Saturday night’s Big Ten Championship game between the nation’s top two teams didn’t disappoint. And in a twist to the script, it was No. 2 Indiana to pull off its first win over Ohio State since 1988.
Indiana, which began the 2025 season as the losingest program in FBS history, won a Big Ten championship for the first time since 1967.
Indiana (13-0) will be the No. 1 team in Sunday’s College Football Playoff bracket reveal. Ohio State (12-1) will likely still land in the top four and receive a first-round bye.
In two seasons, Curt Cignetti has turned a perennial and historic loser into a playoff team in back-to-back years and now Big Ten champions.
‘This is the greatest turnaround in the history of our sport…,’ Fox’s Urban Meyer said postgame. ‘It’s not even close… This is the best coaching job I’ve ever seen in my life.’
The Hoosiers defense bottled up the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense and Fernando Mendoza made the throws he had to make to lead Indiana to a 13-10 win at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Buckeyes kicker Jayden Fielding missed a 27-yard field goal attempt with 2:48 left that would have tied the score.
In the Heisman Trophy showcase between leading contenders Julian Sayin and Mendoza, neither had a massive game, but both were efficient.
Sayin got Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate involved, but Indiana did a good job (for the most part) keeping the Buckeyes receivers in front of them.
Mendoza was solid for IU, bouncing back from a rough hit on the first play of the game that sent him briefly to the sideline. Mendoza hit Elijah Sarratt on his trademark back-shoulder touchdown in the third quarter to take the lead. It marked the first time Ohio State had trailed in a second half all season.
Mendoza’s pass on 3rd-and-6 with 2:41 left to Charlie Becker for a 33-yard gain helped ice the game. Mendoza finished 15-of-23 for 222 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Sayin went 21-of-29 for 258 yards with a touchdown and interception.
Here’s how it happened:
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Ohio State vs Indiana score
Ohio State vs Indiana football live updates
0:17 4Q: Ohio State needs a prayer
Indiana burns clock and the rest of Ohio State’s timeouts but have to punt the ball back to Buckeyes at their own 14-yard line.
2:00 4Q: Indiana 13, Ohio State 10
On 3rd-and-6 with 2:41 left Fernando Mendoza hits Charlie Becker again down the sideline for a 33-yard gain. A perfect pass. A Heisman moment. Wow. Buckeyes have just one timeout left.
2:48 4Q: Jayden Fielding shanks 27-yard FG attempt, Indiana still leads
On 3rd-and-1 Rolijah Hardy knocks away the pass in the end zone to force an Ohio State field goal. AND HE MISSES IT. Jayden Fielding hooks it from 27 yards out. INDIANA 13, OHIO STATE 10.
4:10 4Q: Buckeyes driving, burning up clock
A long, time-consuming drive from Ohio State as Julian Sayin starts to cook and a key Indiana penalty gives Buckeyes a first down deep inside Hoosiers territory. INDIANA 13, OHIO STATE 10.
10:45 4Q: Indiana flips field, punts back to Ohio State
Hoosiers get a few first downs and flip the field position. Indiana punts and Ohio State will start drive at their own 10-yard line. INDIANA 13, OHIO STATE 10.
END 3Q: Indiana 13, Ohio State 10
The Hoosiers are one quarter away from their first Big Ten championship since 1967. It’ll be 1st-and-10 for IU from their own 17-yard line after 12-yard completion to EJ Williams.
1:04 3Q: Review overturns Buckeyes’ first down on 4th-and-1
It’s a good response from the champions. Buckeyes’ first second-half deficit doesn’t last long. Julian Sayin engineers an efficient 12-play drive, mixing in his tight ends with Jeremiah Smith (who has over 100 yards receiving already).
OSU goes for it on 4th-and-1 from the Indiana 6-yard line, and Sayin sneaks forward and the call of first down is overturned on review. Indiana ball. Huge turn of events. INDIANA 13, OHIO STATE 10.
8:02 3Q: Fernando Mendoza hits Elijah Sarratt for go-ahead TD
TOUCHDOWN! Fernando Mendoza hits Elijah Sarratt on a back-shoulder fade in the end zone from 17 yards out. The Buckeyes are trailing in the second half for the first time all season.
The key play was on 3rd-and-2 deep in their own territory, Mendoza airs it out to Charlie Becker for 51 yards. Mendoza is 11-of-18 for 155 yards. INDIANA 13, OHIO STATE 10.
11:32 3Q: Hoosiers force punt to open half
Back-to-back sacks by Indiana including an in-the-grasp call, despite Julian Sayin spinning out of the tackle, forces a 3rd-and-27. The IU defense forces a punt on opening drive of the second half. OHIO STATE 10, INDIANA 6.
HALFTIME: Ohio State 10, Indiana 6
The Hoosiers have been able to move the ball on Ohio State, but have only three field goal attempts to show for it (two made, one missed).
Ohio State QB Julian Sayin has 109 passing yards and has gotten Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith involved, but Indiana is bending, not breaking.
0:30 2Q: Ohio State seems content with a modest first-half lead
Isaiah Jones gets his second sack of the day to torpedo this drive. Ohio State had three timeouts and had the ball near midfield but decided not to call timeout. OHIO STATE 10, INDIANA 6.
2:00 2Q: Ohio State 10, Indiana 6
2-minute timeout. Buckeyes have a 1st-and-10 at their 36-yard line. Ohio State gets the ball first after halftime, so this is a huge series for Indiana’s defense.
2:47 2Q: Hoosiers move the ball, have to settle for FG
On a 4th-and-2 from the Ohio State 39-yard line, Fernando Mendoza side-arms it to Riley Nowakowski for a first down to keep the drive alive. Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry continues to eat in his return home, with another sack. He’s been everywhere for Ohio State and forces Indiana to settle for a Nico Radicic 32-yard field goal.
Hoosiers have moved the ball. Three field goal attempts on five drives so far. But can’t beat No. 1 with field goals. OHIO STATE 10, INDIANA 6.
10:08 2Q: Indiana holds Ohio State to short FG
Julian Sayin airs it out for Jeremiah Smith for a 54-yard strike, and Buckeyes get an extra 15 yards for an illegal hands to the face penalty. But an Isaiah Jones sack on 3rd-and-goal forces Ohio State into a short field goal from Jayden Fielding. Key hold there for the Hoosiers. OHIO STATE 10, INDIANA 3.
13:31 2Q: Nico Radicic misses his first FG of year
Indiana drive stalls with a third-down sack and Nico Radicic misses from 40 yards out. Uncharacteristic from Big Ten kicker of the year. Hoosiers can’t make mistakes if they want to beat defending national champs. OHIO STATE 7, INDIANA 3.
END 1Q: Ohio State 7, Indiana 3
A defensive pass interference on another deep shot from Indiana moves the ball 15 yards and then Kaelon Black busts loose for a 37-yard gain. IU will open second quarter at Buckeyes’ 22-yard line. OHIO STATE 7, INDIANA 3.
0:46 1Q: Julian Sayin finds Carnell Tate wide open for TD
TOUCHDOWN! Julian Sayin takes his time, eludes the rush and finds a wide open Carnell Tate in the end zone for a 9-yard score. Both teams turn interceptions into points. Hoosiers got a field goal, Buckeyes get a touchdown. OHIO STATE 7, INDIANA 3.
1:41 1Q: Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun gets pick deep in Indiana territory
INTERCEPTION! Ohio State gets a turnover of its own. Lorenzo Styles blows up a WR screen pass and the ricochet of the ball lands in the hands of Buckeyes DB Davison Igbinosun. Ohio State ball at Indiana’s 25-yard line. INDIANA 3, OHIO STATE 0.
3:07 1Q: Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. injury update questionable
The Hoosiers standout receiver tweaked his right leg on the missed deep shot on their first drive. He went into the medical tent and is going back to the locker room. Questionable to return.
3:07 1Q: Indiana gets third-down sack, forces Buckeyes punt
Rolijah Hardy with a sack on 3rd-and-5 near midfield and the Hoosiers force a punt. Julian Sayin has been getting the ball to Jeremiah Smith (three catches already), but Indiana is keeping him in front of them. INDIANA 3, OHIO STATE 0.
6:51 1Q: Hoosiers turn turnover into points with FG
Indiana picks up one first down but has to settle for a Nico Radicic 29-yard field goal. Hoosiers on the board first. INDIANA 3, OHIO STATE 0.
8:57 1Q: Louis Moore intercepts Julian Sayin
INTERCEPTION! Louis Moore steps in front of a Julian Sayin third-down pass and returns it to Ohio State 23-yard line. INDIANA 0, OHIO STATE 0.
10:35 1Q: Caden Curry sack ends Indiana’s first drive
IU overcomes the Fernando Mendoza brief injury and picks up two first downs. Hoosiers take a deep shot from midfield to Omar Cooper, but receiver can’t come down with the catch. On third down, Caden Curry — the Greenwood, Indiana product — gets the sack and IU has to punt it away.
Buckeyes will start their first drive at their own 12-yard line. INDIANA 0, OHIO STATE 0.
14:51 1Q: Fernando Mendoza down with injury
Fernando Mendoza takes a shot from Ohio State DE Caden Curry and is down on the first play of the game. His younger brother Alberto comes in for one snap.
Fernando is back in the game. Keep on an eye on how he’s moving.
And we’re underway… Ohio State kickoff through the end zone.
Fox crew predictions clean sweep for Ohio State win vs Indiana
Brady Quinn: Ohio State, 23-17
Mark Ingram: Ohio State, 30-24
Matt Leinart: Ohio State, 31-17
Urban Meyer: Ohio State, 31-21
Pregame comments from Ryan Day, Curt Cignetti
Ohio State vs Indiana injury update: Availability report
What time does Ohio State vs Indiana start?
Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Ohio State vs Indiana will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 6 from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
What TV channel is Ohio State vs Indiana on today?
TV channel: Fox
Livestream: Fubo (free trial)
The Big Ten championship game between Ohio State and Indiana will be broadcast on Fox.
Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which carries Fox and offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Ohio State vs Indiana predictions for Big Ten championship
Ohio State 27, Indiana 17: Curt Cignetti’s offense feasts on most Big Ten defenses. This is not your ordinary Big Ten defense, though. The Buckeyes keep winning with an anaconda defense that suffocates opponents. Pair that with steady-handed quarterback Julian Sayin and the best receiving corps in the country, and you get the nation’s most complete team. I’ve been on the Buckeyes to win the national championship since August. I’m not fading them now. — Blake Toppmeyer
Indiana 27, Ohio State 24: I just can’t get over what the Ohio State defense has faced, instead of what it has done. Who have the Buckeyes played this season that could actually stress their defense? Texas? In Arch Manning’s first start? Washington? Illinois? Come on. The Hoosiers will be a completely different animal, a multiple offense with an accurate quarterback who can make every throw — and scramble and get critical yards. One more thing: Hoosiers have 34 sacks and have forced 24 turnovers. The defense will get enough stops, and Indiana will be the No.1 seed in the CFP. — Matt Hayes
Ohio State 34, Indiana 16: Ohio State’s historically good defense is going to be tested by Indiana and possible Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. This is a group with no weak links, nearly unmatched depth and all-everything talent such as safety Caleb Downs, who might be the best pound-for-pound player in college football. The Buckeyes are on a collision course for a repeat national title and won’t be tripped up even by the mighty Hoosiers. — Paul Myerberg
Ohio State vs Indiana odds Big Ten championship
Odds courtesy of BetMGM, as of Thursday, Dec. 4:
Spread: Ohio State (-4)
Over/under: 47.5
Moneyline: Ohio State -200 | Indiana +165
Ohio State football schedule 2025
Here’s a look at Ohio State’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.
Saturday, Aug. 30: No. 2 Ohio State 14, No. 1 Texas 7
Saturday, Sept. 6: No. 1 Ohio State 70,Grambling State 0
Saturday, Sept. 13: No. 1 Ohio State 37, Ohio 9
BYE
Saturday, Sept. 27: No. 1 Ohio State 24, Washington 6*
Saturday, Oct. 4: No. 1 Ohio State 42, Minnesota 3*
Saturday, Oct. 11: No. 1 Ohio State 34, No. 17 Illinois 16*
Saturday, Oct. 18: No. 1 Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 0*
BYE
Saturday, Nov. 1: No. 1 Ohio State 38, Penn State 14*
Saturday, Nov. 8: No. 1 Ohio State 34, Purdue 10*
Saturday, Nov. 15: No. 1 Ohio State 48, UCLA 10*
Saturday, Nov. 22: No. 1 Ohio State 42, Rutgers 9*
Saturday, Nov. 29: No. 1 Ohio State 27, No. 15 Michigan 9*
Saturday, Dec. 6: No. 1 Ohio State vs No. 2 Indiana | Fox, 8 p.m. ET**
* – denotes Big Ten game
** – denotes Big Ten championship game
Indiana football schedule 2025
Here’s a look at Indiana’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.
Saturday, Aug. 30: No. 19 Indiana 27, Old Dominion 14
Saturday, Sept. 6: No. 21 Indiana 56, Kennesaw State 9
Friday, Sept. 12: No. 19 Indiana 73, Indiana State 0
Saturday, Sept. 20: No. 17 Indiana 63, No. 8 Illinois 10*
Saturday, Sept. 27: No. 12 Indiana 20, Iowa 15*
BYE
Saturday, Oct. 11: No. 7 Indiana 30, No. 2 Oregon 20*
Saturday, Oct. 18: No. 3 Indiana 38, Michigan State 13*
Saturday, Oct. 25: No. 2 Indiana 56, UCLA 6*
Saturday, Nov. 1: No. 2 Indiana 55, Maryland 10*
Saturday, Nov. 8: No. 2 Indiana 27, Penn State 24*
Saturday, Nov. 15: No. 2 Indiana 31, Wisconsin 7*
BYE
Friday, Nov. 28: No. 2 Indiana 56, Purdue 3
Saturday, Dec. 6: No. 1 Ohio State vs No. 2 Indiana | Fox, 8 p.m. ET**
* – denotes Big Ten game
** – denotes Big Ten championship game
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