“Buckeye Greatness on Full Display: National Titles, Offensive Explosions, and Michigan Thrashings Highlight Part 3 of Ohio State’s Top 25 Games of the Quarter-Century”

Ohio State football is a program defined by its tradition, talent, and triumphant moments that have transcended generations. When evaluating the greatest games in the last quarter-century, it becomes clear just how deeply woven the Buckeyes’ achievements are into the very fabric of college football. Part 3 of the Top 25 Games of the Quarter-Century dives into a thrilling collection of contests that feature dominant offensive showcases, unforgettable victories over Michigan, and multiple games on the sport’s biggest stage that cemented Ohio State’s place among the college football elite. These are not just wins; they are legacy-defining performances that symbolize an era of excellence under the lights, in the cold of November, and on the grandest stages in January.

Throughout the past twenty-five years, the Buckeyes have built a resume of iconic victories, and several of those games stand apart as timeless classics. Among them, a handful of clashes against archrival Michigan immediately leap off the page. For Ohio State, The Game is more than a tradition—it’s a proving ground. During this stretch, Buckeye teams have risen to the occasion with dramatic flair and sheer dominance, turning the tide of a rivalry that once leaned in Michigan’s favor. The 2006 edition, dubbed the “Game of the Century,” remains one of the most electric matchups in the history of college football, with both teams entering undefeated and ranked No. 1 and No. 2. Ohio Stadium crackled with energy as Troy Smith solidified his Heisman campaign with a masterclass performance, while the Buckeyes emerged with a 42-39 win in a game that defined an era. That game didn’t just win a rivalry—it captured the attention of the entire nation.

But the narrative doesn’t rest on one game. Time and again, Ohio State has found ways to impose its will on Michigan with overwhelming offensive firepower and unshakable confidence. The 2018 showdown saw Dwayne Haskins throw for six touchdowns in a 62-39 demolition of the Wolverines, the most points Ohio State has ever scored against their archrival. It wasn’t just a win—it was a humiliation, the kind that reverberates through recruiting cycles and shifts power dynamics. That victory not only gave Ohio State yet another Big Ten East crown but reminded everyone that the Buckeyes were in a different stratosphere when it came to speed, execution, and coaching. This wasn’t an anomaly, but part of a growing pattern that defined the rivalry for nearly two decades.

National championship moments also feature prominently in this part of the countdown, none more significant than the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. Facing Oregon, a team lauded for its tempo and Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, Ohio State entered the game as an underdog with its third-string quarterback Cardale Jones. What followed was a display of physical dominance and sheer determination. Ezekiel Elliott’s 246 rushing yards and four touchdowns were emblematic of a team peaking at the perfect time. Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes rolled to a 42-20 victory, capping off a postseason run that saw them defeat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl semifinal in what was arguably the true national title game. That three-game stretch—dominating Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship, taking down Alabama, and overwhelming Oregon—may be the most impressive postseason gauntlet in modern college football history. Every snap, every drive, and every celebration told the story of a team that simply would not be denied.

Offensive fireworks have often been the calling card of Ohio State teams, and several games that make this list highlight just how potent the Buckeye attack has been. The 2021 Rose Bowl against Utah was a dazzling display of scoring and grit. Down multiple key starters and trailing 35-21 at halftime, Ohio State rallied behind C.J. Stroud’s pinpoint passing and Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s record-setting receiving performance. Smith-Njigba torched the Utah defense for 347 yards on 15 receptions with three touchdowns, a bowl record that still defies belief. It was a game that felt like art in motion, a showcase of the next wave of Buckeye greatness. The 48-45 victory wasn’t just about resilience; it was about offensive execution at a historic level. Even without many of their top NFL-bound players, Ohio State proved that their depth and culture of competitiveness were second to none.

There’s also the 2014 Big Ten Championship Game, a night when the Buckeyes announced to the world that they were legitimate national contenders. With their playoff hopes on the line and Cardale Jones making his first career start, Ohio State annihilated Wisconsin 59-0. The performance was shocking in its efficiency, physicality, and ruthlessness. Joey Bosa anchored a defense that suffocated the Badgers, while Elliott began his legend with explosive runs that foreshadowed what was to come in the playoff. That win not only earned Ohio State a spot in the first-ever College Football Playoff—it sent a message: don’t count out the Buckeyes, no matter the circumstances.

Another unforgettable moment came in the 2017 comeback win against Penn State. In a game that had all the intensity of a championship bout, Ohio State fell behind 21-3 early and trailed by double digits late in the fourth quarter. What followed was one of the most clutch quarterback performances in Buckeye history. J.T. Barrett completed his final 16 passes, orchestrating two late touchdown drives to lead Ohio State to a 39-38 victory that preserved their playoff hopes. It was a testament to Barrett’s leadership, the coaching staff’s adjustments, and the resolve that has become synonymous with the Scarlet and Gray. Few games showcased more mental toughness and home-field magic than that autumn afternoon in Columbus.

The theme running through all these games is more than just scoreboard domination—it’s the program’s adaptability, resilience, and knack for rising to the moment. Whether it’s an underdog title run, an emotionally charged rivalry win, or a comeback that defies the odds, Ohio State has managed to craft narratives that define college football seasons and shape legacies. Players like Smith, Barrett, Haskins, Elliott, Jones, and Stroud didn’t just win games—they elevated the program’s identity. Coaches like Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and Ryan Day have continued to uphold and expand the tradition, adapting to the evolution of the game while staying rooted in the relentless pursuit of excellence.

These games are not merely wins—they are monuments to a program that refuses to be ordinary. They are reminders of the expectations in Columbus, where every season is judged by wins over Michigan, Big Ten titles, and playoff appearances. The pressure is enormous, but so is the payoff, and few programs have delivered more consistently on the grand stage than the Buckeyes. Each game in this portion of the countdown adds to the rich tapestry of Ohio State football, where every snap carries the weight of history and the promise of future glory.

As Part 3 of the Top 25 list reveals, Ohio State’s quarter-century legacy is carved not just in trophies but in moments of brilliance—whether it’s a perfectly placed touchdown pass, a game-changing turnover, or a fourth-quarter rally that shakes the Horseshoe. These are the games that turned good teams into legends and great players into icons. And as fans look back at these legendary matchups, one thing becomes clear: Ohio State doesn’t just play in big games—they define them.