The countdown of Ohio State’s top 25 games from the past quarter-century kicks off with three nail-biting finishes that kept fans on the edge of their seats, along with two dominant victories over archrival Michigan that left no doubt about the Buckeyes’ supremacy.
Ohio State football has produced countless unforgettable moments over the last 25 years, with dozens of games that have defined eras, cemented legacies, and ignited celebrations throughout Buckeye Nation. As we begin the countdown of Ohio State’s top 25 games from the past quarter-century, the list starts with five games that each showcase a different facet of what has made the Buckeyes a perennial powerhouse in college football. These five matchups include three heart-stopping thrillers that went down to the wire and two emphatic triumphs over their fiercest rival, Michigan, that solidified Ohio State’s dominance in one of the sport’s most storied rivalries.
One of the first games on this journey into the past stands out as a showdown filled with drama, determination, and last-second heroics. The Buckeyes, battling an evenly matched opponent on the national stage, found themselves locked in a back-and-forth war that tested every inch of their resilience. The lead changed hands multiple times throughout the game, and the crowd remained on their feet as Ohio State’s defense took the field with under a minute to play and their backs against the wall. With everything on the line, a game-saving interception in the end zone sealed the victory and sent shockwaves through the college football world. It wasn’t just a win—it was a testament to the team’s willpower, conditioning, and belief in one another. It’s games like these that remind fans why Ohio State remains one of the most thrilling programs to watch.
Another early entry in the countdown showcases the Buckeyes facing a ranked opponent in a primetime matchup that delivered all the tension of a championship game. From the opening kickoff, it was evident this was going to be a night to remember. Both offenses traded punches, scoring in quick bursts and responding with incredible individual performances. Ohio State’s quarterback carved up the opposing secondary with surgical precision, throwing for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns, while the running game provided the perfect complement to keep the defense off balance. Despite trailing late in the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes engineered a flawless two-minute drill, culminating in a game-winning field goal as time expired. The atmosphere was electric, the stakes were immense, and the performance was unforgettable. The drama, execution, and sheer intensity of the contest etched it into the memories of fans everywhere and firmly earned its place among the best games of the last 25 years.
Perhaps no list would be complete without including one of the most dramatic overtime finishes in recent history. In a game that pitted Ohio State against a conference rival with Big Ten title implications on the line, neither team could gain a clear edge through four hard-fought quarters. The Buckeyes had battled back from a double-digit deficit in the second half, thanks in part to a defense that stiffened just in time and a special teams unit that flipped field position when it mattered most. When the clock hit zero, the score remained tied, and the tension reached a boiling point. In overtime, Ohio State took the field first and found the end zone on a clutch third-down conversion. Then it was the defense’s turn, and after three unsuccessful plays, the opposing offense faced a fourth-and-goal. The crowd held its breath. The snap came, the quarterback rolled out, and just before he released the ball, a Buckeye defender laid a crushing hit that jarred it loose. The ball hit the turf, the stadium erupted, and Ohio State emerged victorious in what would be remembered as a defining moment of toughness, grit, and never-say-die resolve.
As thrilling as those three edge-of-your-seat contests were, the next two games on the list shift to a different kind of dominance—blowout victories over the Michigan Wolverines that not only carried historic significance but also served as public reminders of Ohio State’s stranglehold on the rivalry. In one particularly lopsided edition of The Game, the Buckeyes came out with a chip on their shoulder and immediately imposed their will. The offense, led by a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, marched down the field on its opening possession and never looked back. By halftime, the score was already out of reach, and by the fourth quarter, Ohio State fans in attendance were reveling in a performance that bordered on theatrical. The Buckeyes ran for over 300 yards, passed for another 200, and completely shut down Michigan’s offense, holding them without a touchdown for the majority of the game. The final score wasn’t just a win—it was a statement, one that echoed through the recruiting trail and cemented the Buckeyes’ place atop the Big Ten hierarchy.
Another unforgettable victory over Michigan came in a different season but carried no less weight. This time, the stakes were sky-high, with both teams vying for a potential spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and, by extension, the College Football Playoff. The tension was palpable from the start, but it quickly became clear that Ohio State was prepared to rise to the moment. The game’s turning point came midway through the second quarter when a Michigan turnover deep in its own territory led to a quick Buckeye touchdown. From there, the floodgates opened. The Buckeye defense harassed Michigan’s quarterback all afternoon, tallying sacks, forcing hurried throws, and eventually breaking the game wide open with a pick-six. The offense, for its part, was efficient and ruthless. Big plays in the passing game kept the crowd roaring, and by the end of the third quarter, the celebration had already begun. That particular victory marked the largest margin in the rivalry in over a decade and became a talking point for analysts and fans long after the final whistle.
These five games, while vastly different in their circumstances and outcomes, all share a common thread: each stands as a testament to the Ohio State football program’s ability to deliver moments that transcend the sport. Whether through dramatic finishes that test a team’s heart and composure, or blowout wins that display unmatched talent and preparation, the Buckeyes have given fans no shortage of reasons to remember these contests. In each instance, these games encapsulate the passion, tradition, and excellence that define Ohio State football.
As we move deeper into the countdown, the intensity only ramps up. Later entries will include national championship triumphs, legendary clashes with playoff implications, and unforgettable performances that left a permanent mark on college football history. But these opening five serve as the perfect introduction to what makes the Buckeyes great. They’re not just games—they’re stories. Stories of players rising to the occasion, of coaches making gutsy decisions, and of fans whose cheers became the soundtrack to history. From thrilling buzzer-beaters to rivalry domination, Ohio State’s top 25 games of the past 25 years begin with the kind of excitement and excellence that has made the program one of the most respected and feared in the nation. And if these games are only the beginning, then the rest of the list promises even more fireworks, emotion, and unforgettable moments that define what it means to wear the Scarlet and Gray.
