Five things to remember: Better than the hands of UCLA Ohio State’s third consecutive defeat

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in the world of college sports, particularly football. With their rich tradition of success, numerous championships, and an incredible history of producing NFL talent, the Buckeyes have earned a well-deserved place among the elite programs in college football. However, every program, no matter how storied, goes through tough periods. For the Ohio State football team, this has manifested itself in what is shaping up to be an incredibly difficult stretch of games, culminating in their third consecutive defeat.

The third loss in as many games marks a turning point in the 2025 season and raises questions about the direction of the program, the quality of coaching, and the resolve of the players. Despite the defeat, there are several key takeaways that should be remembered by Buckeye fans, players, and the coaching staff as the team moves forward. Whether it’s analyzing what went wrong or finding reasons for optimism, the key to overcoming adversity lies in reflection, growth, and a commitment to improvement.

Let’s dive into the five things to remember after Ohio State’s third consecutive defeat—particularly in the context of their loss to UCLA—and how the Buckeyes can learn and grow from this challenging moment.

1. A History of Resilience

Before delving into the specific reasons for Ohio State’s recent struggles, it’s important to remember the history of resilience that this program has displayed throughout its existence. Ohio State has faced adversity before, and they have consistently come out stronger on the other side. The Buckeyes’ ability to rebound from tough losses and turn adversity into motivation has been a hallmark of the program for decades.

In fact, some of Ohio State’s most legendary seasons have come after disappointing losses. Whether it was bouncing back from a tough defeat to a rival like Michigan or a humbling loss in a bowl game, the Buckeyes have shown time and time again that they can regroup and come back stronger.

When looking at their current three-game losing streak, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. The coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt, adjust, and learn from each defeat. It’s crucial that the program does not panic or overreact to the current situation but instead remembers its history of bouncing back from challenging moments.

The Buckeyes’ 2025 season may have hit a rough patch, but this team has the potential to turn things around, as it has done in the past. Whether it’s re-establishing fundamentals, reevaluating strategy, or focusing on mental toughness, Ohio State has the tools to make the necessary changes and get back on track.

2. The Impact of Injuries and Roster Moves

One of the main reasons Ohio State’s struggles have been so evident in the 2025 season is the number of injuries and roster moves that have affected the team. Injuries are an unfortunate reality of college football, and for any team, losing key players can dramatically alter the trajectory of a season. For Ohio State, the absence of crucial players on both sides of the ball has certainly been a contributing factor to their recent defeats.

Injuries to key positions, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines, have disrupted the team’s rhythm and consistency. The Buckeyes have struggled to establish a balanced attack in their recent losses, and much of this can be attributed to the absence of certain players who would typically anchor their units. The quarterback position has also seen some turmoil, with multiple players seeing time under center and a lack of cohesion at the position. This lack of stability at key spots has hurt Ohio State’s ability to execute at a high level, something they have prided themselves on in previous seasons.

Additionally, roster moves—whether it’s players departing for the NFL draft or transfer portal additions not yet fully integrated into the system—have had an impact. As Ohio State tries to find its footing, adjusting to new personnel while maintaining a high standard of play is no easy task.

Injuries and roster transitions are inevitable in college football, but they should be remembered as part of the context behind Ohio State’s third consecutive defeat. The hope is that these challenges will ultimately bring about positive change, as younger players gain experience, new leaders emerge, and the team finds new ways to adjust.

3. Strength of Schedule and Competition

The Buckeyes’ third consecutive defeat came at the hands of a very strong opponent in UCLA. While it’s easy to point to Ohio State’s shortcomings, it’s equally important to recognize the strength of their competition. College football is filled with talented teams, and UCLA has proven to be a formidable force in the 2025 season. With dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball and a well-coached team, the Bruins represent one of the more underrated programs in the country this season.

UCLA’s defense, which has been improving steadily over the last few years, was a particular challenge for Ohio State. The Buckeyes struggled to find offensive consistency against a defense that brought relentless pressure and forced turnovers at key moments. Meanwhile, UCLA’s offense was efficient, taking advantage of Ohio State’s defensive lapses and exploiting weaknesses.

Ohio State’s loss to UCLA should not be viewed as an indication that the Buckeyes are a “bad” team. Rather, it’s a reflection of the fact that college football is as competitive as ever. Teams like UCLA—along with perennial powers in the SEC, Big Ten, and other conferences—present challenges that Ohio State has to overcome.

While it’s disappointing for the Buckeyes to drop a third consecutive game, they should not lose sight of the fact that their schedule is filled with elite programs, and each game is a tough battle. In the end, facing high-quality opponents like UCLA will only help to prepare Ohio State for future challenges, both within the Big Ten and on the national stage.

4. Room for Improvement in Key Areas

Even in the midst of a three-game losing streak, there are plenty of areas where Ohio State can improve, and the team’s coaching staff has the ability to make the necessary adjustments. From offensive line play to special teams, there are specific areas that must be addressed in order for the Buckeyes to get back on track.

One of the most pressing issues has been the performance of the offensive line. Against UCLA, the Buckeyes struggled to establish the running game, and the offensive line allowed consistent pressure on the quarterback. Improving the protection in the pocket and providing better lanes for running backs will be critical in helping Ohio State rediscover its offensive identity. The Buckeyes have plenty of talent on the line, and with the right coaching, this unit can make improvements as the season progresses.

Quarterback play is another key area where Ohio State must improve. The Buckeyes have rotated quarterbacks in the past few games, and while the talent is there, consistency and decision-making need to improve. Ryan Day and his coaching staff will need to help the quarterbacks develop more chemistry with their receivers and make better decisions under pressure. In particular, finding a quarterback who can manage the game and minimize mistakes will be a crucial step in getting back to winning ways.

The defense, although talented, has had its fair share of lapses in coverage and missed tackles. Ohio State’s defense has historically been one of its greatest assets, and although the team has shown flashes of brilliance, they will need to find more consistency in their execution. Improving communication in the secondary, tightening up the pass rush, and reducing missed tackles will be vital in the coming weeks.

Special teams play has also been an area of concern. Ohio State’s kick coverage and return game have both had their issues during the losing streak. A team that is struggling to find consistency in all phases of the game can often see their special teams play as a way to change momentum. Solid performance in this area could be the catalyst for a comeback as the Buckeyes look to right the ship.

5. A Long-Term Vision and Future Outlook

Finally, it’s important to remember that a three-game losing streak in the middle of a season does not define the future of Ohio State football. The program is built on a foundation of excellence, and this brief slump does not take away from the long-term trajectory of the team. Ryan Day and his coaching staff are constantly working to develop players, strengthen the roster, and adjust the strategy to suit the needs of the team.

The future remains bright for Ohio State, and there are many reasons to remain optimistic. With a strong recruiting class coming in and a deep pool of talent already on the roster, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to contend for championships in the coming seasons. Players like quarterback Jaden Wright, wide receiver Elijah Cooper, and running back TreVeyon Henderson are the future of the program, and as they develop, Ohio State’s chances of returning to the top of the college football world will only increase.

Additionally, Ohio State’s recent struggles can serve as valuable learning experiences for the team. Each defeat is an opportunity to grow, refine skills, and adjust to new challenges. By embracing this adversity and focusing on improvement, the Buckeyes can emerge from this difficult stretch even stronger and more prepared for future success.

 Moving Forward from the Third Consecutive Defeat

The Buckeyes’ third consecutive defeat, particularly at the hands of UCLA, has certainly raised concerns for the program. However, it is important to remember the resilience of Ohio State, the impact of injuries and roster changes, the strength of their competition, and the areas where improvement is possible. While the immediate future may seem uncertain, Ohio State football has a long history of overcoming challenges and returning to prominence.

As the season progresses, the Buckeyes will have the opportunity to reassess, regroup, and continue the development of their team. With the right adjustments, Ohio State can turn the page on this difficult stretch and reassert itself as one of college football’s elite programs. Fans should remain confident that, despite the setbacks, the future is bright, and the best is yet to come for Ohio State.