Indiana football became inches away from beating Ohio State, literally. Wide receiver Nick Marsh couldn't keep one foot inbounds inside the end zone on fourth-and-four. But the Buckeyes' 19-15 escape did more than knock off IU, it blew up an incredible winning streak.
One that IU football had never seen before until Curt Cignetti became head coach.
Indiana entered its home venue accompanied by an astonishing 22-game winning streak. One that included last season's national title crown. Ohio State came in aiming for revenge against the very team that stunned the Buckeyes for the Big Ten title back in Dec. 2025.
IU even executed a brilliant game plan against quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, OSU's Heisman Trophy hopefuls. Sayin struggled to stay in consistent rhythm and absorbed countless hits. Smith faced bracketed coverage and didn't catch a pass until the second quarter.
Sayin even needed to leave to the locker room, then gasped OSU fans by walking out with a sling over his throwing arm. But backup QB Luke Fahey helped lead the emotional road win, then disrupted IU's long winning roll. Star defender Jay Timmons let it be known the streak is over.
Article Continues BelowHandful of plays from Jay Timmons today in his return from injury. Ohio State clearly missed his presence.
“That’s a dub,” he said walking off the field. pic.twitter.com/MEXvXyWYfx
— Lyle Alenstein (@LAlenstein) October 17, 2026
OSU coach Ryan Day raved how “the guys never gave up” on the winning side, especially after the devastating Sayin injury. Now OSU becomes the first team to beat Indiana since the Dec. 2024 College Football Playoffs, with Notre Dame knocking off the Hoosiers.
Ohio State now must capitalize on this win to stay in the driver's seat for the Big Ten title. Indiana, meanwhile, must pick up the pieces from its first regular season loss in literally two years.