Top-ranked Ohio State overcame a slow offensive start and delivered a statement win on the road Saturday, defeating Washington 24–6 in their Big Ten opener at a sold-out Husky Stadium.

Washington entered the game averaging nearly 56 points per game, but the Buckeyes’ defense completely shut down the Huskies, allowing just two field goals and forcing five sacks on quarterback Demond Williams Jr..

Ohio State linebacker Caden Curry had a career day, recording 11 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, and three sacks, while Kayden McDonald added two more sacks. The defense snapped Washington’s streak of 21 consecutive scoring drives on its first series and never looked back.

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After a shaky first quarter that included a failed fourth-down attempt and a fumbled punt return, the Buckeyes found their rhythm late in the first half.

Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, making his first career road start, completed 22-of-28 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. He hit Jeremiah Smith on an 18-yard drag route just before halftime to put OSU up 7–3, and from there, the Buckeyes controlled the game.

Sayin led a 14-play, 75-yard drive to open the second half, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from C.J. Donaldson, then connected with Donaldson again on a rollout pass to seal the game with a 3-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Washington’s high-powered rushing attack was neutralized, with standout RB Jonah Coleman held to just 70 yards on 13 carries. Despite throwing for 173 yards, Williams rarely found time to push the ball downfield and was under constant pressure.

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The win extends Ohio State’s streak to 20 consecutive road victories over unranked teams, while snapping Washington’s 22-game home winning streak, which was the second-longest in the country.

With a 4–0 start, the Buckeyes look every bit like a national title contender. Saturday’s performance proved they can win gritty, physical games away from home — a key trait for Big Ten and College Football Playoff success.

Next up: Ohio State returns home to face Minnesota next Saturday, looking to build on this momentum and keep its perfect season alive.

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