Report card for Ohio State football and its blowout win over UCLA on Saturday

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Report card for Ohio State football and its blowout win over UCLA on Saturday

The Ohio State Buckeyes once again dominated their opposition on Saturday, crushing UCLA 48-10 in a rare night game in Columbus. But the composition of this victory was not quite the same as so many of the wins so far this year. As always, we look at the position groups and grade their performance from this weekend.

Ohio State Quarterbacks: B+

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws during the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.

For any other quarterback in the country, this was a solid A performance. But Julian Sayin has set the bar so high that this week was a bit of a disappointment. His timing was off without his top two receivers, and he looked frustrated at moments. Still, he’s probably the best quarterback in the country at this point, and that was clear even in one of his weaker performances.

Ohio State Running Backs: A

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) leaps over the line during the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.

UCLA has a horrible rush defense, but this offensive unit finally put together a good performance on the ground. Bo Jackson looked strong, and the line finally got some second-level blocks. Can they do that against better defenses when the Buckeyes reach the College Football Playoff? That remains to be seen.

Ohio State Wide Receivers: B

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) catches a ball in front of UCLA Bruins defensive back Cole Martin (21) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.

Carnell Tate sat out again with an undisclosed injury, and Jeremiah Smith wasn’t 100%. Without those two, the rhythm clearly wasn’t there. There’s still a ton of talent in the receivers’ room, and Brandon Inniss is as good a No.3 receiver as any team in the country has, but things clearly were not quite the same.

Defensive Line/linebackers: B

Nov 15, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Anthony Woods (6) runs the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) makes the tackle on the play during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

It might go a little unnoticed just because of how effective the defense was, but the line did not get after Luke Duncan as much as might have been expected. The Buckeyes are clearly already resting up for the postseason to some extent, and it showed.

Secondary: A-

Nov 15, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) talks to teammates before the game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

UCLA got very little done down the field in this game. It was a strong performance from a secondary that has been prone to mistakes at times this season. It wasn’t perfect, but this unit is improving, too.

Special Teams: A+

COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 4: Lorenzo Styles Jr. #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball in the third quarter of a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)

UCLA scored a touchdown in the third quarter. Lorenzo Styles, Jr. responded in style. Oh, and the kicking game was perfect, too.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. UCLA: Buckeyes Report card for the win over the Bruins

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