Ohio State home games have traditionally been a major draw, with tickets often requiring advance planning and a sizable budget. This week, however, seats for the Buckeyes’ matchup with Northwestern are appearing on the resale market for as little as $25. The lower prices may appeal to fans looking for an affordable trip to Ohio Stadium, but they also reflect the cooling enthusiasm around a program that has lost two games in a row.
Before the season, the least expensive tickets for this same matchup were reportedly about $128. The drop to $25 is substantial for a team that usually commands a premium, particularly when playing at home. It gives more fans a chance to attend, while underscoring how sharply expectations and interest can shift after a difficult stretch.
Ohio State’s recent results help explain the change. The Buckeyes lost 30–18 to USC before falling 41–28 to Oregon on November 7. The Oregon defeat was especially painful because it came at home, where the team’s late-game struggles were accompanied by visible departures from the stands.
Spectators began heading for the exits during the fourth quarter, and large sections of Ohio Stadium were visibly emptying before the final whistle. The stadium has a listed capacity of 102,780 and an attendance record of 103,551. The sight of fans leaving early—even as Brutus was also seen departing—became a talking point after the loss. Boos and early exits have added to the sense that patience among some supporters is wearing thin.
Ohio State enters Saturday’s game with a 6–3 record. The Buckeyes have fallen to No. 20 in the Coaches Poll and No. 21 in the AP Poll, their lowest AP ranking since 2014. Consecutive regular-season losses are unusual for the program: the last time Ohio State experienced that was in 2011. The recent slide has raised concerns beyond the results of two individual games.
The defense, for example, has been less effective over the team’s latest stretch. Across the season, Ohio State has allowed an average of 287 yards and 18.3 points per game. Over its last three outings, those averages have increased to 367 yards and 28.7 points. The defense will need to respond if the Buckeyes are to regain momentum.
The offense also faces uncertainty at quarterback. Julian Sayin is sidelined indefinitely, and freshman Luke Fahey is expected to make another start against Northwestern. The Buckeyes will need Fahey to help steady the offense and make better use of its playmakers, including Jeremiah Smith.
Smith has not appeared to have the same impact without Sayin. In the game against Oregon, he went nearly two quarters without a target. The lack of involvement drew attention, as did his visible frustration. Questions about Tavien St. Clair’s readiness have further complicated the discussion about Ohio State’s quarterback options.
Northwestern will present a challenge of its own. The Wildcats are also 6–3 and have shown they can be competitive against strong opposition. Earlier in the season, they nearly upset Indiana and built a 6–1 record before facing tougher opponents.
With Aidan Chiles unavailable, Nicco Marchiol is expected to take over at quarterback, while offensive coordinator Chip Kelly oversees the attack. Running back Caleb Komolafe has recorded 643 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season. Northwestern also has a standout defender in linebacker Braydon Brus, who has registered 13.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
There is room for Ohio State to find success. Northwestern has surrendered an average of 365 yards per game, giving the Buckeyes an opportunity to take advantage of the Wildcats’ defensive vulnerability. Ohio State has enough talent to exploit that weakness, but a favorable matchup on paper may not be enough to restore confidence after back-to-back defeats.
Saturday’s game at Ohio Stadium is scheduled for a noon kickoff, with Ohio State favored by 14 points. The outcome could influence not only the Buckeyes’ record but also the mood inside the stadium. If the team struggles again, the early exits and subdued atmosphere seen against Oregon could return.
For fans who have not experienced the Horseshoe, a $25 ticket may be an appealing opportunity. For Ohio State, however, the decline from preseason prices of roughly $128 is a stark sign of how much the team’s recent performances have affected demand.
