In the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, No. 6 Ohio State delivered a historic performance, dismantling top-ranked Oregon 41-21 in the 111th Rose Bowl on Wednesday night. Seizing a second chance at redemption, the Buckeyes (12-2, CFP No. 8 seed) overwhelmed the previously undefeated Ducks (13-1) with a 34-point first half, showcasing their talent and determination on college football’s grandest stage.
After falling short in key moments during the regular season — including a heartbreaking 32-31 loss to Oregon in October and a humbling defeat to archrival Michigan — Ohio State found renewed purpose under the lights of Pasadena. Fueled by quarterback Will Howard’s precision passing, a record-breaking effort from freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith, and a relentless defense, the Buckeyes silenced doubts about their ability to compete against the nation’s best.
Ohio State wasted no time asserting its dominance. Just 49 seconds into the game, Howard connected with Smith on a 45-yard play-action screen pass, electrifying the Rose Bowl crowd. On their third drive, Howard launched a perfectly placed 42-yard strike to Emeka Egbuka, extending the lead to 14-0. By the end of the first quarter, Howard had already amassed 212 passing yards, eclipsing his previous career high of 160.
The onslaught continued in the second quarter. Smith, showcasing a blend of speed and precision route running, hauled in a 43-yard touchdown pass and finished the half with 161 receiving yards. TreVeyon Henderson added to the highlight reel with a 66-yard touchdown run, weaving down the sideline to give Ohio State a jaw-dropping 31-0 advantage.
Ohio State’s defense, which struggled to contain Oregon’s offense in their first meeting, delivered a resounding statement. The Buckeyes sacked Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel — a Heisman Trophy finalist — eight times, neutralizing the Ducks’ explosive playmakers. Without star receiver Evan Stewart, sidelined with a back injury, Oregon struggled to replicate the big plays that defined their undefeated season.
Gabriel found limited success, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns, including a 5-yard score to Traeshon Holden just before halftime. However, Oregon’s offensive rhythm was disrupted early, and the Ducks never recovered from their first-half collapse.
Freshman Jeremiah Smith’s star shone brightest in his bowl debut. The standout wide receiver recorded seven receptions for a season-high 187 yards and two touchdowns, drawing comparisons to Ohio State legend Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s record-breaking Rose Bowl performance in 2021.
Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer who took over as Ohio State’s starter late in the season, delivered a masterclass performance. He finished with 319 yards and three touchdowns, cementing his role as a leader for the Buckeyes.
For Oregon, the loss marked the end of a remarkable 14-game winning streak and dashed their hopes of a first national championship. The Ducks, led by Big Ten Championship hero Dillon Gabriel, entered the Rose Bowl as the tournament’s top seed but were outclassed in all phases of the game.
With the victory, Ohio State advances to the CFP semifinals, where they will face No. 4 Texas in the Cotton Bowl on January 10. The Longhorns survived a double-overtime thriller against Arizona State earlier in the day, winning 39-31 in the Peach Bowl.
For the Buckeyes, the journey to redemption is far from over. But after dominating the top-ranked team in the nation, Ohio State has proven they belong on the sport’s biggest stage.
“It was about making a statement,” Howard said. “We knew we had another chance to show who we really are, and we weren’t going to waste it.”
The Buckeyes now march to Arlington with a shot at a national title within reach.
