Ohio State Dominates Oregon in 2025 Rose Bowl, Advances to CFP Semifinals

The 2025 Rose Bowl quarterfinal between Ohio State and Oregon promised fireworks, featuring a rematch of their October showdown, a game decided by a single point. But what unfolded in Pasadena was a masterclass from the Buckeyes, who flipped the script and left no room for doubt in a 41-21 dismantling of the top-seeded Ducks. From explosive offensive plays to a defensive performance for the ages, Ohio State controlled the game from start to finish.

First Quarter: Buckeyes Set the Tone

The Buckeyes wasted no time. After receiving the opening kickoff, quarterback Will Howard orchestrated a three-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 45-yard touchdown strike to freshman Jeremiah Smith just 54 seconds into the game. Smith’s athleticism and field awareness were on full display as he evaded defenders for the opening score. Ohio State 7, Oregon 0 (14:06 1Q).

Oregon’s first possession was brief, ending in a punt. Howard and the Buckeye offense struck again, this time with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka, threading the ball perfectly between Oregon’s safeties. Ohio State 14, Oregon 0 (7:31 1Q).

The quarter ended with the Buckeyes outgaining the Ducks 221 to 7 on the ground. Howard had already thrown for 165 yards and two touchdowns, while Oregon’s offense was bottled up by a swarming Ohio State defense.

Second Quarter: The Floodgates Open

The Buckeyes picked up where they left off in the second quarter, extending their lead with a 46-yard Jayden Fielding field goal. Ohio State 17, Oregon 0 (14:50 2Q).

Moments later, Howard found Smith again, this time on a 43-yard bomb to the corner of the end zone. Smith’s incredible body control and sure hands made him unstoppable against Oregon’s secondary. Ohio State 24, Oregon 0 (10:28 2Q).

The most electrifying play of the night followed soon after. On the first play of the next drive, running back TreVeyon Henderson broke loose for a 66-yard touchdown run, carving through Oregon’s defense with ease. It was the longest run in Rose Bowl history. Ohio State 31, Oregon 0 (8:47 2Q).

Fielding added another field goal late in the half to increase the lead. Ohio State 34, Oregon 0 (2:59 2Q). Oregon finally broke through in the final seconds of the half, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading a touchdown drive capped by a 5-yard pass to Traeshon Holden. A two-point conversion brought a sliver of hope for the Ducks. Ohio State 34, Oregon 8 (0:00 2Q).

Third Quarter: Oregon Fights Back, Briefly

The Ducks showed life after halftime, engineering a methodical 11-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 2-yard touchdown run from Noah Whittington. Gabriel’s scrambling ability on a critical third-and-22 kept the drive alive. Ohio State 34, Oregon 15 (8:55 3Q).

Ohio State quickly responded. Howard led a six-play, 56-yard drive that ended with Henderson’s second touchdown of the game, an 8-yard scamper off the left tackle. Ohio State 41, Oregon 15 (2:19 3Q). On the drive, Smith surpassed Cris Carter’s single-game Rose Bowl receiving record for Ohio State with 187 yards.

Oregon’s offense faltered as Ohio State’s defense, led by Cody Simon and Jack Sawyer, recorded three sacks in the quarter, stifling any momentum the Ducks tried to build.

Fourth Quarter: Buckeyes Seal the Deal

Oregon managed one final score early in the fourth quarter when Gabriel found Holden again for a 27-yard touchdown. A failed two-point attempt kept the score at Ohio State 41, Oregon 21 (10:06 4Q).

From there, the Buckeyes shifted to clock control. Henderson and Quinshon Judkins chewed up yardage and time, while the defense continued to dominate, adding another pair of sacks to their total. Ohio State’s ability to manage the game down the stretch highlighted their complete team effort.

The Ducks ran out of time and answers, and the Buckeyes walked off the field as Rose Bowl champions once again. Final score: Ohio State 41, Oregon 21.

Key Stats and Records

• Jeremiah Smith: 7 receptions, 187 yards, 2 touchdowns (new Ohio State and Big Ten freshman records).
• Will Howard: 17-of-26 passing, 319 yards, 3 touchdowns.
• TreVeyon Henderson: 94 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns (including a 66-yard score, the longest in Rose Bowl history).
• Cody Simon: 11 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss (Defensive MVP).
• Defense: 8 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, -23 net rushing yards allowed (second-worst for a No. 1 team since 2000).

Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel tied Case Keenum’s FBS career passing touchdown record at 155 but faced relentless pressure throughout the game.

A Legacy Win

The victory marked Ohio State’s 10th Rose Bowl win, surpassing Michigan for the second-most in history. It was a performance that showcased the Buckeyes’ readiness to contend for a national title. With the win, Ohio State advances to face Texas in the Cotton Bowl semifinal on January 10, a matchup between two storied programs.

For Oregon, the loss ends a dream season at 13-1. Gabriel’s career will be remembered for his remarkable passing record, but this loss will undoubtedly sting for a team that had championship aspirations.

Ohio State proved they are more than just contenders; they are a team firing on all cylinders, ready to claim their spot in the championship game.