The Ohio State Buckeyes finally got some things sorted out in the second half against Rutgers. Rushing lanes opened, backup quarterback Lincoln Kienholz stepped in and immediately boosted the ground game, and the defense remained as dominant as ever.
Head coach Ryan Day rotated Kienholz and Julian Sayin throughout the late stages to give Kienholz some valuable tape for opponents to study. It wasn’t Ohio State’s cleanest performance through the air, but the Buckeyes found a way to win, and now they move on to Michigan for their toughest test yet, as they improve their record to 11-0 and are on pace for special things.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Ohio State ground game breaks through
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs the ball against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.A week ago against UCLA, Ohio State ran 33 times for 222 yards, much of it coming on explosive plays and late-game opportunities in a blowout. Against Rutgers, the Buckeyes made the run game a priority from the opening snap. Bo Jackson handled much of the workload and crossed the 100-yard mark for the second straight week. The Buckeyes finished with 38 carries for 254 yards and four rushing touchdowns, with big contributions from James Peoples, Isaiah West, and Lincoln Kienholz.
Ohio State tight end Max Klare delivers a breakout performance
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Max Klare (86) runs the ball in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.With Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith sidelined, Julian Sayin was missing his biggest receiving threats and needed a reliable option. Purdue transfer Max Klare stepped up and delivered in a huge way. He hauled in seven catches for 105 yards and a touchdown and quickly became Sayin’s go-to target. It was an impressive showing that highlighted both Klare’s ability and Ohio State’s depth at the skill positions.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJulian Sayin’s Heisman Hopes likely come to an end
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) yells at his teammates in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.Sayin came into this stretch needing big games against Rutgers and Michigan to catch Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the Heisman race. Missing Smith and Tate already put him in a difficult spot, and a run-heavy game plan only added to the challenge. He finished under 200 yards passing but was efficient with just six incompletions and two touchdowns. While his Heisman campaign is likely over, Sayin now shifts his focus to something bigger: leading the Buckeyes toward another College Football Playoff national title as they chase back-to-back championships.
Caleb Downs continues to prove he’s special
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) and defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrate with safety Jaylen McClain (18) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.Nick Saban’s retirement sparked a wave of departures from Alabama, and Ohio State capitalized by landing one of the best players in the country in safety Caleb Downs. After an absurd freshman season with 107 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a touchdown, Downs has only elevated his play in Columbus. He’s been the anchor of one of the nation’s top defenses for the past two years. His instincts are elite, he’s always in the right place, and he plays with complete command of the field. Downs has been irreplaceable in this secondary, and Ohio State will feel his absence when he heads to the NFL this April.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCaden Curry’s Draft Stock Is Soaring
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) reacts after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.Ohio State entered the season needing to replace premier EDGE rushers Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, and Caden Curry has stepped into that void brilliantly. He’s now up to seven sacks and 43 total tackles, a massive leap for a player once viewed mainly as depth who might not have an NFL future. Analysts now project him in the mid rounds, and his play today against Rutgers only boosted his stock further. Curry racked up six tackles, two sacks, and forced and recovered a fumble. He’s become an indispensable part of this defense and will look to make a major impact next week against Michigan.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football vs. Rutgers reaction: Five things we learned
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