Ohio State 42-3 over Minnesota; Sayin leads unbeaten Buckeyes
When Julian Sayin, the redshirt freshman quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, threw for 326 yards against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 4, 2025, the #1 ranked Buckeyes cruised to a 42‑3 victory at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The win kept Ohio State undefeated at 5‑0 overall and 2‑0 in Big Ten play, while Minnesota slipped to 3‑2 in the conference.
Game recap: a textbook performance
The contest began with Minnesota’s opening drive consuming nearly seven minutes and ending with a 27‑yard field goal by Brady Denaburg. Ohio State answered with a brisk 91‑yard, seven‑play march that ended in a one‑yard plunge by CJ Donaldson Jr.. By halftime the Buckeyes had built a 28‑3 lead, highlighted by a single‑play, 44‑yard touchdown pass from Sayan to Carnell Tate.
In the second half the Buckeyes kept the pressure on, adding two more touchdowns – a 9‑yard strike to Jeremiah Smith and a 1‑yard run by freshman Lincoln Kienholz. Minnesota managed only the opening field goal; the final score read 42‑3.
Key performances that shaped the outcome
Sayian’s numbers were eye‑popping: 23‑of‑27 completions, three touchdowns, and a passer rating that would make NFL scouts sit up. He also kept the turnover margin clean, handing the Gophers no interceptions. Bo Jackson (yes, the same name as the former NFL legend) contributed 63 rushing yards, adding a physical edge on the ground.
Carnell Tate emerged as the top receiver with 183 yards and a touchdown, while Arll Reese recorded the game’s first sack, cleaning up a second‑quarter drive.
Coaching tweaks that paid off
Head coach Ryan Day took a gamble in the week leading up to the matchup, expanding Sayian’s playbook and giving the young signal‑caller more deep‑route concepts. “Julian is playing with more confidence and we wanted to put more on his plate this week,” Day said in the post‑game press conference. “When you can be accurate underneath and get the ball out quick but also down the field, that’s when our offense can really be clicking on all cylinders.” The gamble paid off in spades, as evidenced by three long‑range touchdown passes.
Statistical snapshot
- Final score: Ohio State 42, Minnesota 3
- Time of possession: Buckeyes 33:45, Gophers 26:15
- Total yards: Ohio State 543, Minnesota 227
- Third‑down conversions: Ohio State 9 of 12, Minnesota 2 of 9
- Turnovers: 0 for both teams
Reactions from the locker rooms
After the game, Sayian shrugged off the accolades, saying, “I just tried to make the right reads and get the ball to my guys.” The offensive line, led by senior tackle Jameson Geers, earned praise for keeping the pocket clean. On the Gophers side, quarterback Drake Lindsey admitted the Buckeyes were simply “on another level tonight.”
The University of Minnesota Athletics Department released a brief statement noting that while the early field goal was a bright spot, the team “couldn’t sustain momentum against a top‑ranked opponent.”
What’s next for the Buckeyes and the Gophers?
Ohio State’s next challenge arrives on November 1, when the Buckeyes host Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium. The game is slated for 12:00 PM Eastern and could have major implications for the Big Ten East race.
Minnesota heads back home on October 11 for a matchup that the university has not publicly disclosed yet, though the school has hinted at a home‑coming celebration the following week.
Historical context: Ohio State’s dominance in recent years
This victory marks Ohio State’s fourth straight win at Ohio Stadium against a Big Ten opponent this season, extending a streak that began in 2022 when the Buckeyes posted a 38‑14 win over Michigan State. The 42‑3 margin ties for the third‑largest victory margin at Ohio Stadium since the 1990s, according to the school’s athletic archives.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s 3‑point field goal remains their only score against a top‑five opponent this decade, underscoring a growing gap in recruiting and depth between the two programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ohio State’s offense outperform Minnesota’s defense?
Ohio State mixed short, quick passes with deep shots, forcing Minnesota’s secondary to play deep. Sayian’s 23‑of‑27 completion rate and three long‑range touchdowns kept the Gophers’ linebackers on the sideline, while the Buckeye line gave him a clean pocket, resulting in 543 total yards.
What impact does this win have on Ohio State’s Big Ten title hopes?
Staying unbeaten at 5‑0 and 2‑0 in conference puts Ohio State in a strong position to clinch the East division. A win over Penn State next month could seal a top seed for the conference championship game.
Who stood out for Minnesota despite the loss?
Quarterback Drake Lindsey kept the offense moving with 94 passing yards and avoided turnovers. Running back Fame Ijeboi added 52 rushing yards, showing flashes of the power the Gophers have relied on in previous seasons.
When and where can fans watch the next Buckeyes game?
Ohio State faces Penn State on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. The game will be broadcast on Fox and streamed on the Fox Sports app; local viewers can also catch it on the Big Ten Network.
What does this result mean for Minnesota’s season outlook?
The loss drops Minnesota to 3‑2 in the Big Ten, making each remaining game critical for a bowl‑eligible record. Their next home game on October 11 will be a chance to rebound and keep postseason hopes alive.
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