Two of Ohio State’s weakest areas this season stepped up against UCLA as its running game built momentum while the Buckeyes made multiple big plays on special teams.
Ohio State running back James Peoples posted the biggest highlight moment in a first half full of them for the Buckeyes, hurdling a UCLA defender for a 20-yard touchdown run.
Carnell Tate missed his second straight game vs. UCLA and Jeremiah Smith left the game early after being listed as questionable on the pregame injury report.
We break down the biggest questions, highlight the top players to watch and make some predictions for what will happen in Ohio State’s home night game vs. UCLA.
14 Nov 2025 by Dan Hope, Chase Brown and Andy Anders
James Peoples is keeping a team-first mindset and remains confident he’ll make an impact for Ohio State even though he’s playing a smaller role than expected this season.
Brian Hartline sets the tone for Ohio State's matchup with UCLA: “Being different. That's the chase. Being different in November. It's a choice, and I believe that.”
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Ryan Day calls Matt Patricia "the head coach of the defense" and said the Silver Bullets look "fresh" while continuing to play confident, fast and violent.
Ben Bolch, who covers UCLA for the L.A. Times, says Nico Iamaleava has been “everything expected and more” but the Bruins must commit more to NIL to contend in the Big Ten.
Bo Jackson believes every play has home run potential, Isaiah West thinks he and Jackson complement each other well and Eddrick Houston is putting in extra work to improve.
12 Nov 2025 by Dan Hope, Chase Brown and Andy Anders
Ryan Day said the Buckeyes need to avoid distractions, eliminate noise and "focus on what matters" to become the first Ohio State team ever to win back-to-back national titles.
Even after easily handling Nico Iamaleava when he played for Tennessee last season, Ryan Day has great respect for the now-UCLA quarterback's talent and toughness.
