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Quizzes > Sports

Ohio State football trivia: Test your Buckeyes knowledge

Quick, free Ohio State football quiz to test what you know. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Matthew JamesUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Ohio State football trivia quiz on a golden yellow background

This Ohio State football trivia quiz helps you check your knowledge of Buckeye legends, big games, and classic moments. After you score, try more Ohio State trivia questions, test your rival know-how with Michigan football trivia, or go broader with a college football quiz today.

What is the nickname of Ohio State University's football team?
Buckeyes
Cardinals
Badgers
Wolverines
Ohio State's football program is known as the Buckeyes, a reference to the state tree of Ohio and a long-standing symbol of the university. The nickname was adopted in the late 19th century and remains the official moniker for all athletic teams at the school. Fans and alumni proudly display buckeye leaves and nuts as part of game-day traditions. .
In which athletic conference does Ohio State football compete?
Atlantic Coast Conference
Big 12 Conference
Southeastern Conference
Big Ten Conference
Ohio State is a charter member of the Big Ten Conference, having joined in 1912. The Big Ten is one of the Power Five conferences in NCAA Division I FBS, and OSU has competed there for over a century. The Buckeyes have won numerous conference titles in Big Ten play. .
What is the nickname of Ohio State's home stadium?
The Shoe
The Oval
The Horseshoe
The Block O
Ohio Stadium, located on the OSU campus in Columbus, is commonly referred to as "The Horseshoe" due to the shape of its seating bowl. It opened in 1922 and has been the home venue for Buckeye football ever since. The Horseshoe is one of college football's most iconic stadiums. .
What primary jersey color do the Ohio State Buckeyes wear at home?
Blue
White
Scarlet
Gray
Ohio State's traditional home jerseys are scarlet red, reflecting the school's official colors of scarlet and gray. Scarlet is prominently featured on helmets, jerseys, and fan apparel. The color scheme dates back to the early 20th century. .
What is the name of Ohio State's marching band?
The Buckeye Brigade
The Best Damn Band in the Land
Scarlet Harmony
The Scarlet Sounds
Ohio State's marching band proudly calls itself "The Best Damn Band in the Land," often abbreviated BDBITL. The nickname highlights the band's precision and pageantry, especially during pregame "Script Ohio." The band has become synonymous with Buckeye football tradition. .
What is the name of Ohio State's mascot, a personified buckeye nut?
Scarlet Buck
Woody the Buckeye
Buck O
Brutus Buckeye
Brutus Buckeye is the official mascot of Ohio State University, introduced in 1965. The character wears the school colors and represents the buckeye nut, a cherished state symbol. Brutus is a fixture at football games and university events. .
In which year did the Ohio State Buckeyes win their first claimed national championship?
1942
1968
1954
2002
Ohio State claims its first national football championship in 1942 under coach Paul Brown. The Buckeyes finished the season undefeated (9 - 0) and were crowned national champions by multiple polling organizations. This title was the first of eight claimed championships by OSU. .
Who is the only Ohio State player to win the Heisman Trophy twice?
Troy Smith
Eddie George
Santonio Holmes
Archie Griffin
Archie Griffin remains the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history, capturing the award in 1974 and 1975. He set numerous rushing records at OSU and remains a legendary figure in Columbus. No other Buckeye has repeated his feat. .
Which Ohio State quarterback led the Buckeyes to the 2002 BCS National Championship?
Troy Smith
Christian Ponder
Craig Krenzel
Bobby Hoying
Craig Krenzel was the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes in their 2002 BCS National Championship win over the Miami Hurricanes. He managed the game efficiently and threw the game-winning touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter. His leadership was pivotal in securing OSU's first bowl title under Jim Tressel. .
Who succeeded John Cooper as head coach of the Buckeyes in 2001?
Urban Meyer
Luke Fickell
Woody Hayes
Jim Tressel
Jim Tressel was hired as Ohio State's head coach in 2001, succeeding John Cooper. He led the Buckeyes to a national championship in his second season (2002) and captured multiple Big Ten titles. Tressel remained at OSU through the 2010 season. .
Orlando Pace was the first Buckeye selected with the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft in which year?
1995
2001
1997
1999
Offensive tackle Orlando Pace became the first Ohio State player to go No. 1 overall when he was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the 1997 NFL Draft. Pace was a dominant lineman at OSU and later enjoyed a Pro Football Hall of Fame career. .
What is the name of the annual rivalry game between Ohio State and the University of Michigan?
The Classic
The Bell Game
The Showdown
The Game
The contest between Ohio State and Michigan is simply known as "The Game." First played in 1897, it has become one of college football's greatest rivalries, often deciding the Big Ten title and national championship contenders. The matchup draws massive attention every fall. .
Which longtime Ohio State coach led the program from 1951 to 1978?
Jim Tressel
Earle Bruce
Woody Hayes
Urban Meyer
Paul "Woody" Hayes served as Ohio State's head football coach from 1951 to 1978. Under Hayes, the Buckeyes won five national championships and 13 Big Ten titles. He remains one of the most iconic figures in OSU history. .
Which Buckeye running back won the Heisman Trophy in 1995?
Maurice Clarett
Braxton Miller
Eddie George
Archie Griffin
Eddie George claimed the Heisman Trophy in 1995 after rushing for over 1,900 yards and demonstrating remarkable consistency. His performance led OSU to a Big Ten championship and a national runner-up finish. George went on to a successful NFL career. .
In what year did Ohio State officially join the Big Ten Conference?
1907
1922
1912
1899
Ohio State became a member of the Western Conference (now the Big Ten) in 1912. Since then, OSU has been one of the conference's flagship programs and has won numerous titles. The Buckeyes have played the majority of their football history within this league. .
Who was Ohio State's leading passer by yardage in the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship game?
Cardale Jones
Braxton Miller
J.T. Barrett
Justin Fields
Cardale Jones started at quarterback for the Buckeyes in the 2014 season finale and threw for 243 yards against the Oregon Ducks in the CFP National Championship. His performance led OSU to a 42 - 20 victory and its first playoff title. .
Which Ohio State defensive end set the school's single?season sack record with 13.5 sacks in 2014?
Chase Young
Nick Bosa
Joey Bosa
Randy Gradishar
Joey Bosa recorded 13.5 sacks in 2014, the most ever in a single season at Ohio State. His disruptive play helped power OSU's defense en route to a national title that year. Bosa earned multiple national defensive awards for his performance. .
As of the end of the 2021 season, how many Rose Bowl appearances have the Buckeyes made?
10
16
14
12
Ohio State has played in 16 Rose Bowl games through the 2021 season, the most appearances by any program in the game's history. The Buckeyes' first trip was in 1921, and they have recorded multiple victories in the "Granddaddy of Them All." .
Who was Ohio State's head coach during their first BCS National Championship win in 2002?
Jim Tressel
Woody Hayes
Urban Meyer
John Cooper
Jim Tressel led the Buckeyes to the BCS National Championship in January 2003 (2002 season) with a victory over the Miami Hurricanes. It was OSU's first national title in football since 1970. Tressel's disciplined program set the groundwork for future success. .
Which team did Ohio State defeat to win the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship after the 2014 season?
Clemson Tigers
Oregon Ducks
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Alabama Crimson Tide
In January 2015, Ohio State defeated the Oregon Ducks 42 - 20 in the first College Football Playoff National Championship game. The Buckeyes rallied with big plays in the second half to secure the title. This marked the program's eighth claimed national championship. .
How many national championships does Ohio State officially claim in football as of 2021?
8
6
10
4
Ohio State claims eight national football championships for the years 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, and 2014. These titles are recognized by the university based on major polling organizations and the College Football Playoff. OSU does not claim additional retroactive titles. .
Who won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver while playing for Ohio State in 2014?
Santionio Holmes
Devin Smith
Michael Thomas
Chris Carter
Devin Smith earned the 2014 Biletnikoff Award after recording 54 receptions for 784 yards and 10 touchdowns. His speed and playmaking ability were key factors in the Buckeyes' national title run. Smith's performance remains one of the best receiver seasons in OSU history. .
Who was the offensive MVP of the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, which served as the BCS National Championship Game following the 2002 season?
Maurice Clarett
David Boston
Santonio Holmes
Craig Krenzel
Maurice Clarett was named offensive MVP of the 2003 Fiesta Bowl after rushing for 133 yards and a touchdown against Miami. His breakout performance as a freshman was crucial to OSU's dismantling of the Hurricanes. Clarett's impact in that game remains legendary in Buckeye lore. .
How many tied games are there in the historical Ohio State vs. Michigan football series?
3
5
7
9
Through more than a century of rivalry, Ohio State and Michigan have played to a tie seven times, with the last tie occurring in 1993. Ties were possible before the NCAA instituted overtime in 1996. These draws are woven into the intense history of "The Game." .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Legendary Players -

    After completing the quiz, readers will be able to recall key Ohio State Buckeye football legends and their major accomplishments.

  2. Identify Iconic Moments -

    Readers will recognize and pinpoint pivotal games and historic plays that shaped Ohio State University football history.

  3. Understand Team Milestones -

    Readers will grasp the significance of major milestones, including championship seasons and record-breaking performances.

  4. Analyze Trivia Questions -

    Readers will analyze the structure and content of trivia questions to improve their retention and recall of Buckeye football facts.

  5. Apply Knowledge in Competition -

    Readers will use their trivia insights to challenge friends, compare scores, and engage in friendly Buckeye football competitions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Woody Hayes and Urban Meyer Legacy -

    Ohio State's two most celebrated coaches, Woody Hayes (1951 - 1978) and Urban Meyer (2012 - 2018), combined for 10 Big Ten titles and three national championships (source: Ohio State University Athletics). Remember "HM" - Hayes for "Hard-nosed" football fundamentals and Meyer for "Modern" spread offense innovations.

  2. Archie Griffin's Heisman Feats -

    Archie Griffin remains the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner (1974 - 1975), a testament to his consistency and leadership (source: NCAA). Use the mnemonic "Double A" (Archie Awarded Again) to recall his back-to-back triumphs.

  3. National Championship Timeline -

    Ohio State claims eight national titles in 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 2002, 2014, and 2015 (source: College Football Data Warehouse). A handy memory trick is the "2-4-7-1-8-2-4-5" sequence to recite the winning years in order.

  4. "The Game" vs. Michigan -

    The annual rivalry, known simply as "The Game," dates back to 1897 and often determines Big Ten standings (source: Big Ten Conference). Recall the thrill of Troy Smith's 2006 41-35 victory by picturing the 41-on-35 scoreboard mnemonic.

  5. Script Ohio and Traditions -

    The "Script Ohio" formation by the Ohio State Marching Band debuted in 1936, culminating with a sousaphone player dotting the "i" (source: University Archives). Think "dot the i" to remember this signature halftime highlight that embodies Buckeye pride.

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