Ohio State freshman Legend Bey (Photo by Ohio State Athletics)
The best game in the world is back, and it’s back in the best state ever! College football in Ohio is back!
#2 Ohio State 1-0 (0-0 in the Big Ten)
Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith did what they do. While Ohio State has some remaining question marks from 2025, their top rankings are still justified. It helps a lot to be able to lean on one of the most elite quarterback-wide receiver combos in the nation. Julian Sayin would throw for 320 yards (295 in the first half) and get four total touchdowns, while Jeremiah Smith would get eight catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns (all in the first half). Ohio State would cruise to a 56-3 win behind their 10-4 stars and a dominant defense. The Bucks’ first big test comes next week on the road in Austin.
Cincinnati 1-0 (0-0 in the Big 12)
Boston College isn’t exactly a powerhouse, but this was an important and key win for the Bearcats. Their 34-15 victory and their schedule, they’ll likely be 3-0 heading into Big 12 play. Next week, they have FCS Western Carolina before their rivalry game with MAC foe Miami of Ohio to round out their non-conference schedule. Their rushing attack had 254 yards and three touchdowns, and their defense racked up four sacks, eight tackles for a loss, forced two turnovers, and held BC to 14 points. It will be pivotal this season to show how Georgia Southern transfer John French IV replaces UC’s 2025 quarterback, who, while troubled, was effective on the field.
Miami (Ohio) 0-1 (0-0 in the MAC)
The RedHawks started their 2026 season on the road in a place most Southwestern Ohioans loathe: Pittsburgh. Miami got off to a rough start, finding themselves down 21-0 after the first quarter. But the RedHawks fought back, outscoring Pitt, 14-10 in the second quarter, making it 31-14 at the half. Unfortunately, that would be the only victory for Miami, as they were outscored the rest of the way 28-0 en route to a 59-14 defeat. Miami will have their home opener next week against Holy Cross.
Ohio 0-1 (0-0 in the MAC)
Ohio got off to a good start against the Cornhuskers in Lincoln, Nebraska. They led 10-7 after the first quarter and stuck with Nebraska for a long time. The Bobcats trailed only 14-13 midway through the third quarter. That’s when Nebraska finally pulled away. The Huskers would outscore the Bobcats from the point on by a whopping 35-8 and win the game 49-21. Ohio hosts a solid Jacksonville State team next week in their home opener in Athens.
Bowling Green 0-1 (0-0 in the MAC)
It was a tough first game of the year for Eddie George’s Falcons. Bowling Green opened their season at home against Tarleton State. Tarleton State is an FCS powerhouse who came into the game ranked #5 in the FCS. Last year the Texans went 12-2, winning a playoff game before falling in the FCS quarterfinals. They’re not a team you can write off. Unfortunately, BGSU let the Texans get an early 17-0 lead. Bowling Green’s offense would struggle to put points on the board, and behind 250 rushing yards from Tylan Hines, Tarleton State would get the 20-13 upset over the Falcons. BGSU is back in action next week at Nebraska, and then at Iowa State. They’re looking at a 0-3 start at the moment.
Toledo 0-1 (0-0 in the MAC)
The Rockets didn’t make Pat Fitzgerald’s Michigan State debut easy on him, his team, or the fans in East Lansing. Almost every time you thought MSU might run away with it, Toledo fought back. They cut a 13-point lead to 13-7, a 19-7 lead to 19-14, and even took their own 20-19 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Spartans would finally ground the Rockets with 10 in the final stanza to win 30-20. Toledo hosts Central Connecticut in their home opener in the Glass Bowl next week.
Akron 0-1 (0-0 in the MAC)
Akron had a tough road opener this week. They played at Wake Forest on Thursday night and it didn’t go well for the Zips. Akron just couldn’t get any offense going until it was too late. Midway through the fourth quarter, they were down by five touchdowns and were lucky to only lose by 24, 38-16. Akron limps their way back home to play in the Rubber Capital of the World. They’ll try to get their first win when they host Robert Morris.
Kent State 0-1 (0-0 in the MAC)
The Golden Flashes got mauled in their season opener at South Carolina. Kent State couldn’t get anything going, totaling only 179 yards of total offense and zero points. South Carolina would win easily by a score of 57-0. Kent State will try to get their first win of the season next week at home against Wofford. If they don’t beat Wofford, they’ll be staring down a 0-3 start when they play Ohio State in two weeks.
Dayton 1-0 (0-0 in the Pioneer League)
Dayton got their year off to a great start against Fairmount State in Week 0. The Flyers rushed for 251 yards and three touchdowns in their 43-20 victory. Dayton jumped out to a 38-0 lead in the first half, and kind of took their foot off the gas in the second, which made the score look closer than it actually was. Next, UD will play Thomas Moore at home. Getting a 1-0 start to the season is great for their ambitions in winning the Pioneer League.
Youngstown State 1-1 (0-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference)
The Penguins got off to a great start in their season opener against Mercyhurst. Walter Payton Award winner Beau Brungard was sensational again for YSU. Brungard had 232 passing yards and three touchdowns, and also rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
YSU’s road trip to UK was a little rougher for the Penguins. Kentucky clamped down on YSU and led them 28-7 at the half and would finish them off by a score of 45-13. Brungard still played well, but just not well enough. Against UK, he had 272 yards of offense and a touchdown. The Penguins will host Duquesne next at home in Stambaugh Stadium.
Bill Willis Award Player of the Week
Youngstown State’s senior, Beau Brungard, is once again the player of the week in Ohio. Brungard had 623 yards rushing and passing in YSU’s first two games. He also accounted for six touchdowns for the Penguins. Expect to see him, Julian Sayin, and Jeremiah Smith here a lot this season.
Writer’s Note: The FBS rankings are from The College Football Power Rankings at TheForkball.com. The FCS rankings are from the FCS STATS Poll.
