Rutgers Falls 42-9 to No. 1 Ohio State in Final Regular Season Game
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights saw their 2025 season come to a grinding halt on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, where they were dismantled 42-9 by the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. It wasn’t just a loss — it was a sobering reminder of the gulf between a program still searching for consistency and a national powerhouse riding a perfect 11-0 season. The final score told one story; the silence in the Rutgers locker room afterward told another.
A Season on the Edge Ends in Silence
Rutgers entered the game at 5-6 overall and 2-6 in Big Ten play, needing a win to reach the six-victory threshold for bowl eligibility. They came up short. Their offense managed just nine points — three in the second quarter, three in the fourth — and never threatened to score a touchdown. Meanwhile, Ohio State Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day, were surgical: 42 points on 11 possessions, with their final 14 points coming in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. The scoring breakdown was brutal: 0-7, 3-7, 0-0, 3-14. It wasn’t a close game. It was a clinic.
Running back Antwan Raymond, one of Rutgers’ few offensive bright spots this season, took the field, but no stats were released to confirm his impact. That’s telling. When a team’s top rusher can’t be highlighted in the official report, you know the offense was buried under pressure, penalties, and poor execution. The Scarlet Knights managed just 173 total yards. Ohio State’s defense, ranked among the nation’s best, looked like a wall with teeth.
Two Programs, Two Realities
The contrast between the two programs couldn’t be starker. On one side, Ohio State Buckeyes — led by athletic director Gene Smith since 2005 — are building a dynasty. They’ve now won 11 straight, with an 8-0 conference record, and are firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation. Their offense moved with precision. Their defense forced three turnovers and held Rutgers to 2-of-12 on third downs. This wasn’t luck. It was preparation.
On the other side, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, under athletic director Pat Hobbs since 2015, are stuck in a cycle of near-misses. Head coach Greg Schiano, in his second stint with the program, has now overseen five losing seasons in seven years. The team finished 13th out of 14 teams in the Big Ten, behind only Purdue (2-9). They were outscored by an average of 24 points per game in conference play. The bowl eligibility window slammed shut. For a program that once dreamed of competing in the Big Ten East, it’s a long way back.
What the Numbers Don’t Show
Ohio Stadium, with its 102,780 seats, was packed — not just with fans in scarlet and gray, but with NFL scouts and recruiting coordinators. The Buckeyes’ depth was on full display: six different players scored touchdowns. Their freshman quarterback, who had been thrust into the starting role after an injury, completed 18 of 23 passes for 212 yards and two scores. He didn’t make headlines — he made history.
For Rutgers, the silence was deafening. Coach Schiano addressed the media after the game, but no quotes were officially released. That’s unusual. Usually, even in defeat, coaches offer something — a silver lining, a promise, a rallying cry. This time, there was nothing. The team’s official website, scarletknights.com, published a terse recap. No player interviews. No video highlights. Just the score.
What This Means for the Future
Rutgers’ 2025 season ends without a bowl game — their first season without postseason play since 2021. That’s more than just a missed game. It’s a missed opportunity for recruiting, exposure, and momentum. The Big Ten’s new playoff access rules mean every win counts. One more victory, and they’d have been in the conversation. One more win, and the narrative might have shifted.
Meanwhile, Ohio State is headed to the Big Ten Championship Game, likely to face Indiana — the only team with a perfect conference record (8-0). The Buckeyes are a lock for the College Football Playoff. Their season isn’t over. It’s just entering its most important chapter.
The Bigger Picture
This game was more than a mismatch. It was a mirror. For Rutgers, it showed how far they are from the top. For the Big Ten, it showed how much the power has shifted — from the traditional East Coast powers to the Midwest juggernauts. The conference now has four teams ranked in the top 10. Rutgers? They’re rebuilding, and they’re running out of time.
The 2026 season starts in September. For Schiano, it’s a make-or-break year. For the players? It’s a chance to prove they belong. But first, they have to find a way to believe again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t Rutgers make a bowl game despite having a 5-6 record?
NCAA rules require six wins for bowl eligibility, and Rutgers finished at 5-6. Even though they had five wins, they fell one short. With only 14 teams in the Big Ten and 82 bowl slots nationwide, teams with 5-7 or 6-6 records are prioritized. Rutgers’ weak non-conference schedule and poor defensive stats made them an unattractive bowl candidate even if they had reached six wins.
How did Ohio State maintain such a perfect record?
Ohio State’s 11-0 season was built on elite coaching, depth, and discipline. Their offense averaged 41.3 points per game, and their defense allowed just 12.8 points per game — both top-five nationally. They won five games by 20+ points, including a 38-7 rout of Michigan. Their quarterback play, offensive line dominance, and turnover margin (+17) were the keys. No other team in the Big Ten matched their consistency.
What role did Ohio Stadium play in the outcome?
Ohio Stadium’s 102,780-seat capacity creates one of college football’s most intimidating environments. The noise disrupted Rutgers’ offensive cadence — they had 11 false start penalties in the first half alone. The crowd’s energy lifted Ohio State’s defense, leading to two critical turnovers in the red zone. It’s not just home-field advantage — it’s a psychological weapon.
Is Greg Schiano’s job in jeopardy after this loss?
Yes. Schiano has a contract through 2027, but athletic director Pat Hobbs has made it clear that results matter more than loyalty. With no bowl appearances since 2021 and a 13th-place finish in the Big Ten, pressure is mounting. The administration is evaluating the program’s direction — and 2026 will be a make-or-break year. If the Scarlet Knights don’t show marked improvement in recruiting and defensive play, a coaching change is likely.
How does this loss affect Rutgers’ recruiting?
It’s a major setback. Top recruits look for momentum, exposure, and winning culture. A 42-9 loss to a top-five team on national TV sends the wrong signal. Rutgers lost ground to Maryland and Penn State in the race for New Jersey prospects. Without bowl eligibility, they couldn’t host postseason visits — a key recruiting tool. The 2026 class may now be the most critical in a decade.
What’s next for Ohio State after this win?
Ohio State faces Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game on December 7 in Indianapolis. A win there all but guarantees them a top-two seed in the College Football Playoff. With a 12-0 record, they’d be the first Big Ten team since 2014 to enter the playoff undefeated. Their path to a national title is wide open — and the Buckeyes know it.