COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — After a bit of a slow start, Ohio State found its groove in the season opener against Akron, winning 52-6 at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
Quarterback Will Howard, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and running back Quinshon Judkins all scored in their debuts in the scarlet and gray. Smith, a true freshman from Miami Gardens, Florida, hauled in both of Howard’s touchdown throws in the first half to help the Buckeyes earn a 17-3 lead at the half. Judkins, a transfer out of Ole Miss, extended that lead with a two yard score in the third quarter.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – AUGUST 31: Safety Sonny Styles #6 and Cornerback Davison Igbinosun #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes tackle running back Jordon Simmons #8 of the Akron Zips during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) 
COLUMBUS, OHIO – AUGUST 31: Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) 
COLUMBUS, OHIO – AUGUST 31: Archie Griffin on the sideline during the second quarter of the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) 
COLUMBUS, OHIO – AUGUST 31: Quarterback Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes passes the ball during the first quarter against the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) 
COLUMBUS, OHIO – AUGUST 31: Running back Quinshon Judkins #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes carries the ball during the first quarter against the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) 
Ohio State defensive back Denzel Burke celebrates his interception against Akron during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) 
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, right, argues with a referee during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Akron, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Howard completed 17 of 28 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns in his first game since transferring from Kansas State.
“I thought he had pretty good poise the whole day. He took care of the football, other than that one crazy decision there at the end of the first half there to force something,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said. “He’s a more experienced guy, but he’s in a new offense and a new environment.”
The defense also shined against the Zips, highlighted by a scoop and score by Lathan Ransom, who took advantage of an Akron fumble shortly after Judkins’ touchdown.
The win, in front of 102,011 fans, marks the Buckeyes’ 25th consecutive season opening victory. Ohio State returns to action next Saturday at home with a primetime matchup against Western Michigan.
WATCH: First off the field with Archie Griffin
NBC4 was the first to speak with the two-time Heisman Trophy winner after he dotted the “i” of Script Ohio at halftime with the Ohio State Marching Band.
Scroll below for live updates throughout the afternoon.
