Indiana Hoosiers vs Ohio State Buckeyes Football Stats
Indiana Hoosiers Football vs Ohio State Buckeyes Football Stats: A Complete Guide
Indiana Hoosiers vs Ohio State Buckeyes Football Stats & History 2026 Football in the Big Ten is a way of life. When the Indiana Hoosiers meet the Ohio State Buckeyes, it is a battle of two historic programs. Fans across the country look for the latest stats and scores. This matchup often features stars, big plays, and a lot of passion. Whether you are a student in Bloomington or a fan in Columbus, the numbers tell a fascinating story. In this guide, we will dive deep into the records and key players. We want to help you understand this rivalry better.
The History of a Big Ten Rivalry
The series between Indiana and Ohio State started over 100 years ago. Their first meeting was in 1901. Back then, football looked very different. Over time, this game has become a staple of the fall season. Ohio State has traditionally been a powerhouse. Indiana has often played the role of the tough underdog. Looking at the Indiana Hoosiers football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football stats, you can see how the game has evolved. Each decade has brought new legends to the field.
All-Time Series Record
When we talk about wins and losses, the Buckeyes lead the way. They have won the majority of the games in this series. In fact, Ohio State holds one of the longest winning streaks in college football history against Indiana. However, every year brings a fresh start. The Hoosiers have had many close calls that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The all-time record shows the dominance of the Buckeyes, but it also shows the grit of the Hoosiers.
Recent Matchup Highlights
The last few seasons have been very exciting. In 2024 and 2025, the games were highly anticipated. In the 2025 Big Ten Championship, the two teams met in a historic No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup. Indiana pulled off a massive 13-10 win to claim their first conference title in decades. This game changed the conversation about the rivalry. It proved that Indiana could compete at the highest level. Stats from these recent games show a much tighter gap between the two programs.
Key Statistical Comparison
To understand how these teams stack up, we have to look at the numbers. Offense and defense are the two main pillars of the game. Recently, Indiana has moved toward a high-scoring, explosive offense. Ohio State continues to be a balanced machine with elite talent. Below is a detailed look at the core stats that define this matchup.
Match Stats Table: Indiana vs. Ohio State
| Category | Indiana Hoosiers (Recent) | Ohio State Buckeyes (Recent) |
| All-Time Series Wins | 13 | 81 |
| All-Time Ties | 5 | 5 |
| Average Points Per Game | 44.3 | 37.0 |
| Average Points Allowed | 10.9 | 7.8 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 483.8 | 438.5 |
| Rush Defense Rank (National) | No. 2 | No. 4 |
| Pass Defense Rank (National) | No. 14 | No. 1 |
Offensive Stars to Watch
The quarterbacks always get the most attention. For Indiana, Fernando Mendoza has been a leader. He is known for making smart plays and protecting the ball. On the Ohio State side, Julian Sayin has been a standout performer. Both players have put up huge numbers in passing yards and touchdowns. Wide receivers like Jeremiah Smith for the Buckeyes and Elijah Sarratt for the Hoosiers also play big roles. These stars are the reason why the scoreboard stays busy.
Defensive Strengths
Defense wins championships, and both teams believe this. Ohio State often has a secondary that is hard to pass against. They lead the nation in many passing defense categories. Indiana focuses on “havoc.” This means they try to create turnovers and sacks. Their defensive line is very aggressive. When you check the Indiana Hoosiers football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football stats, look at the “Sacks” and “Interceptions” columns. These plays often decide who wins the game.
The Coaching Battle
Coaches are like chess players. Curt Cignetti has done an amazing job at Indiana. He turned the program around in a very short time. Ryan Day has kept Ohio State at the top of the rankings for years. Their styles are different, but both want to win. Cignetti likes a tough, fast-paced team. Day relies on depth and elite recruiting. Watching how these two men adjust during the game is one of the best parts of the rivalry.
Playing at Memorial Stadium vs. Ohio Stadium
Where the game is played matters. Ohio Stadium, also known as “The Shoe,” is one of the biggest in the country. It is loud and can be scary for visiting teams. Memorial Stadium in Bloomington has a great atmosphere too. When the Hoosiers are home, the fans bring a lot of energy. Home-field advantage can sometimes account for a touchdown difference in the final score.
Historic Wins and Upsets
Everyone loves an underdog story. Indiana’s win in 1988 is still talked about today. They beat the Buckeyes 41-7 that year. Of course, the 2025 Big Ten Championship win is now the most famous victory for the Hoosiers. For Ohio State, their long winning streak from the 1990s through the 2020s is a point of pride. These big moments are what make college football special. They create memories that last for a lifetime.
Impact on College Football Playoffs
These games are about more than just a trophy. They affect the national rankings. Because both teams are usually ranked high, the winner often gets a spot in the College Football Playoff. A loss can be a big setback. The stats from these games are studied by experts all over the country. They want to see which team is truly ready for the national stage.
Looking Ahead to Future Meetings
The future looks bright for this series. With the Big Ten expanding, every game counts even more. Indiana has shown they are no longer an easy win. Ohio State will always be a giant in the sport. Fans can expect more close games and high-level play. We will continue to track the Indiana Hoosiers football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football stats to see how the story continues.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Indiana and Ohio State is entering a new era. While the Buckeyes have the most wins historically, the Hoosiers are proving they can beat anyone. The stats show two teams with elite defenses and exciting offenses. Whether you love the history of the game or the thrill of an upset, this matchup has it all. It is a true highlight of the American sports calendar.
What do you think of this year’s matchup? Leave a comment below or share this article with your favorite football fan!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who has more wins in the series?
Ohio State leads the series with 81 wins. Indiana has 13 wins, and there have been 5 ties.
2. When did Indiana last beat Ohio State?
Indiana’s most recent win was on December 6, 2025, in the Big Ten Championship game. Before that, their last win was in 1988.
3. What is the highest score in a game between these two?
Ohio State has scored over 50 points several times, including a 56-0 win in 1957. Indiana’s high marks often come in close, high-scoring battles.
4. Do they play every year?
Yes, as members of the Big Ten Conference, these two teams usually play each other every season.
5. Where is the 2026 game being played?
The 2026 regular-season game is scheduled to be played at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana.
6. Who are the current head coaches?
Curt Cignetti is the head coach for the Indiana Hoosiers. Ryan Day is the head coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
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