The 2024 Ohio State football schedule delivered a historic campaign that culminated in a College Football Playoff run under head coach Ryan Day. Featuring high-stakes divisional clashes, a blockbuster non-conference matchup in Eugene, and an expanded 12-team playoff format, this schedule tested every facet of the roster. From the opening kickoff against Akron to the national postseason battle, the Buckeyes navigated a grueling gauntlet of traditional rivals and elite new conference foes.
Examining the full slate reveals how single-digit margins, defensive masterclasses, and offensive adjustments shaped the season's trajectory. Whether you're tracking specific game outcomes, analyzing historic stats, or reviewing how the team rebounded from mid-season adversity, this complete breakdown covers every matchup, venue, and final score from the unforgettable 2024 season.
Full 2024 Ohio State Football Schedule and Results
The Buckeyes played a 12-game regular season before entering the postseason. The schedule featured eight home games at Ohio Stadium, three true road games, and one neutral-site conference game played at Wrigley Field.
- August 31, 2024: vs. Akron (Columbus, OH) — W, 52-6
- September 7, 2024: vs. Western Michigan (Columbus, OH) — W, 56-0
- September 21, 2024: vs. Marshall (Columbus, OH) — W, 49-14
- September 28, 2024: at Michigan State (East Lansing, MI) — W, 38-7
- October 5, 2024: vs. Iowa (Columbus, OH) — W, 35-7
- October 12, 2024: at Oregon (Eugene, OR) — L, 32-31
- October 26, 2024: vs. Nebraska (Columbus, OH) — W, 21-17
- November 2, 2024: at Penn State (State College, PA) — W, 20-13
- November 9, 2024: vs. Purdue (Columbus, OH) — W, 45-0
- November 16, 2024: at Northwestern (Evanston, IL / Wrigley Field) — W, 38-3
- November 23, 2024: vs. Indiana (Columbus, OH) — W, 38-15
- November 30, 2024: vs. Michigan (Columbus, OH) — L, 13-10
For official athletic department records and archival summaries, check out the Ohio State Buckeyes Official Athletics Site.
Non-Conference Tune-Ups and Early Momentum
Ohio State opened the 2024 campaign with three non-conference contests designed to integrate new transfers and elite freshmen into the lineup. Transfer quarterback Will Howard and standout freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith immediately set the tone.
Against Akron, the offense clicked early, rolling to a 52-6 victory. The defense followed up with a complete shutout performance against Western Michigan, winning 56-0. A week later, Marshall visited Columbus; while the Thundering Herd managed some explosive plays, the Buckeyes' depth wore them down in a 49-14 win. These early dominant outings masked minor trench questions that would only surface later against elite competition.
The Big Ten Gauntlet and Defining Losses
The heart of the schedule presented unique physical challenges, especially with the integration of former Pac-12 programs into the Big Ten conference framework.
Navigating October Tests
The Buckeyes opened conference play by comfortably dispatching Michigan State (38-7) and Iowa (35-7). However, the schedule's first major roadblock arrived on October 12 in Eugene. Facing the Oregon Ducks in a top-tier clash, Ohio State fell short in a 32-31 thriller. Defensive lapses in the secondary and a late clock-management sequence proved costly in Autzen Stadium.
Following a much-needed bye week, Ohio State hosted Nebraska and survived a sluggish offensive performance to pull out a 21-17 victory.
The White Out Win and Late-Season Resilience
One of the defining defensive highlights of the regular season occurred on November 2 in State College. Playing in a hostile environment against Penn State, the Buckeyes manufactured a gritty 20-13 victory, anchored by goal-line stands and clutch third-down conversions.
Routine wins over Purdue (45-0) and Northwestern (38-3 at Wrigley Field) kept the playoff hopes alive, setting up a high-stakes showdown against an unbeaten Indiana squad on November 23, which Ohio State handled 38-15.
The Regular Season Finale Stumble
The annual rivalry game against Michigan on November 30 brought heartbreak to Columbus. Despite entering as heavy favorites, the Buckeyes struggled to sustain drives in freezing conditions, dropping a 13-10 defensive battle to the Wolverines. This loss kept them out of the Big Ten Championship Game but didn't eliminate them from national title contention under the new postseason format.
Postseason and College Football Playoff Run
The expanded 12-team playoff gave Ohio State new life. Re-entering the bracket with renewed focus, the team put together an exceptional postseason run:
- CFP First Round (December 21, 2024): Hosted Tennessee in Columbus and secured a convincing 42-17 victory.
- CFP Quarterfinal / Rose Bowl (January 1, 2025): Rematched with Oregon in Pasadena and decisively turned the tables, winning 41-21.
- CFP Semifinal / Cotton Bowl (January 10, 2025): Traveled to Dallas and defeated Texas 28-14 to punch a ticket to the championship.
- CFP National Championship (January 20, 2025): Crowned their season in Atlanta by topping Notre Dame 34-23 to capture the national title.
For deeper analysis of NCAA playoff structures and historical rankings, consult NCAA.com.
Common Misconceptions About the 2024 Slate
Fans often misremember how the schedule was constructed or how injuries influenced the team's output. Here are a few details to clear up:
- Neutral Site Designation: The game against Northwestern was officially designated as an away game for Ohio State, but it was played at historic Wrigley Field in Chicago rather than Ryan Field.
- Pac-12 Integration: While Oregon was the only regular-season opponent from the newly absorbed Pac-12 contingent, it served as the most-watched regular-season college football window of the fall.
- Playoff Eligibility: Missing the Big Ten Championship game turned out to grant the Buckeyes an extra week of physical recovery before hosting their first-round playoff game, which directly aided their postseason stamina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ohio State play any FCS teams in 2024?
No. The non-committee portion of the non-conference schedule featured Akron, Western Michigan, and Marshall, all of which compete at the FBS level.
Where was the 2024 Michigan game played?
The regular-season finale took place at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
How many total games did Ohio State play in 2024 including the postseason?
The Buckeyes played 16 total games: 12 regular season games, plus 4 postseason matchups in the College Football Playoff.
What was Ohio State's record against ranked opponents during the regular season?
They split their marquee regular-season matchups against top-tier foes, securing a vital road win against Penn State while dropping close road and home contests to Oregon and Michigan.
