Indiana Upsets Ohio State 13-10 in Big Ten Championship with Missed Field Goal Deciding Outcome
In a thrilling and tightly contested Big Ten Championship Game held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers stunned the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, 13-10, handing Ohio State a rare defeat in a game decided by timely defense and a critical missed field goal.
The game, played on December 6, 2025, was a high-stakes showdown between the undefeated Indiana squad (13-0) and the Buckeyes (12-1), who came into the contest as defending national champions and the No. 1 ranked team in college football. Both teams battled fiercely, but Indiana’s defensive efforts and Ohio State’s costly errors determined the outcome.
Key Moments and Missed Opportunities
<pOhio State's struggles in the red zone defined the game's critical moments. The Buckeyes had two prime opportunities deep in Indiana territory to either tie or take the lead during the second half but came away with zero points.
Late in the third quarter, on a crucial third-and-1 at the Indiana 5-yard line, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin attempted a sneak to secure the first down. Initially ruled a first down, officials overturned the call after reviewing and determined Sayin’s knee was down short of the line to gain, resulting in a turnover on downs.
On the ensuing possession, Ohio State again drove inside Indiana territory, setting up a potential game-tying 27-yard field goal with just under three minutes remaining. Jayden Fielding, Ohio State’s kicker, missed the field goal — a chip shot he had never missed before from inside 30 yards, having converted his previous 13 attempts. This miss proved costly, effectively sealing Ohio State’s fate.
Aftermath and Implications
Ohio State coach Ryan Day expressed frustration after the game, acknowledging that the missed opportunities would “not sit well” with the team as they prepare for the College Football Playoff (CFP). “We went down there two times and ended up with zero points,” Day said. “That’s how you lose the game.” He emphasized the pain of leaving the field without a championship and vowed that his team would use the loss as motivation moving forward.
Indiana, meanwhile, celebrated its first victory over Ohio State since 1988, cementing a remarkable undefeated season and capturing the Big Ten title for the first time in program history. The Hoosiers executed effective clock management in the game’s final moments, holding possession with just seconds left to preserve their lead and the upset win.
Game Highlights and Fan Reaction
The matchup featured staunch defense on both sides, limited scoring, and intense fan presence at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indiana’s fans, energized by the program’s historic win, filled the stadium along with a large contingent of Ohio State supporters who witnessed a rare defeat for the Buckeyes.
Many key defensive plays, including an interception and critical stops on third downs, shaped the flow of the game. Indiana’s ability to capitalize on Ohio State’s mistakes ultimately tipped the scales.
Looking Ahead
Ohio State, despite the setback, is expected to advance to the College Football Playoff with momentum to redeem themselves. Meanwhile, Indiana’s unprecedented championship run has elevated their profile nationally and sets the stage for a compelling postseason debut.
This thrilling Big Ten Championship Game will be remembered for Indiana’s resilience and Ohio State’s missed opportunities, especially the decisive late game field goal miss that shaped the outcome.