Ohio State routs Ball State 56-3 ahead of Texas showdown
11 sourcesUpdated Sep 6, 2026
Top-ranked Ohio State overwhelmed Ball State 56-3, scoring on seven of its next nine possessions after an opening three-and-out and holding the Cardinals to 165 total yards. Quarterback Julian Sayin completed 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while wide receiver Jeremiah Smith made eight catches for 151 yards and two spectacular touchdowns, including a one-handed grab. Running back Bo Jackson added a 65-yard touchdown, and linebacker TJ Alford recorded Ohio State’s first interception of the season. The dominant performance set up a highly anticipated matchup at No. 5 Texas on Sept. 12, with Ohio State’s standout trio drawing early Heisman attention.
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Sayin quietly having a great day, 320 yards and 3 TDs against anybody is solid production.
Nice tune-up but Ball State isn't exactly a measuring stick, Texas will be a different animal.
That one-handed grab from Smith was ridiculous, kid is a problem for defenses already.
