When Did Indiana Football Last Beat Ohio State? What to Know About the All-Time Series
Indiana University’s football team has long been the underdog in its rivalry with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The question on many fans’ minds is: When did Indiana football last beat Ohio State? If you’re an Indiana fan, brace yourself — it’s been decades since the Hoosiers claimed victory over their Big Ten powerhouse rivals. Let’s dive into the history of this one-sided rivalry and why it continues to stir up controversy in the world of college football.
The Last Time Indiana Beat Ohio State: 1988
The last time the Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes was on October 8, 1988, in Bloomington, Indiana. The Hoosiers, led by legendary coach Bill Mallory, dominated the Buckeyes 41-7. It was a stunning upset and marked the second straight victory for Indiana over Ohio State, as they also won in 1987.
This win remains one of the most memorable moments in Indiana football history, but it also highlights the stark reality of their struggles in the all-time series. Since then, the Hoosiers have been unable to overcome Ohio State, suffering a decades-long losing streak that continues to this day.
Ohio State’s Dominance in the All-Time Series
The all-time series between Ohio State and Indiana is nothing short of lopsided. As of 2024, the Buckeyes boast an overwhelming record of 81-12-5 against the Hoosiers. The disparity is so severe that Ohio State hasn’t lost to Indiana in over 35 years. This level of dominance raises questions about parity in college football and whether programs like Indiana can ever hope to compete with perennial juggernauts like Ohio State.
Controversy Surrounding the Rivalry
While the Indiana-Ohio State matchup is officially labeled a “rivalry,” many argue that it hardly qualifies as one given the Buckeyes’ utter dominance. Critics claim the Big Ten’s scheduling often leaves mid-tier programs like Indiana in unwinnable situations. Ohio State’s ability to attract top recruits and maintain elite coaching staffs has perpetuated the cycle of imbalance.
On the flip side, some Indiana fans have expressed frustration with their program’s inability to turn things around. Despite occasional flashes of promise, such as the Tom Allen-led 2020 season when the Hoosiers finished 6-2 in conference play, Indiana still hasn’t been able to end its losing streak against Ohio State.
Memorable Moments and What Keeps the Matchup Relevant
Despite the lopsided nature of the rivalry, there have been some thrilling games in recent years. The 2020 showdown, for example, saw Indiana push Ohio State to the brink in a nail-biting 42-35 loss. Michael Penix Jr.’s performance in that game gave Hoosier fans hope, but the streak remained unbroken.
The matchup also carries historical significance. Indiana was one of the first programs to challenge Ohio State during the Woody Hayes era, pulling off shocking upsets in the 1950s and 1960s. These moments, though few and far between, remind fans that no streak lasts forever.
Can Indiana End the Streak?
As the 2024 season unfolds, the question remains: can Indiana finally break the streak? The odds are always stacked against them, but college football is unpredictable. With the expansion of the College Football Playoff and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, programs like Indiana could level the playing field over time.
Final Thoughts
The Indiana-Ohio State series is a testament to the stark disparities in college football, where powerhouse programs often dominate for decades. For Hoosier fans, the last victory in 1988 remains a cherished memory — but it also serves as a painful reminder of how long it’s been.
So, when will Indiana football next beat Ohio State? Only time will tell. But as history shows, even the most dominant streaks eventually come to an end. Until then, the Hoosiers will keep chasing that elusive win, and college football fans will continue to debate the fairness and future of rivalries like this one.
What are your thoughts on Indiana’s chances against Ohio State? Share your predictions in the comments below!