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While the focus will be on what happens Saturday afternoon, Indiana and Ohio State have a  history that dates back to 1901. The Hoosiers enter this year's matchup with an all-time record of just 13-80-5 against Ohio State, including a home record of 2-29-1.

Indiana has not beaten Ohio State very many times over the last 120+ years, but the Hoosiers are 1-0 in the most recent matchup between the two programs. Curt Cignetti has a losing record to the Buckeyes, but beating them last year in the Big Ten Championship is the most recent taste in everyone's mouth.

Indiana's longest winning streak in the series is just four from 1903 to 1913. For Ohio State, its longest win streak is 23, from 1960 to 1986.

Last Meeting

The most recent matchup between Indiana and Ohio State was in December of last year for the Big Ten title. Cignetti and he Hoosiers eked out the Buckeyes 13-10 en route to a perfect season and national title.

It was a historical, defensive grind ending with IU pulling what most saw as a massive upset at the time. The win gave the Hoosiers their very first Big Ten Championship.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza showed incredible grit after taking a huge hit earlier in the game, sparking the Hoosiers' offense by connecting on a 51-yard sideline pass to Charlie Becker. The 6-4 receiver led all pass catchers with 126 yards on six catches, setting up Mendoza’s game-winning touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt on a back-shoulder fade on the very next play. Mendoza finished with 222 passing yards, while running back Kaelon Black added crucial balance on the ground with 69 yards to keep drives alive.

Recent History

Over the last five meetings, Indiana has gone 1-4 against Ohio State. 

2025: Indiana 13, Ohio State7 (Big Ten Championship)

2024: Indiana 15, Ohio State 38

2023: Indiana 3, Ohio State 23

2022: Indiana 14, Ohio State 56

2021: Indiana 7, Ohio State 54

When you look at the overall record, this is one of the most lopsided "rivalries" in the Big Ten. Ohio State has been a powerhouse program for a long time, while Indiana is very new to success. Curt Cignetti has certainly raised Indiana's football program to new levels, but Ohio State is Ohio State and they have dominated the Hoosiers through the years.

The most memorable game in the series has to be last year when Indiana defeated the Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship. Indiana's defense sealed the historic victory by suffocating Ohio State's offense down the stretch. A relentless pass rush generated five sacks on Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin, including back-to-back sacks from Stephen Daley and Mario Landino that backed Ohio State into a desperate situation right after Indiana took the lead. Clinging to a three-point advantage late in the fourth quarter, the Hoosiers made a crucial stand inside their own 20-yard line on 3rd-and-1, which forced a game-tying field goal attempt that sailed wide right to lock up the title.

What History Says About Saturday

Of course, past results don't determine what happens on Saturday in Bloomington. The two teams entering this year's matchup are different from ones that played in all previous matchups.

Both teams are in the top five in the AP Poll and have a legitimate shot to make a run in the CFP. What's interesting is that Indiana is No. 5 nationally at 6-0, while the Buckeyes come in at No. 4 with a 5-1 record. Of course, OSU's only loss is to No. 1 Texas, but the Hoosiers will use whatever they can to find an edge in this one.

The history between these programs adds another layer to Saturday's matchup. Indiana will look to elevate its play in order to hang with one of the sport's biggest boys, while Ohio State hopes it can get some revenge for last years historical win for the Hoosiers. 

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