Ohio State shuts out Wisconsin: Julian Sayin tosses four touchdowns in No. 1 Buckeyes' rout of Badgers

The Buckeyes remained perfect on the season with another dominant showing Saturday at Wisconsin

No. 1 Ohio State left no doubt it's the best team in the country with a 34-0 win at Wisconsin on Saturday. The Buckeyes raced out to an early lead and never let up. Quarterback Julian Sayin was near perfect -- making a strong case to potentially be the front-runner in the Heisman Trophy conversation after Week 8. He completed 36 of 42 passes for 394 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball effectively across the country's top receiving corps. 

Carnell Tate led the Buckeyes' wideouts with 111 yards receiving and two touchdowns, while Jeremiah Smith added 97 yards on a team-high 13 catches. Brandon Inniss and Will Kacmarek also caught touchdowns from Sayin. The first-year starter joined C.J. Stroud as the only Ohio State quarterback to complete 80% of his passes for at least 350 yards and four touchdowns without an interception in a game.

Still, the emphasis continues to be on the Ohio State defense, holding Wisconsin to just 144 total yards and forcing punts on seven of nine drives, with the other two possessions ending in turnovers. The Buckeyes 41 points allowed through seven games is the fewest of any FBS team since 2000.

Even the Badgers' few flashes of creativity -- including a successful fourth-and-19 fake punt -- weren't enough to spark sustained drives against the Buckeyes' suffocating defense. One week after being shutout at home for the first time since 1980, Wisconsin and coach Luke Fickell face another crushing loss.

Scroll down for a full recap of Ohio State's rout of Wisconsin.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 6:47 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Final: Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 0

No. 1 Ohio State left no doubt it's the best team in the country with a 34-0 win at Wisconsin Saturday. The Buckeyes raced out to an early lead and never let up. Quarterback Julian Sayin was near perfect -- making a strong case to potentially be the front-runner in the Heisman Trophy conversation after Week 8. He completed 36 of 42 passes for 394 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball effectively across the country's top receiving corps. 

Carnell Tate led the Buckeyes' wideouts with 111 yards receiving and two touchdowns, while Jeremiah Smith added 97 yards on a team-high 13 catches. Brandon Inniss and Will Kacmarek also caught touchdowns from Sayin. The first-year starter joined C.J. Stroud as the only Ohio State quarterback to complete 80% of his passes for at least 350 yards and four touchdowns without an interception in a game.

Still, the emphasis continues to be on the Ohio State defense, holding Wisconsin to just 144 total yards and forcing punts on seven of nine drives, with the other two possessions ending in turnovers. The Buckeyes 41 points allowed through seven games is the fewest of any FBS team since 2000.

Even the Badgers' few flashes of creativity -- including a successful fourth-and-19 fake punt -- weren't enough to spark sustained drives against the Buckeyes' suffocating defense. One week after being shutout at home for the first time since 1980, Wisconsin and coach Luke Fickell face another crushing loss.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 6:32 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Late 4Q: Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 0

Up four touchdowns in the fourth, the Buckeyes aren't slowing down. Julian Sayin hit Jeremiah Smith for a 26-yard gain on the opening play of the drive -- the longest play before a dominant Ohio State ground game with four straight runs. Sayin nearly threw his fourth touchdown pass, but Smith couldn't haul in an acrobatic throw in the end zone. Five plays later, Sayin connected with Brandon Inniss for a 13-yard touchdown pass. With that score, Sayin is 36 of 42 for 394 yards and four touchdowns.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 6:17 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Early 4Q: Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 0

Some trickery from Wisconsin! Facing a fourth-and-19 near their own end zone, the Badgers faked a punt, and Sean West rushed 20 yards for the first down. That run was Wisconsin's longest of the game and the second-longest play from scrimmage.

Hunter Simmons did leave the game, but CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell noted it wasn't due to injury. Danny O'Neil led a 10-play drive that gained just 20 yards before another Wisconsin punt.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 6:06 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

End 3Q: Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 0

Injuries are mounting for Wisconsin. On the final play of the third quarter, quarterback Hunter Simmons went down limping after a hit, seemingly twisting his ankle awkwardly.

With just 15 minutes left, the Badgers are trying to avoid consecutive home shutouts. Last week's 37-0 loss to Iowa was Wisconsin's first home shutout loss since 1980.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 5:58 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Late 3Q: Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 0

Hunter Simmons started the drive with back-to-back incompletions, putting Wisconsin in a third-and-long that ended with the Badgers' sixth punt in seven possessions. Ohio State's defense continues to suffocate any hope of momentum for Wisconsin.

On the following Buckeyes possession, Julian Sayin was sacked for the first time of the game, setting up a third-and-15. He found Jeremiah Smith near the first down, but it was ruled short after review. Undeterred, Ohio State went for it on fourth-and-inches from their own 26, and Sayin delivered on a draw play to pick up the first down and keep the drive alive.

The Buckeyes had their most balanced drive of the afternoon, moving 83 yards in 13 plays, and capped the march with a third touchdown pass from Sayin, this time to tight end Will Kacemarek. The possession ate away 6:21 off the clock.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 5:35 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Mid 3Q: Ohio State 20, Wisconsin 0

Bo Jackson -- no, not that Bo Jackson -- is such a weapon for the Buckeyes. Whether it's bruising runs on the ground or being a reliable outlet for quarterback Julian Sayin on checkdowns, the freshman continues to make an impact. Wisconsin dialed up pressure on a fourth-and-4, but the poise of Sayin showed as he found Carnell Tate downfield for a 19-yard gain to move the chains. The Badgers were able to hold Ohio State to a 37-yard field goal.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 5:05 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Half: Ohio State 17, Wisconsin 0

Julian Sayin went to star receiver Jeremiah Smith on the first three plays of the drive, all completions for a total of 27 yards. Ohio State then showcased its depth as redshirt freshman Mylan Graham snagged a 10-yard catch along the sideline, and true freshman Quincy Porter added an 8-yard grab to move the chains. After driving inside the red zone, Sayin had a pass tipped at the line that fell incomplete, forcing a 38-yard field goal attempt -- which Jayden Fielding pushed wide.

With just over a minute left in the half and pinned deep, Wisconsin played it safe and ran out the clock, heading to the locker room down three scores.

Ohio State completely controlled the first half, outgaining Wisconsin 271-69 in total yards while holding the Badgers to just 2.9 yards per play. Julian Sayin was nearly flawless for the Buckeyes, completing 23 of 26 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns -- both to Carnell Tate.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 4:47 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Late 2Q: Ohio State 17, Wisconsin 0

The Buckeyes started the drive pinned at their own 3-yard line but quickly moved the chains with a couple of short completions to create breathing room. However, Wisconsin's defense finally came up with a stop on third down, forcing Ohio State to punt for the first time today.

That set up the best starting field position of the game for the Badgers at their own 36. Wisconsin did put quarterback Danny O'Neil in for a few snaps before Hunter Simmons returned for a deep incompletion on third down.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 4:37 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Early 2Q: Ohio State 17, Wisconsin 0

Wisconsin finally caught a break on offense with a pass interference call against Ohio State cornerback Devin Sanchez. The Badgers followed it up with their first explosive play of the afternoon -- a 24-yard completion on third-and-long, as tight end Lance Mason somehow hauled in the pass between his legs.

It was the first promising drive of the game for Wisconsin, but a sack on the pushed the Badgers out of field goal range, killing their best scoring chance so far.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 4:21 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

End 1Q: Ohio State 17, Wisconsin 0

Wisconsin's offense has no answers early -- three straight runs and another quick punt, totaling just 34 yards on its first three drives. Ohio State, meanwhile, looks locked in and intent on ending this one before halftime.

Julian Sayin connected with Carnell Tate for a 27-yard strike and mixed in a few quick dump-offs to CJ Donaldson Jr. to move the chains into the red zone. With the final seconds of the quarter winding down, Sayin went back to Tate -- hitting him for their second touchdown connection of the afternoon to put the Buckeyes firmly in control heading into the second quarter.

Sayin already has 169 yards passing with a pair of touchdowns with Tate racking up 85 yards on four catches.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 4:08 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Late 1Q: Ohio State 10, Wisconsin 0

Ohio State receiver Brandon Inniss did return after an earlier injury. Quarterback Julian Sayin completed his first 10 passes before an incompletion. Wisconsin's defense got a much-needed third-down stop to hold the Buckeyes to a 37-yard field goal.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 4:03 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Early 1Q: Ohio State 7, Wisconsin 0

Uh oh. This might spiral out of control quickly for the Badgers. Hunter Simmons had a pass that went through the hands of an intended receiver that was intercepted by Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles and returned to the Wisconsin 43. That's the fourth interception in three starts for Simmons.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 3:59 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Early 1Q: Ohio State 7, Wisconsin 0

Wisconsin opened with Southern Illinois transfer Hunter Simmons making his third straight start at quarterback. He completed his first pass, but Eugene Hilton Jr. was stopped short of the sticks, leading to a quick three-and-out — not the start the Badgers needed.

Ohio State, meanwhile, came out firing. Julian Sayin opened the game with eight straight completions as the Buckeyes immediately silenced the Camp Randall crowd. Receiver Brandon Inniss went down with an apparent injury late in the drive and headed to the medical tent, but on the next play, Sayin dropped a perfect third-and-11 strike to Carnell Tate, who made a ridiculous touchdown grab between two defenders -- losing his helmet in the process.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 3:10 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Even if Ohio State didn't look dominant at all times last week on the road at Illinois, this Buckeyes team remains one of the most complete in college football. Ohio State is 5-1 ATS this season -- surprisingly, the lone miss came against Ohio in Week 3. The trajectories of these programs couldn't be more different. Ohio State continues to roll under Ryan Day, while Wisconsin is searching for answers under Luke Fickell as the losses -- and questions -- pile up. Historically, the trends might suggest leaning toward Wisconsin, with Day owning a 14-13 ATS record in Big Ten road games since 2019. But that edge disappears when considering Fickell's 3-7 ATS mark at home in conference play since 2022. Pick: Ohio State -26.5

[Oct 18, 2025 at 3:00 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Fickell was noncommittal about his starter with Ohio State up next. Billy Edwards Jr.'s status remains uncertain after re-aggravating an injury against Maryland in Week 4. Hunter Simmons, a Southern Illinois transfer, has started the past two games but completed only 52% of his passes with three interceptions and no touchdowns. Freshman Danny O'Neil, who filled in earlier this season, threw five picks in four appearances. The Badgers' 6:8 passing touchdown-to-interception ratio ranks seventh-worst in the FBS.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 2:50 pm ET · Chris Hummer]

As Wisconsin prepares for a showdown with No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App, Paramount+ Premium), an obvious reality looms over the program: Luke Fickell is battling for his job.

The Badgers have lost four straight games, including a 37-0 drubbing to Iowa that Fickell described last Saturday as "that's low as it can be." Wisconsin athletics director Chris McIntosh gave Fickell his support on Sept. 20 after a loss to Maryland. But industry sources have continued to note that Fickell's seat is as hot as anyone's in the country. A reality that's especially notable with the Badgers preparing to face Ohio State and Oregon in back-to-back weeks ahead of a bye.

This leads one to wonder: What happened?

How did a program that used to be a bastion of consistency -- 22 straight winning seasons from 2002 to 2023 -- and a coach who took Cincinnati to the playoff just three years ago fail together?

What's wrong with Wisconsin? Luke Fickell's downturn in Madison starts and ends with problems at quarterback

Chris Hummer

[Oct 18, 2025 at 2:30 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Wisconsin has lost eight consecutive Big Ten games dating back to last season. It's the Badgers' longest winless stretch against conference opponents since a 19-game slide spanning 1989 to 1991. Meanwhile, Ohio State coach Ryan Day is 47-0 against Big Ten opponents not named Michigan or Oregon since 2019.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

The Buckeyes have yet to allow a touchdown in the first half through six games this season -- the only team in the FBS to hold that distinction. In fact, opponents have reached the red zone just six times before halftime against Ohio State, a testament to how dominant the defense has been out of the gate. That's a troubling matchup for Wisconsin, which has just 12 total red zone trips all season -- tied for the fewest among Power Four teams and fifth-fewest in the FBS.

[Oct 18, 2025 at 1:30 pm ET · Cody Nagel]

Will No. 1 Ohio State stay perfect, or will underdog Wisconsin pull off the latest shocking upset of the 2025 season on Saturday afternoon? The Buckeyes (6-0) are back on the road for consecutive weeks, traveling to Madison as their quest to repeat as national champions rolls on. The Badgers (2-4) are guided by a familiar face, Ohio State alum and former assistant Luke Fickell, who is desperately trying to flip Wisconsin's trajectory after losing each of its last nine games against Power Four opponents.

Even with his seat heating up, owning a 15-17 overall record and 8-13 against Big Ten opponents, Fickell isn't worried about the optics of potentially his final game on the Badgers' sideline coming against his former school.

Ohio State vs. Wisconsin prediction, pick, odds, spread: No. 1 Buckeyes set to face spiraling Badgers

Cody Nagel