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Ohio State Celebrates Seniors Before Season Opener Against Ball State
Confirmed
In Short: Ohio State honored its seniors before the 2026 season opener against Ball State, moving the traditional Senior Day celebration to the first game of the season.
Ohio State's offense showcased its strength in the season opener against Ball State, scoring touchdowns on three of its first four drives, including a 48-yard deep pass from Julian Sayin to Jeremiah Smith and a 3-yard touchdown run by Sayin, leading to a 21-0 lead early in the game.
The defense was equally impressive, holding Ball State to just one field goal and no touchdowns, with TJ Alford making the first takeaway of the season.
In August, head coach Ryan Day explained the decision to move Senior Day to the first game of the season, stating, 'We talked about it and had long conversations about [moving Senior Day]. The traditions at Ohio State here are significant and very strong and something that we all respect.
This move allowed Ohio State to celebrate its seniors before the home finale against Michigan, which was rescheduled for November. The Buckeyes also inducted former head coach Jim Tressel into the program's Ring of Honor.
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- Watch on @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/2G4Uoa7aNx On the opening play of the second quarter, TJ Alford made the Ohio State defense’s first takeaway of the season, intercepting Ball State quarterback Keldric Luster, who was hurried on a nice rush by freshman defensive end Khary Wilder, who was in the game at defensive tackle.
- It's the first full week of the college football season, which means it's time to honor the seniors who are playing in their final home game.
- But Senior Day usually takes place in a team's last home game of the season.
- “There’s a lot of positives on both sides of the ball,” coach Mike Uremovich said.
- Ohio State: Day said Tuesday that he wanted a clean performance from the Buckeyes.
- 5 Texas with a 56-3 rout of Ball State on Saturday.
- “We've got to get on the film and see what we made mistakes on, and see what we can get better at because obviously a big matchup going next week and we’re fired up about it.” Ball State (0-1) got its points on Brody Boehm's 54-yard field goal with 1:17 remaining in the second quarter.