The Ohio State Buckeyes, a powerhouse in college football, have a formidable historical record, yet there are several teams they have played against but have never managed to defeat. These opponents stand as a unique challenge in the Buckeyes' storied history.
Undefeated Opponents Against Ohio State
Despite their consistent success and numerous championship titles, Ohio State has faced a select group of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams against whom they hold a winless record. These matchups often represent significant historical games, bowl appearances, or early-season challenges.
Here is a list of the FBS teams that Ohio State has played but never beaten, along with their all-time series records:
| Opponent | Series Record (Ohio State Wins - Losses - Ties) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clemson | 0-4 | Clemson holds a perfect record against Ohio State, often in high-stakes bowl games and College Football Playoff matchups. Their contests are typically thrilling, competitive affairs. |
| Florida State | 0-3 | The Seminoles have maintained an undefeated record against the Buckeyes in their limited meetings. These games have showcased talent-rich rosters from both programs. |
| Florida | 0-2 | Florida's wins over Ohio State include prominent bowl game victories, highlighting intense matchups between two of the nation's premier football programs. |
| South Carolina | 0-2 | The Gamecocks have also held strong against the Buckeyes in their head-to-head encounters, making them another team Ohio State has yet to conquer. |
| Auburn | 0-1-1 | Auburn stands as one of the few teams with a non-losing record against Ohio State, including a notable tie in their series. |
| Air Force | 0-1 | In their sole meeting, Air Force emerged victorious, adding them to the exclusive list of teams Ohio State has never defeated. |
| Georgia | 0-1 | The Bulldogs claimed victory in their single contest against Ohio State, contributing to their perfect record in the series. |
| Tennessee | 0-1 | Similarly, Tennessee has a flawless record against the Buckeyes from their solitary game, marking another unblemished series for an opponent. |
Historical Context of Unbeaten Series
These series records are often a result of limited historical matchups, typically occurring in non-conference games, early-season tournaments, or prestigious bowl games. For instance, the matchups against teams like Clemson, Florida State, and Florida often take place on neutral sites in significant postseason contests, where both teams are at their peak. These games are a testament to the strength and consistency of these programs over the years.
The pursuit of a win against these teams remains an ongoing challenge for the Buckeyes, adding intriguing narratives to future potential matchups. Each of these opponents represents a unique piece of Ohio State's football history, showcasing that even the most successful programs have their unconquered frontiers.
