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No. 6 Ohio State opened its 2026 Big Ten season on Saturday. After going 2-1 in non-conference play, beating Ball State and Kent State at home and losing to Texas on the road, the Buckeyes hosted Illinois at Ohio Stadium in Week 4. For the 15th consecutive season, the Scarlet and Gray began conference play 1-0, defeating the Fighting Illini 42-19 on Saturday afternoon. It was a big day for Ohio State's offense, but the defense struggled to contain Illinois' attack. The Buckeyes moved the ball with relative ease, scoring touchdowns on eight meaningful drives. The Illini also moved the ball against the Scarlet and Gray, but Ohio State's defense held, allowing only two touchdowns and forcing two punts and two turnovers on downs. Quarterback Julian Sayin had a career day, throwing for five touchdowns. The junior completed 75 percent of his passes for 367 yards and four touchdowns, and rushed for 29 yards and another touchdown. Sayin targeted star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith 16 times. Smith finished with a career-high 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns. Running backs Ja'Kobi Jackson and Bo Jackson were efficient on the ground, combining for 21 carries, 109 yards and one touchdown. Safety Jaylen McClain led all Ohio State defenders with eight total tackles and four pass breakups. Cornerbacks Devin Sanchez, who had an inconsistent coverage performance, and Jermaine Mathews Jr. each had seven total tackles and broke up five passes. Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and linebacker Riley Pettijohn each recorded a sack. Pettijohn also had two tackles for loss. Before turning our attention to the Buckeyes' Week 5 trip to No. 14 Iowa, let's review where the Scarlet and Gray rank in various statistical categories, both nationally and within the Big Ten, after this week of college football. We will keep updating Ohio State's statistical rankings throughout the season. All of these stats are from CFBStats.com.