Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Minneapolis, MN — The Ohio State Buckeyes opened their season with a 45-31 victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten matchup at Huntington Bank Stadium. The game marked the debut of Ohio State’s new starting quarterback, C.J. Stroud, who took the reins after Justin Fields‘ departure to the NFL. Despite some early struggles, Stroud showcased his talent in the second half, leading Ohio State to a strong finish.

Minnesota controlled the tempo early, utilizing their physical running game to sustain long drives. Star running back Mohamed Ibrahim was dominant, rushing for 163 yards and two touchdowns before exiting in the third quarter with an injury. His absence shifted momentum in favor of Ohio State.

Stroud, who had a shaky first half with some overthrown passes, rebounded after halftime. He finished the game with 294 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, spreading the ball effectively to his deep receiving corps. One of the game’s defining moments came in the third quarter when Stroud connected with Chris Olave for a 38-yard touchdown, giving Ohio State a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Olave finished with four receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns, while fellow receiver Garrett Wilson added five catches for 80 yards and a touchdown.

The Buckeyes’ explosive playmaking extended beyond the passing game. Running back Miyan Williams contributed a key 71-yard rushing touchdown, displaying Ohio State’s big-play ability. Freshman TreVeyon Henderson also made his mark with a 70-yard receiving touchdown, highlighting his versatility.

Defensively, Ohio State had key moments despite some struggles against Minnesota’s ground attack. Linebacker Zach Harrison recorded a crucial strip-sack, which defensive tackle Haskell Garrett returned for a touchdown, shifting momentum firmly in the Buckeyes’ favor. The defense, however, allowed 203 rushing yards, exposing areas that would need improvement moving forward.

Key Performances

• C.J. Stroud (QB, OSU): 13/22, 294 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT – Strong second half in his first career start.
• Chris Olave (WR, OSU): 4 receptions, 117 yards, 2 TD – Continued his reputation as a premier deep threat.
• Miyan Williams (RB, OSU): 9 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD – Averaged 13.9 yards per carry, including a game-changing 71-yard TD.
• TreVeyon Henderson (RB, OSU): 1 reception, 70 yards, 1 TD – His touchdown reception was his first career score.
• Zach Harrison (DE, OSU): 1 sack, 1 forced fumble – Impactful defensive play that resulted in a scoop-and-score TD.

Stroud’s four-touchdown performance in his debut placed him among the most productive first-time starting quarterbacks in Ohio State history, joining the ranks of Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields. Additionally, Olave’s two-touchdown game brought him closer to becoming Ohio State’s all-time leader in career touchdown receptions.

Ohio State’s season opener showcased both promise and areas for growth. Stroud overcame early jitters to demonstrate his potential, while the Buckeyes’ playmakers delivered explosive scoring plays. Defensively, Ohio State capitalized on turnovers but struggled at times against Minnesota’s power-run game. The victory set the stage for further development as Ohio State aimed to refine its defense and build upon its offensive firepower for the remainder of the season.