Ohio State’s season came to an abrupt end on New Year’s Eve with a 24–14 loss to Miami, a game that felt over long before the final whistle for some fans.
From the opening drive, Miami’s defensive line
overwhelmed the Buckeyes, collapsing the pocket and erasing any chance of offensive rhythm. Julian Sayin showed flashes when protected, but those moments were few and far between.
Despite the final score, the defense largely did its job. Holding Miami to 17 offensive points should have been enough to win a playoff game. The problem was everything happening in front of it. The offensive line turned in one of its worst performances in recent memory, and Sayin, clearly rattled by constant pressure, played far more timid than he had all season.
Ohio State was the better team for stretches in the second half, but with only three or four possessions while down two scores, the margin for error was nonexistent. The offense came alive too late, and Ryan Day’s conservative pacing only magnified the issue.
The loss exposed several familiar issues. Sayin struggled again against a high-level pass rush, the offensive line collapsed in both run and pass protection, and Ohio State generated little to no pass rush of its own. On the back end, soft coverage allowed Miami to live on short, quick completions that kept the chains moving and the Buckeyes chasing. It was a frustrating, disjointed performance in a game where execution mattered more than scheme.
Now, the focus shifts entirely to the offseason and building the 2026 roster. Coaching changes are already underway, with Brian Hartline gone and Cortez Hankton stepping in as wide receivers coach. The offensive coordinator role remains unresolved, and there are reports that Matt Patricia could pursue an NFL defensive coordinator opportunity. Stability will matter, but so will aggressive roster management.
The transfer portal will be critical, as Ohio State has already seen significant departures across nearly every position group. The Buckeyes need help everywhere, but edge rusher, starting offensive tackle, and starting cornerback stand out as the most urgent priorities. The defensive end and cornerback rooms in particular are thin and inexperienced heading into 2026, and both will require immediate upgrades.
Ohio State has already landed tight end Mason Williams from Ohio, but offensive line reinforcements and impact defensive additions must follow. The staff has also been aggressive in evaluating wide receivers, especially with multiple young players exiting the program.
Around the playoff, chaos continued. Indiana dominated Alabama 38–3, Oregon shut out Texas Tech, and Ole Miss outlasted Georgia in the game of the postseason. Looking ahead, Oregon versus Indiana and Miami versus Ole Miss will determine who advances, but for Ohio State, the postseason is already over.
The New Year’s Eve loss wasn’t just a defeat. It was a warning. Talent alone is no longer enough. Execution, depth, and trench play will define whether the Buckeyes and Ryan Day take the next step to creating a dynasty or remain stuck asking the same questions next December.
