Arvell Reese, a sophomore linebacker, will miss the first half of Saturday’s game due to a targeting violation against Nebraska. Reese can make a comeback against Penn State in the second half.
A targeting review was prompted after Reese struck a Cornhusker receiver’s helmet with his arm during the fourth quarter of No. 4 Ohio State’s final 21-17 victory against Nebraska. The verified targeting penalty eliminated the turnover even though the play was called a 19-yard catch and fumble.
The game was briefly delayed after Buckeye fans threw trash onto the field after Reese was removed. Fans hurled trash onto the field during last week’s Georgia-Texas game, which resulted in a delay following a pass interference penalty. After the wait, officials removed the penalty, but Saturday’s Ohio State supporters weren’t so lucky.
With little over a minute remaining in the game, Nebraska had an opportunity to take the lead, but a few plays later, rookie quarterback Dylan Raiola made an interception that ended the game.
Prior to his dismissal, Reese, a former four-star prospect, made two tackles in the game. With 17 total tackles, he had played in six of Ohio State’s seven games this season and was positioned in the center of the Buckeye defense. Nonetheless, Reese is the second-ranked linebacker at OSU.
In addition, Reese has two tackles for loss. After defeating Wisconsin 28–13 on Saturday, the Nittany Lions are 7–0 going into the rivalry matchup.
Recruits react to Ohio State’s 21–17 win over Nebraska at Ohio Stadium.
A score in the fourth quarter helped the Buckeyes overcome Nebraska 21–17 on Saturday afternoon in Ohio Stadium. There were a fair number of recruiters present when the Buckeyes performed. Some of them who went to the Bucknuts game have responded.
Many of the talented prospects that played at Ohio Stadium had thoughts about the game, the atmosphere, and other aspects of the venue. We’ll be adding more reactions throughout the weekend.
LB Storm Miller (2026): “I enjoyed speaking with you and coaches Ryan and James Laurinaitis the day before the game. They’re quite interested in me. My brother got away with it, and they said they didn’t want me to suffer the same fate. To hear that was fantastic. That’s how some games are, and this one was a dog battle. The fans were amazing. Their earnestness really got to me. The level of enthusiasm was incredible. It was fun all around.
On a Homecoming Saturday at Ohio Stadium, Ohio State defeated Nebraska 21–17 in an all-too-close game. We have pictures, highlight videos, and postgame commentary. Dan Harker deserves special recognition for his assistance with the gallery. For our game story and all of Ryan Day’s post-win remarks, click here.
After falling down 17–14 for a short while, OSU needed a 75-yard touchdown drive halfway through the fourth quarter to get back on track. With 6:04 remaining in the game, Will Howard threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Quinshon Judkins, giving OSU the lead. With 1:16 remaining, OSU cornerback Jordan Hancock intercepted Nebraska freshman Dylan Raiola to seal the victory.
With a rushing offense of 208.7 yards per game going into the contest, OSU was ranked 20th in the country. However, on 31 rushing attempts, the Buckeyes only managed 64 yards (2.1 average). OSU’s offensive total of 285 yards was more than 200 yards below their season average. The Buckeyes’ third-down conversion rate was a pitiful 1 for 10.
After losing to then-No. 3 (now No. 1) Oregon on October 12, the Buckeyes (6-1, 3-1) had not played since. Since the Huskers entered the Big Ten in 2011, OSU has defeated Nebraska 8-1 in Big Ten games, including 8 straight victories.
Now, Ohio State can focus on their big matchup against No. 3 Penn State on Saturday. Prior to their game against Wisconsin later tonight (7:30 p.m., NBC), Penn State was 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play.
Howard of OSU completed 13 of 16 passes for 221 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception after hitting his first ten passes.
Carnell Tate, an OSU wide receiver, with four receptions for 102 yards and a 40-yard touchdown.
With three receptions for 70 yards and a 60-yard score, OSU wide receiver Jeremiah Smith continued his turbulent rookie campaign. The first player in OSU history to score a touchdown in each of his first seven games is thought to be him. Cris Carter’s school record for the most touchdown catches by a freshman is tied by Smith’s eight TD catches.
In addition to his touchdown reception, Judkins scored 29 yards on 10 attempts during the run game. TreVeyon Henderson only gained 25 yards on 10 carries.
Since OSU’s defeat at Oregon, when the Buckeyes allowed eight plays of 25 yards or more, the Ohio State defense had been under assault. Although there were a couple big plays, the outcome was far more acceptable in the end. The defensive linemen Ty Hamilton, Tyleik Williams, and J.T. Tuimoloau each recorded one sack as part of the Buckeyes’ 13 total tackles for loss. With eight tackles and three tackles-for-loss, linebacker Cody Simon was the defensive leader.
Raiola of Nebraska was 21 of 32 passing for 152 yards with an interception. Raiola was committed to Ohio State two years prior. For the Huskers, he also ran nine times for 31 yards (5-3, 2-3).
