COLUMBUS, Ohio — Out of the 134 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams, only one can claim the national championship, and Ohio State currently stands as the betting favorite to win that title as the College Football Playoff approaches its conclusion in two weeks. However, the Buckeyes hold another, less favorable distinction—they rank last in the nation in opponent penalties per game.
Opponents of Ohio State are penalized just 3.6 times per game, averaging 27.4 yards, which is the lowest mark nationally. As the Buckeyes prepare for their Cotton Bowl semifinal matchup against Texas this Friday, the lack of penalties—particularly holding calls against opposing offenses—has become a notable point of discussion.
This season, only one holding penalty has been called against an Ohio State opponent that was not offset by a Buckeyes penalty. That solitary call occurred during an insignificant 11-yard run in the first quarter of Ohio State’s 49-14 victory over Marshall on September 21.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles acknowledged the statistic but downplayed its impact on the team. “We’re aware of the stat,” Styles said. “We don’t pay attention to it too much, though. You’ve got to just play through it. Let your talent take over. Don’t let it come down to a ref’s decision.”
Defensive linemen, however, were more vocal about the issue. Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams expressed his frustration, stating, “I think our whole D-line gets held every game. I don’t know what the refs are seeing or what’s going on with that, but you turn on the tape and really look at it, we’re held almost every play.”
Social media users have supported this sentiment, frequently posting images of apparent holding calls missed by officials. A notable example was shared after Ohio State’s loss to Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1, highlighting holding violations against the Buckeyes’ defensive line that were not flagged.
Despite these concerns, the defensive line’s performance has been dominant in recent games. In their College Football Playoff wins against Tennessee and Oregon, Ohio State recorded 12 sacks and 57 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. These numbers suggest that opposing offensive lines are likely engaging in holding to counteract the Buckeyes’ imposing defense.
Williams emphasized that the team does not employ theatrics to draw penalties, stating, “We can be actors, but we don’t really teach nothing like that. I don’t know if it’s because we’re Ohio State, letting things go or what it is, but it’s been pretty bad.”
Texas, Ohio State’s upcoming opponent, ranks 93rd nationally in opponent penalties per game, averaging 5.4. The Longhorns’ defense has been highly effective, ranking fourth nationally with 44 sacks this season and drawing 14 holding penalties in the process. This matchup could prove pivotal as both teams battle for a spot in the national championship game.