The Ohio State Buckeyes are rolling into their next matchup with the kind of momentum that makes them a legitimate threat to anyone in the country. Since finally getting over the hump against Michigan in late November, they’ve been unbeaten - a stretch that’s only seen one blemish, a surprising loss to Indiana.
That’s it. One loss in a full calendar year.
This is a team loaded with top-tier talent, and they’re playing like it.
Next up: the Miami Hurricanes. And while the Buckeyes opened as heavy favorites - and the line hasn’t budged much - this isn’t a game they can sleepwalk through. Miami may have just squeaked past Texas A&M in a low-scoring 10-3 grinder, but they’ve got one major disruptor who could throw a wrench into Ohio State’s plans if he’s not accounted for: Reuben Bain Jr.
Reuben Bain Jr. is the one Hurricane Ohio State can’t afford to ignore
When you break down Miami’s defense, Bain Jr. stands out like a beacon. He’s not just the Hurricanes’ best player - he’s the kind of interior force who can single-handedly change the rhythm of a game.
His impact starts in the trenches, where he’s a nightmare against the run. Bain Jr. has a rare blend of power and quickness that lets him shoot gaps, plug lanes, and blow up plays before they get going.
If Ohio State doesn’t get him blocked, their ground game could be in for a long afternoon.
And it doesn’t stop there. Bain Jr. brings real juice as a pass rusher too.
With 7.5 sacks on the season, he’s proven he can collapse pockets and make quarterbacks uncomfortable. That kind of production from the interior is no fluke - it’s a sign of a player who knows how to win with technique, leverage, and effort.
Ohio State’s offensive line will need to be sharp, especially with a new starter stepping in on the right side. That change could actually be a positive development - the previous starter, Tegra Tshabola, had been a weak link in an otherwise solid unit. If the Buckeyes can get more consistency on that side, it’ll go a long way in neutralizing Bain Jr.’s impact.
Ohio State has the weapons - but they need to execute
Even with Bain Jr. playing at an elite level, the Buckeyes have more than enough talent to handle business. Their offense is balanced, explosive, and capable of adjusting if the run game stalls.
But make no mistake - Miami knows the odds, and they’ll come out swinging. This is their shot to take down a top team and make a statement.
For Ohio State, the key is simple: be ready from the opening whistle. If they bring the same intensity and execution that’s defined their season so far, they’ll be in control. But if they let Bain Jr. get into a rhythm, things could get complicated in a hurry.
The Buckeyes have earned the right to be confident. Now it’s about staying focused, keeping their edge, and handling business against a team that would love nothing more than to play spoiler.