The Big Ten Conference initially cancelled the fall sports season, on August 11, 2020,[2] but reversed course on September 16, announcing an eight-game conference-only schedule.

[3][4] Ohio State's nonconference games against Bowling Green, Oregon, and Buffalo were cancelled.

In the regular season, the team secured victories against ranked opponents Penn State and Indiana, but had games canceled, due to COVID-19 outbreaks, against Maryland, Illinois and Michigan.

The conference cited the fact that Ohio State would have won the division with either a win or loss against Michigan.

In that game, a rematch of the previous season's semifinal, Ohio State won by a score of 49–28.

The team's leading rushers were Trey Sermon and Master Teague, the former setting a school record with 331 rushing yards in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Larry Johnson was named interim head coach for the Illinois game to be played on November 28.

On the evening of November 27, the Ohio State - Illinois game was officially canceled as the OSU athletic department paused all team-related football activities amid further positive tests for COVID-19 were discovered.

On December 19, Ohio State beat the Northwestern Wildcats in the Big Ten Championship game 22–10.

3 seed by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, resulting in a spot in the Sugar Bowl against the No.

On January 1, 2021, the Ohio State defeated the Clemson Tigers in the Sugar Bowl 49–28, advancing them to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the No.

5 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 52–17, in what was both programs' season debut.

[13] The game was featured on Fox College Football's Big Noon Kickoff, with the hosts on location.

The game was featured on ESPN Saturday Night Football on ABC and hosted the College GameDay.

Justin Fields was named co–Offensive Player of the Week for the Big Ten for completing 28 of 34 passing attempts for 318 yards and four touchdowns.

4 Ohio State game was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Michigan football program.

1 Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.