Ohio State rolls past Ball State 56-3 behind Julian Sayin, explosive offense

Ohio StateBuckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) unloads a pass to Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (0) for a first down during college football action in the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, September 5, 2026.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comBy Jonathan X. Simmons, cleveland.comcleveland.com Express DeskCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State shook off an uneventful opening possession and quickly asserted itself Saturday at Ohio Stadium, rolling to a 56-3 victory over Ball State behind a big day from quarterback Julian Sayin and a collection of explosive plays.Sayin continued his strong start to the season, completing 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns while also scoring the first rushing touchdown of his college career. His favorite target was Jeremiah Smith, who hauled in eight catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns, while Devin McCuin added six receptions for 97 yards and a score.After opening the game with a three-and-out, the Buckeyes needed just a few minutes to find their rhythm. Sayin connected with Smith for a 48-yard touchdown down the right sideline with 8:47 remaining in the first quarter, then capped a nine-play, 75-yard drive later in the period with a 17-yard touchdown pass to McCuin for a 14-0 lead.Ohio State extended its advantage early in the second quarter when linebacker T.J. Alford intercepted Ball State quarterback Keldric Luster, giving the Buckeyes possession at the Cardinals’ 28-yard line. The takeaway quickly turned into points as Sayin kept the ball on fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line and scored his first career rushing touchdown, pushing the lead to 21-0.Ball State’s lone points came on a 54-yard field goal by Brody Boehm with 1:17 left in the half. Ohio State answered before the break when Sayin found Smith in the back of the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown with 10 seconds remaining, sending the Buckeyes into halftime with a 28-3 advantage.The second half turned into a showcase for Ohio State’s running game.Starting from its own 6-yard line after a Ball State punt, Ohio State struck immediately when Bo Jackson broke free for a 65-yard touchdown run to make it 35-3. A few minutes later, Ja’Kobi Jackson added a 49-yard scoring run of his own as the Buckeyes stretched the lead to 42-3 midway through the third quarter.The pair finished with matching 83-yard rushing days. Bo Jackson carried nine times for 83 yards and a touchdown, while Ja’Kobi Jackson added 83 yards and a score on eight carries.Ohio State’s final two touchdowns belonged to a pair of highly touted freshmen. Legend Bey’s afternoon included both highs and lows. The return specialist twice brought kickoffs out of the end zone despite being instructed not to, leaving the Buckeyes with poor field position. He made up for it late in the fourth quarter, catching a short pass from backup quarterback Luke Fahey and turning it into a highlight-reel 25-yard touchdown. Bey slipped through multiple Ball State defenders on his way to the end zone, showcasing the elusiveness that has quickly made him one of Ohio State’s most intriguing young playmakers.Tavien St. Clair then put the finishing touches on the victory, connecting with fellow freshman Chris Henry Jr. for a 15-yard touchdown pass. The score was a welcome moment for Henry, whose Buckeye debut had been a frustrating one. The highly touted receiver was charged with three drops earlier in the game before rebounding to haul in his first career touchdown reception.Ohio State’s defense was equally impressive, holding Ball State out of the end zone, forcing Alford’s interception and limiting the Cardinals to a single field goal.With the outcome settled long before the final whistle, the Buckeyes were able to rotate young players into the game and showcase the depth that sits behind a roster loaded with championship aspirations. Behind Sayin’s efficient performance, explosive touchdown runs from Jackson and Jackson, and fourth-quarter scores from Bey and Henry, Ohio State cruised to a 56-3 victory.From high school state championships and providing a fresh perspective on the NBA and NFL Drafts to assisting with Ohio State football coverage on gamedays and tackling general college football and NBA news,...