When Ohio State travels to Indiana on senior day, what is at risk? Lots, for both groups

As the 2025 college football season continues to unfold, one of the most anticipated matchups on the schedule will see the Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Indiana to face off against the Hoosiers on Senior Day. For Ohio State, this game is more than just another matchup in the Big Ten; it represents a critical point in their pursuit of a playoff berth and a potential national championship. On the other side, Indiana is looking to prove itself against one of the best teams in the nation, and the Hoosiers have plenty to play for as they aim to close out the season strong on their home turf.

In this article, we’ll break down what’s at risk for both Ohio State and Indiana in this crucial game. From Ohio State’s playoff hopes to Indiana’s rebuilding process and Senior Day emotions, we’ll explore the stakes and why this matchup will be so significant for both programs.

1. Ohio State’s Pursuit of the College Football Playoff

For Ohio State, the stakes in this game could not be higher. As one of the most prestigious football programs in the nation, the Buckeyes have their eyes set on a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP), which is awarded to the four best teams in the country. Ohio State has been a fixture in the playoff race in recent years, but with the competition only getting fiercer, they need to remain perfect in the regular season to ensure their place in the CFP.

Ohio State’s postseason aspirations hinge on several key factors: their performance in the Big Ten Championship, the strength of their schedule, and the results of other conference championships around the country. A loss to Indiana, while not catastrophic on its own, could significantly hurt Ohio State’s playoff chances. The Buckeyes will be facing a Hoosier team that has struggled in recent years but is always capable of pulling off an upset, especially with the game being held in Bloomington on Senior Day for Indiana.

Losing to Indiana could not only damage Ohio State’s perfect record but also impact their strength of schedule and drop their ranking in the eyes of the CFP committee. Given how closely contested the rankings have been in recent years, a slip-up against an unranked team could be the difference between making the playoff and watching from home. Even with a strong resume, Ohio State would need to avoid any slip-ups, and a loss to a team like Indiana could eliminate them from consideration.

Additionally, a win in this game is crucial for Ohio State’s position in the Big Ten standings. While Ohio State has had a dominant run in recent years, securing a win in their final regular-season game would solidify their spot in the Big Ten Championship, where they would have another chance to strengthen their resume for a CFP bid.

2. The Pressure of Senior Day for Ohio State Players

The Ohio State players are not only facing the physical and mental demands of a tough road game, but many of them will be playing their final regular-season game with the Buckeyes. While Senior Day festivities will take place at Ohio State’s home stadium, the emotional weight of the day will affect some of the Buckeyes’ senior players, and that can translate to both motivation and pressure on the field.

Ohio State has a number of key seniors who are integral to their playoff run, including standout players like defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau and offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. These players have helped shape Ohio State’s identity and have been leaders in the locker room. For these seniors, the trip to Indiana may be their last regular-season game as Buckeyes, and it will be a bittersweet occasion. Many of these players are looking to finish their careers on a high note, with hopes of leaving a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

While Senior Day is a time for reflection, it can also be an emotional roller coaster, and sometimes those emotions can lead to uncharacteristic mistakes. For a team as loaded with talent as Ohio State, staying focused on the task at hand is crucial. The players know that their playoff aspirations are on the line, and even a slight slip in concentration can be the difference between an undefeated season and an early elimination from the playoff race. The Hoosiers may not be seen as a serious contender to knock off Ohio State, but if the Buckeyes aren’t mentally sharp, they could face an upset.

3. Indiana’s Chance to Play Spoiler

For Indiana, this game represents an opportunity to make a statement and potentially ruin Ohio State’s playoff hopes. The Hoosiers are coming into this season with their own set of challenges. While they have not been in the national spotlight in recent years, the program is in the middle of a rebuilding process under head coach Tom Allen. The Hoosiers are still striving for consistency and success in the Big Ten, and a win over Ohio State would be one of the most significant victories in their recent history.

Indiana has struggled with consistency, but they have shown at times that they can be a dangerous team. The Hoosiers’ defense has played well in stretches, and their offense, while not as potent as Ohio State’s, has been capable of putting up points. A win against a team like Ohio State would be a huge morale boost for the program, as it would demonstrate that they can compete at the highest levels of college football. For Indiana players, this could be their final chance to showcase their talent against one of the best teams in the nation, and they will undoubtedly be motivated to do so.

Historically, Senior Day games are often filled with emotion and intensity, and Indiana will be looking to harness that energy. The Hoosiers will be playing in front of a home crowd, and there’s no doubt they will be fired up to make the most of this opportunity. The chance to upset Ohio State on their home turf would send shockwaves through the college football world and leave a lasting legacy for the players involved.

For players like Indiana’s senior quarterback or wide receiver, this could be their final chance to shine in a meaningful game. A strong performance against Ohio State could boost their draft stock or enhance their opportunities at the next level. There is no doubt that the Hoosiers will be giving everything they have in this game, knowing that their season and their future careers could be impacted by the outcome.

4. The Big Ten Title Race

Although Ohio State has dominated the Big Ten in recent years, the race for the conference title is far from guaranteed, and Indiana’s upset bid could have broader implications for the league. The Buckeyes are in competition with teams like Michigan, Penn State, and others for the chance to represent the Big Ten in the College Football Playoff. A loss to Indiana would not only damage Ohio State’s playoff hopes but could also give a leg up to other teams vying for a Big Ten title.

The Big Ten Championship is one of the most prestigious conference titles in college football, and Ohio State’s quest for it is a primary goal every season. By securing a win against Indiana, Ohio State would stay in the driver’s seat for a shot at the title. However, if they were to falter against an unranked Indiana squad, the road to the conference championship would suddenly become much more complicated. For the Buckeyes, their hopes of making a deep playoff run rest on maintaining their dominance in the Big Ten and avoiding any upsets along the way.

5. The Emotional Impact of Senior Day for Indiana Players

For Indiana, Senior Day adds an extra layer of emotion to the game. While the Hoosiers may not be contending for a national championship or a spot in the Big Ten Championship, their senior players are likely playing in their final home game. This will be an emotional day for the program, especially for players who have been with Indiana through the highs and lows. For many of these players, it will be their last opportunity to compete in front of their home fans, and they will want to go out with a bang, perhaps by taking down a powerhouse like Ohio State.

The emotion of Senior Day can lead to intense performances, as the players look to leave a legacy that will be remembered by their teammates, fans, and coaches. Indiana’s seniors will play with pride and determination, knowing that their careers are nearing their end. Whether they have been with the program for four years or have transferred in, they will all have something to prove on Senior Day against Ohio State.

A High-Stakes Game for Both Sides

When Ohio State travels to Indiana on Senior Day, a lot is at risk for both teams. For the Buckeyes, the stakes are clear: a win is necessary to keep their playoff hopes alive and maintain their position atop the Big Ten standings. For Indiana, the game represents the chance to play spoiler and end their season on a high note, potentially creating a lasting memory for their seniors and making a statement for the future of the program.

With so much on the line, this game promises to be one of the most intense and emotional matchups of the season. Ohio State cannot afford to take Indiana lightly, and the Hoosiers will be looking to capitalize on any opportunity to pull off an upset. Senior Day, emotions, and the quest for a legacy will all add to the drama, making this a game that could shape the future for both teams. In the high-stakes world of college football, every game matters, and this one is no exception.