Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like diving into a big college football matchup. The Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats brought the heat in the 2025 Rose Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal that had everyone on the edge of their seats. This game wasn’t just about the final score—Ohio State pulled off a dominant 41-21 win—but about the standout performances that made it unforgettable. Whether you’re a die-hard Buckeye or a Duck enthusiast, let’s break down the player stats in a way that’s easy to follow. I’ll keep it straightforward, like chatting over a game-day snack, and use tables to highlight the key numbers. No jargon overload here; just the good stuff on who shone, who struggled, and why this rematch mattered.
This clash was a redemption story for Ohio State. Remember their heartbreaker earlier in the season? Oregon edged them out 32-31 in October 2024 at Autzen Stadium. The Buckeyes, seeded No. 8 with an 11-2 record, came into the Rose Bowl hungry after a 42-17 playoff opener win over Tennessee. Oregon, the top seed at 13-0, was riding high as Big Ten champs but couldn’t keep up this time. The game, played on January 1, 2025, in sunny Pasadena, saw Ohio State explode for 34 points in the first half alone. Their defense was ferocious, sacking Ducks QB Dillon Gabriel eight times. Let’s get into the player stats that told the tale.
Setting the Scene: Why This Matchup Was Electric
Before we hit the numbers, a quick backstory. Both teams are Big Ten powerhouses now, thanks to conference realignment. Ohio State, under coach Ryan Day, boasts a roster stacked with NFL talent. Oregon, led by Dan Lanning, had been unstoppable all season, with explosive plays and a high-powered offense. But in this rematch, the Buckeyes flipped the script. The Rose Bowl’s historic vibe—think parades, sunshine, and 90,000 fans—added to the drama. Ohio State avenged their loss by controlling the line of scrimmage and making big plays through the air and on the ground.
The game’s turning point? Ohio State’s opening drive. They marched right down the field for a touchdown, setting a tone of dominance. Oregon’s offense, which averaged over 40 points per game entering the playoffs, managed just 21. Defensively, the Ducks couldn’t pressure Buckeyes QB Will Howard enough. Now, let’s look at the offensive stars who lit up the stat sheet.
Ohio State Buckeyes Offensive Player Stats: Explosive and Efficient
Ohio State’s offense was a well-oiled machine, racking up 498 total yards (319 passing, 179 rushing). They converted 10-of-15 third downs and scored on five of six red-zone trips. Quarterback Will Howard was the steady hand, completing 17 of 26 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns—no interceptions. His deep-ball accuracy was key, connecting on long strikes that opened up the field.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, a freshman phenom, stole the show. The 6-foot-3 speedster broke Ohio State’s single-game freshman receiving record with 187 yards on seven catches, including two touchdowns (a 45-yarder to start the game and a 43-yarder later). He’s got that rare blend of size, speed, and hands that makes defenders look silly. Emeka Egbuka, a senior captain, added 75 yards on a crucial 42-yard TD grab, showing why he’s a top NFL prospect.
On the ground, the backfield duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins was unstoppable. Henderson’s 66-yard TD scamper in the second quarter was a highlight-reel run, finishing with 85 yards and two scores. Judkins chipped in 94 yards, grinding out tough yards. Together, they wore down Oregon’s front seven.
Kicker Jayden Fielding was perfect, nailing a 46-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-0. Punter Joe McGuire averaged 45 yards per boot, flipping the field when needed. Here’s a table summarizing the top offensive performers for Ohio State:
| Player | Position | Completions/Attempts (Passing) | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Howard | QB | 17/26 | 319 | 3 | 12 | 0 | – | – |
| Jeremiah Smith | WR | – | – | – | – | – | 187 | 2 |
| Emeka Egbuka | WR | – | – | – | – | – | 75 | 1 |
| TreVeyon Henderson | RB | – | – | – | 85 | 2 | 30 | 0 |
| Quinshon Judkins | RB | – | – | – | 94 | 0 | – | – |
| Jayden Fielding | K | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 FG (46 yds) |
These stats show balance—passing opened up the run game, and vice versa. Howard’s 70% completion rate kept drives alive, while the receivers averaged over 18 yards per catch. For younger fans, imagine Smith as the next big thing, like a young Justin Jefferson but in scarlet and gray.
Oregon Ducks Offensive Player Stats: A Tale of What Could Have Been
Oregon’s offense, usually a juggernaut, sputtered with just 278 total yards (210 passing, 68 rushing). They went 4-of-12 on third downs and turned it over once. QB Dillon Gabriel, the Heisman finalist, had a rough night: 18-of-35 for 210 yards, one TD, and those eight sacks for a loss of 52 yards. He showed flashes, like a 21-yard scramble on third-and-long, but Ohio State’s pass rush—led by Cody Simon and Jack Sawyer—disrupted everything. Gabriel’s mobility was limited, and he couldn’t find rhythm against the Buckeyes’ secondary.
Running back Jordan James started strong with 11 yards on a key first down but left early with an injury, finishing with 28 yards. Noah Whittington stepped up late, scoring on a 2-yard run to cut the lead to 34-15, ending with 35 rushing yards and a TD. The passing game relied on Terrance Ferguson (9 yards on one catch) and Tez Johnson, who had 62 receiving yards but dropped crucial passes.
Tight end Casey Kelly added 45 yards, including a 2-point conversion, but it wasn’t enough. Oregon’s red-zone efficiency was poor—they scored on only 2-of-3 trips. Punter Luke Dunne averaged 42 yards, but poor field position hurt. The Ducks’ inability to run (just 68 yards) forced Gabriel into predictable passing situations.
Check out this table for Oregon’s top offensive contributors:
| Player | Position | Completions/Attempts (Passing) | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dillon Gabriel | QB | 18/35 | 210 | 1 | 15 | 0 | – | – |
| Noah Whittington | RB | – | – | – | 35 | 1 | – | – |
| Jordan James | RB | – | – | – | 28 | 0 | – | – |
| Tez Johnson | WR | – | – | – | – | – | 62 | 0 |
| Casey Kelly | TE | – | – | – | – | – | 45 | 0 |
| Terrance Ferguson | WR | – | – | – | – | – | 9 | 1 |
Gabriel’s stat line looks okay on paper, but the sacks tell a different story—his protection collapsed. For Oregon fans, it’s tough; their explosive style (averaging 45 points per game pre-playoffs) vanished under pressure. Kids reading this, think of it like your favorite video game team getting stuck in a tough level—they had the tools but couldn’t execute.
Defensive Standouts: Ohio State’s Wall vs Oregon’s Fight
Defense wins championships, right? Ohio State’s unit was lights-out, holding Oregon to 21 points and forcing five punts in the first half. They sacked Gabriel eight times, with Cody Simon and Jack Sawyer each getting two. Sonny Styles led tacklers with nine stops, while Davison Igbinosun broke up two passes. The Buckeyes limited Oregon to 13 rushing yards in the first half, showcasing their front seven’s power.
Oregon’s defense had moments, like Jabbar Muhammad’s third-down breakup early on, but they couldn’t stop the big plays. They allowed 498 yards, with 187 from Smith alone. Tysheem Johnson had eight tackles, and Jordan Burch added a sack, but fatigue set in as Ohio State controlled the clock (32:15 time of possession).
Here’s a quick defensive stats table for key players from both sides:
| Team/Player | Position | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Pass Breakups | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | ||||||
| Sonny Styles | LB | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Cody Simon | LB | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jack Sawyer | DE | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Davison Igbinosun | CB | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Oregon | ||||||
| Tysheem Johnson | S | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jabbar Muhammad | CB | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Jordan Burch | DE | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jeffrey Bassa | LB | 7 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ohio State’s D-line was the MVP—those eight sacks disrupted Oregon’s rhythm from the jump. Oregon’s secondary showed fight but couldn’t cover the deep threats.
Game Impact and What the Stats Reveal
This 41-21 win propelled Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Oregon Ducks Football Match Player Stats. For the Buckeyes, the stats highlight redemption: Howard’s poise, Smith’s breakout, and a defense that sacked the Heisman guy eight times. Oregon’s loss ends their undefeated dreams, but players like Gabriel (who threw for over 3,800 yards this season) will shine in the NFL.