The air in Columbus on November 1, 2025, felt different. If you were looking for a nail-biter, you probably left Ohio Stadium a little disappointed. Or maybe just impressed. The penn state vs ohio state score ended in a lopsided 38-14 victory for the top-ranked Buckeyes, but the final numbers on the scoreboard don't actually tell the whole story of how we got there. It was a weird afternoon. One of those games where momentum felt like a physical object you could pass back and forth until, suddenly, one team just decided to keep it.
For a hot minute, Penn State actually looked like they might pull off the impossible. They were 3-4 coming into this thing, basically limping through a transition year after James Franklin’s exit, yet they went into the locker room at halftime only trailing 17-14. It was quiet in the Shoe. You could almost feel the collective "uh oh" from the home crowd. But then the third quarter happened, and Ohio State reminded everyone why they’ve won nine of these in a row.
How the Penn State vs Ohio State Score Spiraled in the Second Half
Honestly, the first half was a masterclass in "hanging around." Penn State’s defense was flying. They forced a massive fumble late in the second quarter—Dani Dennis-Sutton basically ripped the ball away—which set up a Kaytron Allen touchdown with just 23 seconds left in the half. It was 17-14. People were checking their TVs. Was No. 1 Ohio State really about to stumble against a team with a losing record?
Then came the "Julian Sayin Show."
The Buckeyes’ redshirt freshman quarterback came out of the tunnel and basically decided the game was over. He finished 20-of-23 for 316 yards and four touchdowns. That’s not a typo. He missed three passes all day. The penn state vs ohio state score started to balloon because Penn State simply couldn't track Jeremiah Smith or Carnell Tate. Tate was a problem all afternoon, racking up 124 yards. Smith? He was busy catching 57-yard bombs and making one-handed grabs that looked like something out of a video game.
The Turning Points Most People Missed
It wasn't just the big passes. If you look at the box score, you’ll see Penn State had 200 total yards. Ohio State had 480. That’s a massive gap. But look closer at the third quarter:
🔗 Read more: What Time Is The Vols Game Today: Watching Tennessee vs Alabama (January 18)
- The 5-play Blitz: Ohio State scored a rushing touchdown just minutes into the half to make it 24-14. It took them less than three minutes to march down the field.
- The Sack Parade: Penn State’s Ethan Grunkemeyer, who was starting at QB, got absolutely buried. The Buckeyes defense racked up four sacks in the second half alone.
- The Endzone Interception: Down 31-14, Penn State actually put a drive together and got to the Ohio State 7-yard line. A touchdown there makes it a 10-point game with time left. Instead? Interception in the endzone. Game over.
Why This Score Matters for the Rivalry's Future
This was more than just another win for Ryan Day. It was a statement. With this 38-14 result, Ohio State has now won nine straight against the Nittany Lions. That is a decade of dominance. It’s reached a point where the "rivalry" tag feels a little generous, at least on the scoreboard.
But here’s the kicker: we won’t see this matchup again for a while. Because of the Big Ten’s new scheduling structure with 18 teams, these two aren't scheduled to play in 2026 or 2027. They won't meet again until 2028 at Beaver Stadium. By then, the world will look totally different. Penn State will (hopefully) have their feet under them with a permanent coaching staff, and the Buckeyes might be defending a national title or two.
🔗 Read more: Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs Calgary Stampeders: What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
Key Stats from the 38-14 Finish
Let’s break down the efficiency because it’s kind of wild. Ohio State averaged 8.7 yards per play. To put that in perspective, every time they snapped the ball, they basically gained a first down. Penn State averaged 3.3. You can't win football games when you’re gaining three yards a pop against a defense that is specialized in ending drives.
Kaytron Allen was a bright spot for the Lions, grinding out 76 yards and a score, but he was running into a brick wall most of the day. On the other side, CJ Donaldson and Bo Jackson (yes, he’s a Buckeye now) provided just enough of a ground threat to keep the safeties honest so Sayin could pick the secondary apart.
Actionable Takeaways for Big Ten Fans
If you're tracking the aftermath of the penn state vs ohio state score, here is what you need to keep an eye on as the season wraps up:
- Watch the CFP Rankings: Ohio State is the clear No. 1, but they have Michigan looming. A win there cements a top-four seed and a first-round bye in the playoff.
- Penn State's Rebuild: The Nittany Lions are officially in "evaluation mode." Watch how they use Ethan Grunkemeyer in the final weeks—is he the guy for 2026, or are they hitting the portal?
- The Jeremiah Smith Heisman Hype: After that performance in Columbus, Smith is no longer just "the talented freshman." He’s arguably the best receiver in the country. Keep an eye on his betting odds; they're going to shift.
- Big Ten Championship Scenarios: Ohio State’s win puts them in the driver's seat for a trip to Indianapolis. They just need to avoid a "trap game" collapse against UCLA or Purdue.
The 2025 edition of this game might have ended with a predictable result, but the way Ohio State flexed their muscles in the second half suggests they are on a collision course with a trophy. For Penn State, it’s a long road back to 2028, and a lot of soul-searching in the meantime.