College football didn’t just crown a champion this week - it delivered a moment that felt like something out of a dream.
Indiana’s 27-21 win over Miami wasn’t just an upset; it was a seismic shift. Under Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers capped a storybook season with a game that will live in Bloomington lore.
Mendoza’s electrifying touchdown run and the late-game interception that sealed it felt like the natural ending to a script nobody saw coming. And the setting?
Even more surreal. Miami lost a national title game on its own turf, surrounded by a sea of Indiana fans who turned the stadium into a crimson celebration.
Now, Ohio State becomes part of that new reality. The Buckeyes head to Bloomington on October 17 in a matchup that already feels like it could shape the 2026 season - and maybe more.
This isn’t just another conference game. It’s a clash of new power and old tradition, and it could be one of the biggest dates on next year’s college football calendar.
But while Indiana was making headlines, Ohio State was quietly doing what elite programs do: reloading.
The Buckeyes just wrapped up one of the most complete transfer portal hauls in the country. Ranked No. 3 overall for 2026 and tops in the Big Ten, this class isn’t about chasing headlines - it’s about building a roster that can win in December and January. Instead of plugging one or two holes, Ohio State went wide and deep, adding talent across the board and creating real competition at nearly every position.
The secondary got a major boost with SEC-tested additions like Dominick Kelly and Cam Calhoun, bringing both physicality and experience to a unit that’s expected to be a strength. Up front, James Smith and Qua Russaw bring size and explosiveness to the defensive line, giving the Buckeyes fresh firepower in the trenches.
Offensively, the Buckeyes didn’t go flashy - they went smart. They added complementary weapons at wide receiver, tight end, and running back, and perhaps just as importantly, solidified the kicking game with Baylor transfer Connor Hawkins. His range and reliability could prove crucial in tight Big Ten battles.
The message from Ohio State’s portal strategy? Patience, precision, and purpose.
They didn’t panic. They didn’t overreach.
They waited for the right fits - and landed them.
Meanwhile, on the hardwood, Ohio State basketball is quietly putting together a season worth watching. Wins over UCLA and Minnesota pushed the Buckeyes to 13-5 overall and 5-3 in Big Ten play. John Mobley has been the catalyst, leading the way in both victories with a mix of poise and playmaking that’s becoming his signature.
This isn’t a team blowing opponents out by 30 - but it’s a team that competes, night in and night out. Their resume isn’t built on hype, but on grit: close losses, consistent effort, and a growing sense of identity.
Now comes the litmus test. A trip to Ann Arbor to face No.
3 Michigan looms on Friday. It’s more than just a rivalry game - it’s a chance to see how far this team has come, and how far it might still go.
A win wouldn’t just shake up the Big Ten standings; it would put Ohio State firmly in the national conversation.
Across both sports, one thing is clear: Ohio State isn’t chasing headlines. It’s building something. And the next few weeks will tell us just how far that foundation can take them.