No. 5 Ohio State Overwhelms Maryland 45-16 Behind Julian Sayin’s Four Touchdown Passes

By Erwina Caniel

October 12, 2026 No. 5 Ohio State Overwhelms Maryland 45-16 Behind Julian Sayin’s Four Touchdown Passes

Sayin’s Career-High Four Touchdowns Anchor a Dominant 45–16 Blowout at Ohio Stadium

Julian Sayin throws four touchdown passes, Jeremiah Smith scores twice through the air, and Bo Jackson rushes for 107 yards and two touchdowns as the Buckeyes dominate the Terrapins at Ohio Stadium, extend their home winning streak to 12 games, and improve to 3-0 in Big Ten play.

The No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, October 10, defeating the Maryland Terrapins 45-16 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State combined an explosive passing attack with a productive ground game to secure its third consecutive Big Ten victory and improve to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Maryland dropped to 2-4 overall and 0-3 in the Big Ten after struggling to generate consistent offense against the Buckeyes.

The victory also extended Ohio State’s home winning streak to 12 games and improved its all time record against Maryland to 10-0. The Buckeyes maintained control for most of the afternoon, establishing a two touchdown advantage in the opening quarter before building an even more comfortable lead in the second. Although Maryland produced a defensive touchdown after halftime, Ohio State responded and continued to widen the margin.

Sayin and Smith Ignite the Buckeyes’ Offense

Quarterback Julian Sayin led Ohio State’s offensive attack, completing 13 of 21 passes for 242 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. His four touchdown passes matched his career high, highlighting his ability to capitalize on opportunities downfield and deliver points when the Buckeyes reached scoring territory. Ohio State finished with 449 yards of total offense, including 242 through the air and 207 on the ground.

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was among the game’s standout performers, recording four receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns. His first scoring catch covered 33 yards in the opening quarter, giving Ohio State an early lead after a 31-yard punt return by Phillip Bell helped establish favorable field position. Smith struck again in the second quarter, hauling in a 40-yard touchdown pass from Sayin to extend the Buckeyes’ advantage to 21-10.

Sophomore tight end Nate Roberts also delivered a major play in the first quarter. Sayin found Roberts for a 68-yard touchdown, completing a two play, 71-yard drive that pushed Ohio State’s lead to 14-3. The explosive connection demonstrated the Buckeyes’ ability to score quickly and stretch Maryland’s defense across the field.

Ohio State Builds a Commanding Halftime Lead

Maryland briefly threatened to make the contest more competitive after Sean O’Haire converted a 39-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 7-3. The Terrapins then opened the second quarter with an 11-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a five yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Malik Washington. That score narrowed Ohio State’s advantage to 14-10.

Ohio State answered with another touchdown from Sayin and Smith before adding a 40-yard field goal by Connor Hawkins. The Buckeyes capitalized on another Maryland possession that ended with a failed fourth down trick play attempt during a punt situation. Ohio State took advantage of the resulting field position, finishing an eight play drive with a one yard touchdown reception by tight end Mason Williams with 24 seconds remaining in the first half.

That score gave the Buckeyes a 31-10 halftime advantage. Ohio State had outgained Maryland 282-87 through the opening two quarters, reflecting its superiority in offensive production and ability to turn opportunities into points.

Maryland Finds a Defensive Spark, but Ohio State Responds

The Terrapins produced their most dramatic moment midway through the third quarter. After a scoreless opening stretch following halftime, linebacker Daniel Wingate intercepted a Sayin pass and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown. Maryland failed to convert the ensuing two point attempt, leaving Ohio State ahead 31-16. The play gave the visitors a brief boost and marked Maryland’s first defensive touchdown of the season.

Ohio State responded immediately. The Buckeyes moved 64 yards in seven plays, with running back Bo Jackson finishing the drive on a 25-yard touchdown run. The score restored Ohio State’s three touchdown lead at 38-16 and prevented Maryland from building further momentum.

Jackson delivered another touchdown in the fourth quarter, capping a 16-play, 72-yard drive with a two yard scoring run. The possession consumed nearly 10 minutes and extended Ohio State’s advantage to the final margin of 45-16. Jackson finished with 107 rushing yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns, while Ja’Kobi Jackson contributed another 76 rushing yards.

Defensive Strength and a Statement Big Ten Victory

Ohio State’s defense complemented the offense by limiting Maryland to 146 total yards, including just 64 passing yards and 82 rushing yards. The Terrapins managed only 10 first downs and converted three of 12 third down opportunities. Safety Jaylen McClain led the Buckeyes with eight total tackles, while defensive lineman Eddrick Houston recorded 1.5 tackles for loss.

The result improved Ohio State to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Big Ten, while Maryland fell to 2-4 and remained winless in conference play. The Buckeyes also extended their home winning streak to 12 games and maintained their perfect all time record against the Terrapins at 10-0.

Ohio State’s balanced offense, explosive passing combinations and productive rushing attack proved decisive. Despite Maryland’s third quarter interception return for a touchdown, the Buckeyes responded with consecutive scoring drives and controlled the closing stages. The 45-16 victory provided another strong conference performance as Ohio State prepared for its next major challenge: a road matchup against No. 6 Indiana on October 17.

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