ESPN recently released a compelling list highlighting the ten best Big Ten football games of the past few seasons, and three matchups involving the Ohio State Buckeyes prominently stood out, cementing the program’s identity as one of college football’s marquee powerhouses. While debates around the “best games” can often feel subjective and emotionally charged, ESPN’s analysis brought both data and drama into focus, recognizing games that were not only pivotal in standings and rankings, but also emotionally searing and unforgettable in terms of impact and entertainment. For the Buckeyes, being featured not once, not twice, but three times on such a list is a testament to their continued relevance, talent, and competitive fire in a conference that’s been undergoing a seismic shift in talent distribution and national prominence.
Ohio State’s prominence in the Big Ten has long been a topic of discussion, admiration, and sometimes even envy. Their ability to recruit top-tier talent, develop NFL-ready athletes, and remain competitive year after year puts them in a rarified air. What ESPN’s list did, however, was more than simply reward perennial success; it showcased moments where the Buckeyes either met or were tested by equally motivated opponents in some of the conference’s most dramatic battles. Each game listed carried its own weight, with shifting momentum, season-defining plays, and implications that reached far beyond the final whistle.
Among the games featured was the 2022 matchup between Ohio State and Penn State, a rivalry that has quietly grown into one of the Big Ten’s most thrilling yearly clashes. That particular meeting was a rollercoaster from start to finish. While Ohio State ultimately pulled away late with the help of then-freshman phenom JT Tuimoloau’s unforgettable defensive performance, the game’s narrative was far from one-sided. Penn State gave Ohio State everything it had, and with less than 10 minutes remaining, it was still very much a game in doubt. ESPN praised this game not only for its intensity but also for the individual performances that shaped it. Tuimoloau’s breakout moment—with interceptions, sacks, and forced fumbles all in a single outing—was a microcosm of what Big Ten football often represents: hard-nosed, explosive, and steeped in tradition.
Another memorable inclusion was the 2021 classic between Ohio State and Michigan State. This game was not necessarily close on the scoreboard, but it earned its place because of the sheer dominance the Buckeyes displayed against what was supposed to be a top-10 opponent. Led by C.J. Stroud, Ohio State’s offense delivered one of the most complete performances in recent memory, dismantling the Spartans 56-7. ESPN’s rationale in choosing this game was clear—it was about showcasing a team operating at its peak potential against a worthy foe. Stroud’s six first-half touchdown passes set the tone, and the Buckeyes’ efficiency on both sides of the ball demonstrated just how dangerous they could be when everything was clicking. It was the kind of performance that leaves an imprint on the playoff committee’s mind, reshaping perceptions of conference strength and team identity.
Then, perhaps most predictably yet rightfully, the most emotionally charged and narratively rich game to make the list was the 2023 edition of The Game—Ohio State vs. Michigan. Few rivalries in sports hold the cultural and historical weight that this one does, and the stakes have only grown larger in recent years as both programs have re-established themselves as national title contenders. The 2023 showdown was the third straight meeting where both teams were undefeated, and the result was once again a narrow Michigan victory. However, what made this iteration so gripping was the cloud of controversy, the coaching drama, and the chess-match nature of the actual gameplay. Michigan was playing without head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines due to suspension, and interim coach Sherrone Moore led the Wolverines with a blend of tactical aggression and emotional urgency.
Ohio State, meanwhile, was battling not just Michigan but also the weight of consecutive losses to their archrival, creating a psychological hurdle almost as massive as the physical one. The game unfolded with all the ferocity and suspense that fans hoped for. Ohio State had chances, particularly late, but a crucial interception in the fourth quarter sealed their fate. ESPN noted that while the Buckeyes came up short, the game itself was one of the best displays of resilience, strategy, and rivalry passion in recent memory. It wasn’t just about who won or lost; it was about how both teams brought the best out of each other on a national stage.
Collectively, these games underscore a broader truth about Ohio State’s role in the Big Ten and college football at large. They are more than just a team with a winning tradition—they are a program that consistently finds itself in the most consequential and compelling moments the sport has to offer. When Ohio State plays, especially in big games, narratives form, legends are made, and seasons shift. That’s why ESPN’s acknowledgment resonates beyond simple list-making. It affirms the idea that Ohio State, whether triumphing or falling short, consistently raises the bar for what Big Ten football can be.
Moreover, this recognition comes at a fascinating time for the conference itself. With the impending arrival of West Coast juggernauts like USC and UCLA, and a reconfigured playoff format on the horizon, the Big Ten is poised to enter a new era. In that context, the importance of legacy programs like Ohio State showing up in big moments cannot be overstated. They anchor the conference’s reputation and provide the narrative backbone for its most important storylines. ESPN’s list, therefore, is not just a celebration of past drama—it’s a projection of what’s possible when elite programs consistently meet on the biggest stages.
It’s also worth considering the broader psychological and cultural impact these kinds of games have, particularly for fans, players, and even recruits. When a high school athlete sees Ohio State battling it out in instant classics year after year, it sends a clear message about the type of football they can expect to be part of. The pageantry, the stakes, the national spotlight—these are not isolated experiences but rather baked into the program’s DNA. That kind of exposure is magnetic, and it’s part of what allows Ohio State to continue reloading talent even when key players depart for the NFL.
From a coaching perspective, these high-stakes games are crucibles where leadership is tested, decisions are scrutinized, and philosophies are either validated or exposed. For head coach Ryan Day, appearing in these kinds of games repeatedly is both a badge of honor and a crucible of pressure. Every move is magnified, every call second-guessed. Yet, even amid criticism—especially in light of recent losses to Michigan—Day’s teams continue to deliver performances that warrant inclusion in conversations like ESPN’s list. That, in itself, speaks volumes about the consistency and quality embedded within the program.
In terms of fan culture, being part of these epic contests provides both agony and euphoria, often within the same quarter. Ohio State fans have grown accustomed to living on the edge, riding emotional waves that oscillate from elation to heartbreak. Yet, that’s what makes the community so strong. It’s not just about wins; it’s about the journey, the pride, and the relentless hope that the next moment will be the one that tips the scales in their favor. ESPN’s acknowledgment of these games is a validation of that emotional investment.
Looking ahead, Ohio State’s continued presence in these kinds of matchups seems inevitable. With rising talents like quarterback Devin Brown, a retooled offensive line, and a defense increasingly built around speed and physicality, the Buckeyes are not stepping back—they’re preparing to step up even further. The program’s leadership knows what’s at stake every fall, and as the Big Ten expands and evolves, so too must Ohio State. But if history is any guide, the Buckeyes will continue to be the engine behind some of the sport’s most unforgettable Saturdays.
