Ohio State Plummets in Rankings After Halloween Loss to USC
The Buckeyes' unexpected defeat has seen them drop significantly in the Coaches Poll.
Ohio State University's football team suffered a setback when they lost to USC in a game played on Halloween at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, marking their first loss of the season. This result has led to a notable decline in their standing within the college football rankings, with Ohio State reportedly dropping from second to tenth place in the Coaches Poll. The Buckeyes' fall from grace is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football, where even top-ranked teams can face unexpected challenges.
This game was particularly significant as it was played on a holiday, adding to the excitement and attention surrounding the match-up. The outcome not only affected Ohio State's ranking but also highlighted the competitive landscape of the sport, showcasing how quickly fortunes can change in the world of college football.
The loss to USC comes at a crucial time for Ohio State, as it impacts their overall season trajectory and their chances of securing a high seed in future playoff games. It also serves as a wake-up call for the team, emphasizing the need for continued improvement and resilience in the face of tough competition.
What we know
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 72%, weighted across 5 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed Ohio State University's football team lost a game against USC. (93%)
- likely Ohio State dropped from second to tenth place in the Coaches Poll. (85%)
- unverified Ohio State University's football team dropped 9 positions in the AP Top 25 rankings. (51%)
- unverified Due to the loss to USC, Ohio State dropped eight spots in the coaches poll from its previous ranking of No. 2. (49%)
- likely The game between Ohio State and USC took place on Halloween at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (70%)
Sources
- Cleveland.com (Ohio) — Ohio State fell 9 spots in the AP poll — here's the full updated Top 25
https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2026/11/how-far-did-ohio-state-football-drop-in-ap-top-25-after-loss-at-usc-heres-the-full-poll.html - CBS Sports College Football — Coaches Poll top 25: Ohio State tumbles in Week 10 college football rankings after loss to USC
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/coaches-poll-top-25-ohio-state-usc-week-10-rankings/ - NBC4 WCMH-TV (Columbus) — College football rankings: How far Ohio State dropped in coaches poll due to USC loss
https://www.nbc4i.com/sports/buckeyes/college-football-rankings-how-far-ohio-state-dropped-in-coaches-poll-due-to-usc-loss/