Ohio State Hosts Oregon at Ohio Stadium With Playoff Hopes and Backup Quarterbacks in the Balance
The No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 23 Oregon Ducks at 3:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 7, 2026, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, with both programs trying to stabilize their seasons after losing their starting quarterbacks to injury. CBS will televise the Big Ten matchup.
Ohio State enters the game ranked No. 12 in the College Football Playoff rankings, teetering on the edge of the 12-team playoff field following a 30-18 loss on the road to the USC Trojans. The Buckeyes dropped to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play after playing through a rainy afternoon in Los Angeles. Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey made his first career start in place of injured starter Julian Sayin, who is sidelined with a fractured elbow. Fahey threw for 260 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions against USC, but the Ohio State offense stumbled in the red zone and accumulated 11 penalties totaling 75 yards, according to reporting by the Columbus Dispatch. The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for Ohio State and pushed the team down to No. 10 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
Oregon arrives in Columbus with a 5-3 overall record and a 3-2 mark in Big Ten play after securing a 34-26 comeback win over Northwestern. The Ducks erased a 23-13 third-quarter deficit by outscoring the Wildcats 21-3 in the final 23 minutes and 46 seconds. The victory provided an offensive spark following a coaching staff shakeup that included firing offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer and installing interim coordinator Jay Johnson. Quarterback Dylan Raiola delivered his best performance as a starter under the new play-caller, throwing three touchdown passes without an interception. Despite those offensive improvements, Oregon’s season has fallen short of initial national championship expectations, and the team’s passing offense ranks 14th nationally while the run game sits at 92nd.
Betting Odds and Historical Matchups at Ohio Stadium
BetMGM lists Ohio State as an 8-point favorite over Oregon, with the over/under set at 44.5 points. The moneyline stands at Ohio State -300 and Oregon +240.
The two programs share a deep and recent history as conference foes. Ohio State leads the all-time series 10-2. In their most recent meeting, the Buckeyes defeated the Ducks 41-21 in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2025. Earlier that same season, Oregon edged Ohio State 32-31 in an epic encounter at Autzen Stadium on Oct. 12, 2024.
Writers for the Columbus Dispatch offered varied predictions for the contest. Joey Kaufman projected a 24-20 Ohio State victory, pointing to Oregon’s pass-rushing tandem of Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei as a major test for Fahey and the Buckeyes’ pass protection. Rob Oller predicted a 28-17 win for Ohio State, noting that Oregon’s 14th-ranked passing attack could trouble a Buckeye defense that struggled with tackling against USC. Brianna Mac Kay highlighted Fahey’s rushing ability, noting his 8-yard runs in the Indiana and USC games and the possibility of a quarterback sneak near the goal line. Dan Aulbach forecasted a 24-21 narrow win for Ohio State, citing a dependable running game and improved defensive execution as deciding factors.
Ohio State Struggles to Convert Red Zone Trips into Touchdowns
Fixing red zone execution remains the primary tactical priority for the Ohio State staff. Against USC, the Buckeyes generated their best rushing yards-per-carry average of the season in Big Ten play at 4.74 yards, and Fahey moved the chains through the air. However, Ohio State converted four red-zone trips into just 13 points, settling for four field goals alongside a single touchdown. A similar inefficiency plagued the Buckeyes in a win over Indiana, where they also managed only 13 points across three red-zone possessions.
If the Buckeyes are going to control this game and keep Oregon from building belief it can win on the road, Fahey has to be sharper in the red zone and the Ohio State rushing attack has to be able to help out. Running back Bo Jackson anchors the ground game, but reserve Isaiah West provides explosive alternatives. West rushed for 45 yards on six carries against Indiana on Oct. 17 and added 65 yards on 13 carries against USC. He faces an Oregon rush defense that concedes 133.8 yards per game, making West an important secondary weapon for sustaining drives and finishing possessions inside the 20-yard line.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Matchup
Why is Julian Sayin not playing for Ohio State?
Julian Sayin is sidelined with a fractured elbow, forcing freshman quarterback Luke Fahey into the starting lineup for his second consecutive game and his first career start at Ohio Stadium.
What changes did Oregon make to its coaching staff before this game?
Oregon fired offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer following a sluggish start to the season and promoted Jay Johnson to interim coordinator, a move that immediately yielded a season-best performance from quarterback Dylan Raiola in a win against Northwestern.
How do both teams rank in the current College Football Playoff standings?
Ohio State enters the week at No. 12 in the College Football Playoff rankings, positioned as the first team outside the 12-team field, while Oregon sits at No. 23 with a 5-3 record.
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