ignore. Now, every time these teams meet, the “all-time” stats feel a little less important than what is happening on the field today.
Recent Matchup Highlights
The last few years have seen some of the most exciting games in the history of this series. In 2020, Indiana gave Ohio State a massive scare in a high-scoring 42-35 affair. That game proved that the Hoosiers could trade blows with the best in the Big Ten. However, nothing compares to the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game.
In that 2025 clash, Indiana entered the game as the underdog despite being undefeated. They managed to pull off a 13-10 victory in a defensive struggle. It was a game defined by missed opportunities for the Buckeyes and “clutch” plays by the Hoosiers. This single game changed the narrative of the rivalry, proving that the gap between the two programs has finally closed.
Head-to-Head Key Statistics
To truly understand how these teams compare, we have to look at the raw data. Below is a breakdown of the key stats from their most recent championship meeting and their historical averages.
Match Comparison Table
| Stat Category | Indiana (2025 Game) | Ohio State (2025 Game) |
| Final Score | 13 | 10 |
| Total Yards | 340 | 322 |
| Passing Yards | 222 | 264 |
| Rushing Yards | 118 | 58 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| First Downs | 19 | 17 |
| Time of Possession | 29:47 | 30:13 |
Offensive Explosiveness
Ohio State is known for producing NFL-caliber wide receivers and quarterbacks. Their offense is usually built on speed and deep passing plays. In recent seasons, the Buckeyes have consistently ranked in the top 15 nationally for scoring. They use a fast-paced system that can put up 40 points before the third quarter even ends.
Indiana, under recent coaching, has adopted a more balanced and “gutty” approach. While they can pass the ball effectively, their 2025 success was built on a strong rushing attack and smart play-calling. They don’t always need to score 50 points to win. Instead, they focus on moving the chains and keeping the opposing offense off the field.
Defensive Dominance
In 2025, both teams boasted some of the best defenses in the country. Ohio State ranked #1 in scoring defense for much of the year, allowing fewer than 8 points per game. Their defensive line is famous for creating pressure and forcing quarterbacks into bad decisions.
Indiana wasn’t far behind, ranking #2 in scoring defense. The Hoosiers excel at “bend but don’t break” football. They might allow some yards, but they are incredibly tough to score on once the opponent reaches the red zone. This defensive toughness was the main reason they were able to hold the Buckeyes to just 10 points in their last meeting.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal
One reason Indiana was able to close the gap so quickly is the transfer portal. In the modern era of college football, a team can rebuild its roster in a single off-season. Indiana used the portal to bring in veteran talent, including quarterback Fernando Mendoza and star receiver Elijah Sarratt.
Ohio State also uses the portal, but they mainly use it to fill specific holes in an already elite roster. They bring in top-tier talent from across the country to maintain their “blue blood” status. The battle for talent in the portal has become a secondary rivalry between these two schools as they compete for the same high-level athletes.
Coaching Strategies and Styles
Ryan Day has maintained a high standard at Ohio State. His style is focused on precision and overwhelming talent. He expects his players to win their individual matchups every single play. On the other side, Curt Cignetti has brought a “winner’s mindset” to Bloomington. He famously told fans to get used to winning, and he delivered on that promise.
Cignetti’s coaching style is more about discipline and situational football. He focuses on the “little things” that lead to big wins. When these two coaches meet, it is a fascinating battle of a high-flying, elite program versus a disciplined, hungry upstart. This clash of styles makes the game a must-watch for any football fan.
Home Field Advantage
Playing at Ohio Stadium, also known as “The Shoe,” is one of the toughest tasks in sports. With over 100,000 fans screaming, it is hard for any visiting team to hear their snap counts. Traditionally, Indiana has struggled in Columbus, with a very low winning percentage on the road.
However, Memorial Stadium in Bloomington has become a “tough out” as well. As the Hoosiers have improved, the fan base has become more electric. “The Rock” is no longer an easy place for Big Ten opponents to visit. Even neutral-site games, like the one in Indianapolis, have shown that Indiana fans will travel in huge numbers to support their team.
Future Outlook for the Rivalry
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, this matchup is now a highlight of the Big Ten calendar. It is no longer a game that Buckeyes fans can mark as an easy win. With the Big Ten expanding and the College Football Playoff growing, every game between these two has massive national implications.
I personally believe we are entering a decade where this game will often decide who goes to the conference championship. Indiana has proven they have the blueprint to beat the giants. Ohio State is always going to be a powerhouse, but they now have a legitimate threat coming from within their own division.
Why These Stats Matter to Fans
Stats are more than just numbers on a page; they tell the story of a program’s growth. For Indiana fans, seeing the rushing yardage increase or the defensive points allowed decrease is a sign of hope. It shows that the “same old Indiana” is a thing of the past.
For Ohio State fans, these stats serve as a wake-up call. They remind the team that they cannot rely on reputation alone. In the modern Big Ten, anyone can be beaten if they don’t bring their A-game. These statistics help fans understand the “how” and “why” behind the wins and losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last time Indiana beat Ohio State?
Indiana’s most recent victory over Ohio State was on December 6, 2025, in the Big Ten Championship Game. Before that, their last win was in 1988.
What is the largest margin of victory in this series?
Ohio State holds the record for the largest win, a 56-0 victory in 1957. Indiana’s largest win was a 41-7 victory in 1988.
How many times have the two teams tied?
The Hoosiers and Buckeyes have tied 5 times in their history. The most recent tie occurred in 1990 with a score of 27-27.
Who are the key players in the 2025 Indiana vs. Ohio State game?
Indiana was led by QB Fernando Mendoza and WR Elijah Sarratt. Ohio State featured stars like WR Jeremiah Smith and QB Julian Sayin.
Where do the Indiana Hoosiers play their home games?
The Hoosiers play at Memorial Stadium, often called “The Rock,” located in Bloomington, Indiana.
Does Ohio State lead the all-time series?
Yes, Ohio State leads the all-time series with 81 wins compared to Indiana’s 13 wins.
Conclusion: A Rivalry Reborn
The Indiana Hoosiers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes matchup has officially entered a new chapter. While the historical stats still favor the Buckeyes, the recent turnaround by the Hoosiers has made this one of the most exciting games in the country. The 2025 championship upset proved that on any given Saturday, history can be rewritten.
Are you ready for the next big game? Whether you’re tailgating in Bloomington or cheering from the stands in Columbus, the energy around this rivalry is at an all-time high.