2019DEC. 28
Clemson Fiesta Bowl · Playoff semifinal L 29–23 Led 16–0
Up 16–0 in a playoff semifinal. Clemson came back, and a late interception ended the season.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab) Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
The Timeline
Every loss.
Every loss.
In order.
15 losses since 2019. Filter them and the pattern jumps out.
2020JAN. 11, 2021
Alabama National championship L 52–24
Outclassed by No. 1 Alabama in the title game.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2021SEPT. 11
Oregon at home L 35–28
No. 3 Ohio State lost at home to No. 12 Oregon in Week 2.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2021NOV. 27
at Michigan L 42–27
Michigan pulled away in the second half and snapped Ohio State's eight-game win streak in the rivalry. Day called the loss “a failure.”
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2022NOV. 26
Michigan at home L 45–23 Led at half
Ohio State led 20–17 at halftime. Michigan won the second half 28–3 for its first win in Columbus since 2000.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab) Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2022DEC. 31
Georgia Peach Bowl · Playoff semifinal L 42–41 Led by 14
Up 38–24 in the third quarter. Georgia outscored Ohio State 18–3 from there, and the game-winning field goal missed at the gun.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab) Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2023NOV. 25
2023DEC. 29
Missouri Cotton Bowl L 14–3 Led 3–0
Three points in a New Year's Six bowl. Missouri rallied to win.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab) Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2024OCT. 12
at Oregon L 32–31
Time ran out on the final play in Eugene. Chip Kelly was calling plays.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2024NOV. 30
Michigan at home L 13–10
A fourth straight loss to Michigan, at home, to an unranked team.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2024JAN. 20, 2025
Notre Dame National championship W 34–23 National champions
The one season without the collapse. Chip Kelly called the plays all year.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2025DEC. 6
Indiana Big Ten Championship L 13–10 Led 10–6 at half
12–0 coming in. Zero points in the second half.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2025JAN. 1, 2026
Miami Cotton Bowl · Playoff quarterfinal L 24–14
Down 14–0 at halftime. Season over in the quarterfinals.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2026SEPT. 12
at Texas L 24–23 Led 23–3
Up 20 entering the fourth quarter. Texas scored 21 unanswered.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab) Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2026OCT. 31
at USC L 30–18
Never led against an unranked USC team. 30 points allowed, the most in 31 games.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab) Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)2026NOV. 7
Oregon at home L 41–28 Led 14–0
Up two touchdowns at home. Lost by 13.
Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Four play-callers.
One pattern.
The only season it didn't happen, someone else called the plays.