In 2005, A. J. Hawk was the sixth Ohio State player to receive the Lombardi Award.

All year, Troy Smith and Justin Zwick competed for the spot of starting quarterback.

[3] To conclude the season, they made an appearance in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl and defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34–20.

Justin Zwick would start at quarterback due to Troy's Smith's suspension the previous year.

Ohio State came into the contest looking to avenge the previous year's 33–7 loss to Iowa.