Rutgers fell to No. 1 Ohio State 42-9 in Columbus, after trailing only 14-3 at the half. With this loss, the Scarlet Knights have their backs against the wall in terms of earning bowl eligibility and will need to secure a win over Penn State on senior day to punch their ticket to postseason play.

Rutgers was on pace for another stop on its fourth drive, with safety Kaj Sanders breaking up a pass on 4th-and-2 to force a turnover on downs. But an inexcusable roughing the passer penalty on Weaver gave Ohio State a fresh set of downs in the red zone, leading to its second touchdown two plays later.

Julian Sayin threw two touchdown passes despite missing his top two playmakers, Bo Jackson rushed for 110 yards and a pair of scores and top-ranked Ohio State pulled away in the second half for a 42-9 victory over Rutgers.

Rutgers football has landed a commitment from a late riser in the 2026 recruitment class, as ATH RJ Wortman has decided to commit to the Scarlet Knights. Wortman is ranked as a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, but is unranked by the other recruiting sites.

No. 1 Ohio State will be without both of its top receivers for the final home game of the regular season against Rutgers. Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith are both listed as out in the Buckeyes’ injury report released ahead of Saturday’s noon kickoff.