There’s a certain clarity that comes when a top-ranked team faces a rebuilding program: the scoreboard reflects not just talent, but the entire arc of two very different seasons. On November 8, 2025, Ohio State showed exactly that, rolling past Purdue 34–10 in West Lafayette in a game that felt decided by halftime.

4 related posts

Ohio State vs Purdue series record: 44-16-2 ·
Last meeting (Nov 8, 2025): Ohio State 34-10 Purdue ·
Ohio State 2025 ranking: No. 1 (AP Poll, week 11) ·
Purdue 2025 record: 2-8 ·
Ohio State CFP ranking (Nov 2025): No. 2

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith will declare for 2026 NFL draft
  • Final CFP bracket will be set in December 2025
  • Purdue’s quarterback situation beyond 2025 remains unsettled
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Ohio State expected to make the 12-team CFP field
  • Purdue faces a critical offseason rebuild
  • Jeremiah Smith’s draft decision could shape Ohio State’s 2026 offense

Six areas where the numbers draw a sharp contrast between the two programs:

Category Details
2025 Matchup Winner Ohio State (34-10) (CBS Sports game tracker)
Ohio State 2025 CFP Ranking (Week 11) No. 2 (AP No. 1)
Purdue 2025 Record (after Nov 8) 2-8
Ohio State QB Pass Yards (Nov 8, 2025) Julian Sayin: 303 yards, 1 TD (ESPN stats)
OSU Middle 50% ACT Score 27–33 (Ohio State Admissions)
OSU Middle 50% SAT Score 1280–1470 (Ohio State Admissions)

Is Purdue or Ohio State more prestigious?

National rankings and selectivity

  • Ohio State’s Office of Admissions reports that the middle 50% of admitted Columbus-campus students scored 27–33 on the ACT and 1280–1470 on the SAT (Ohio State University Office of Admissions). Both schools are large publics with strong research profiles, but Ohio State’s athletic brand and media exposure give it a wider national reputation.

The pattern: two schools with similar academic selectivity, but Ohio State’s constant presence in championship conversations tips the prestige scale for many prospective students and fans.

When did Ohio State lose to Purdue?

Recent Ohio State losses to Purdue

  • October 20, 2018: No. 2 Ohio State lost 49-20 at Purdue (ESPN game story). That upset torpedoed Ohio State’s playoff hopes that season.
  • November 9, 2024: Ohio State won 45-0 in Columbus.
  • November 8, 2025: No. 1 Ohio State won 34-10 in West Lafayette (ESPN game recap).

What this means: Purdue’s 2018 win remains a highlight, but the Boilermakers have lost four straight since. The gap on the field is now 24 points per game over the last two meetings.

Is it harder to get into Purdue or Ohio State?

Admissions selectivity comparison

Ohio State does not have minimum ACT or SAT requirements, but the middle 50% of admitted students score 27-33 ACT and 1280-1470 SAT (Ohio State University Office of Admissions). Purdue’s published acceptance rate of 53% is slightly more selective than Ohio State’s 57%, though test-score ranges overlap significantly.

SAT/ACT score ranges

The middle 50% SAT range at Ohio State (1280-1470) is similar to Purdue’s typical range of 1210-1430, making both schools highly competitive but not elite. Neither university has a minimum test score for admission.

The trade-off

A slightly lower sticker price at Purdue ($9,992 in-state vs. Ohio State’s $12,485) plus its top-ranked engineering program often appeals to students prioritizing ROI, while Ohio State’s broader brand attracts those eyeing a traditional “big college” experience.

Are Ohio State out of the playoffs?

No. Ohio State improved to 9-0 after beating Purdue and sits at No. 2 in the first College Football Playoff top 25 of 2025. With a 12-team bracket, the Buckeyes are all but guaranteed a spot as long as they finish the regular season without a second loss. The win at West Lafayette also cemented their hold on the Big Ten East division (Ohio State Buckeyes official recap).

Why this matters: Ohio State’s season now hinges on the Big Ten Championship Game. A loss there could drop them, but at 11-1 or 12-0 they are highly likely to host a first-round playoff game.

Who is the biggest donor to Ohio State?

In 2025, Ohio State announced the largest single donation in the university’s history—though the donor’s name has not been officially disclosed by the athletic department. Previous records include a $100 million gift from Leslie H. Wexner, the retail magnate and longtime university benefactor. These donations directly fuel the football program’s facilities and recruitment budget.

The upshot

Ohio State’s ability to attract nine-figure donations means its athletic department operates with a financial advantage that most Big Ten programs, including Purdue, cannot match.

Timeline: Ohio State vs Purdue rivalry

Date/Period Event Source
Oct 20, 2018 Purdue defeats No. 2 Ohio State 49-20 in West Lafayette ESPN
Nov 9, 2024 Ohio State beats Purdue 45-0 in Columbus Ohio State Buckeyes
Nov 8, 2025 No. 1 Ohio State defeats Purdue 34-10; Julian Sayin throws 303 yards ESPN
Nov 2025 Ohio State enters CFP rankings at No. 2 CFP Selection Committee

The pattern: Since 2018, each Ohio State win has grown more dominant, underscoring the program’s trajectory as a national contender versus Purdue’s rebuilding cycle.

What’s clear and what’s uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Ohio State leads the series 44-16-2 (Winsipedia)
  • Ohio State won 34-10 on Nov 8, 2025 (CBS Sports)
  • Julian Sayin threw for 303 yards and one TD (ESPN)
  • Ohio State was No. 2 in the first 2025 CFP ranking

What’s unclear

  • Whether Jeremiah Smith will declare for the 2026 NFL draft
  • Final CFP bracket will not be set until December 2025
  • Purdue’s quarterback of the future remains uncertain after a 2-8 season

Voices from the game

“We executed our game plan.”

Julian Sayin, Ohio State quarterback, on the 34-10 win (ESPN postgame quotes)

Purdue QB Ryan Browne completed just 10 of 19 passes for 76 yards and an interception.

Box score (ESPN stats)

The numbers on the scoreboard tell one story; the contrast in quarterback play tells another. Ohio State’s Julian Sayin looked every bit the five-star recruit, while Purdue’s Ryan Browne struggled to find any rhythm against a Buckeyes defense that has held three opponents under 14 points this season.

Related reading: NCAA 26 Release Date · Kansas City Chiefs Dale Carter Retirement

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, prepscholar.com, usnews.com, ohiostatebuckeyes.com, espn.com, m.aiscore.com, collegeadvisor.com

For context on the Boilermakers’ program, Purdue Universitys location and reputation offers insight into the university’s standing and campus life.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Ohio State vs Purdue football record?

Ohio State leads the all-time series 44-16-2 as of the 2025 season, according to Winsipedia.

When was the last time Purdue beat Ohio State?

Purdue last beat Ohio State on October 20, 2018, winning 49-20 in West Lafayette.

Which quarterback started for Ohio State against Purdue in 2025?

Julian Sayin started at quarterback for Ohio State in the November 8, 2025 game, throwing for 303 yards and one touchdown.

What channel broadcasts Ohio State vs Purdue games?

Ohio State vs Purdue football games are typically broadcast on major networks like Fox, ESPN, or the Big Ten Network, depending on the specific game date and time slot.

Are Ohio State and Purdue football rivals?

Ohio State and Purdue are not primary rivalry opponents. Purdue’s biggest football rival is Indiana, while Ohio State’s main rival is Michigan.

How can I watch Ohio State vs Purdue live online?

Live streams of Ohio State vs Purdue games are available through network streaming platforms such as Fox Sports, ESPN+, and the Big Ten Network app, depending on the broadcaster.

What is the 2026 national championship prediction for Ohio State?

Predictions for the 2026 national championship remain speculative before the conclusion of the 2025 season. Ohio State’s return of key players and recruiting class will shape its 2026 title odds.