Ohio
Big Ten Power Rankings: Ohio State puts No. 1 on the line against (mighty?) Ducks
To paraphrase the late, great Casey Stengel, can’t anybody in the Big Ten play this game?
We know Ohio State can. And Oregon. And Penn State. But after that?
USC? Nope. Michigan? Nope. We thought Rutgers might be able to. But nope. That leaves Indiana (maybe?) and possibly Nebraska. But only possibly. It was a rough week for the pretenders.
As for contenders, the Buckeyes and Ducks duke it out this week in Eugene. Pass the popcorn.
1. Ohio State (5-0)
Last week: 1
This week: at Oregon
What to know: After watching what happened last week at Upset Central, the Buckeyes should be glad they’re playing a top dog instead of a feisty underdog.
2. Penn State (5-0)
Last week: 2
This week: at USC
What to know: Is it just us or are the Nittany Lions flying under the national radar? Regardless, they’re about to knock USC completely off the national map.
3. Oregon (5-0)
Last week: 3.
This week: vs. Ohio State
What to know: We know Oregonians excel at hugging trees, but can they wrap their arms around Buckeyes tailbacks and receivers often enough to at least save the day, if not the planet?.
4. Indiana (6-0)
Last week: 8
This week: idle
What to know: The Hoosiers need the week off to recover from pinching themselves. They can’t believe they join Miami as the only two 6-0 teams in Power 4.
5. Illinois (4-1)
Last week: 9
This week: vs. Purdue
What to know: The Illini have found the secret sauce to spicing up their offense. It’s called Purdue
6. Nebraska (5-1)
Last week: 10
This week: idle
What to know: The Cornhuskers get a week off to prepare for that Big Ten juggernaut: Indiana. .
7. Rutgers (4-1)
Last week: 6
This week: vs. Wisconsin
What to know: Another week, another test for the Scarlet Knights, who failed the grade against Nebraska last week. They’ll need a cheat code for the Badgers.
8. Iowa (3-2)
Last week: 7
This week: vs. Washington
What to know: Iowa tailback Kaleb Johnson still ranks No. 2 nationally in rushing yards (771) but Ohio State held him to 86 yards. Luckily for the Hawkeyes, UDub is not OSU.
9. Washington (4-2)
Last week: 12
This week: at Iowa
What to know: The Huskies have not visited Iowa City since the Beatles first invaded America. Coincidentally, they’ll need “Help!” beating the Hawkeyes.
10. Michigan (4-2)
Last week: 5
This week: idle
What to know: When you throw the ball like Christian Dior – the Wolverines rank fifth from the bottom in FCS in passing yards per game (115) – you need to run the ball like Christian McCaffrey. And UM doesn’t.
11. Minnesota (3-3)
Last week: 14
This week: at UCLA
What to know: After having just knocked off L.A.’s other college team, the Golden Gophers go for the Hollywood sweep.
12. USC (3-2)
Last week: 4.
This week: vs. Penn State
What to know: A few years ago, reports had PSU coach James Franklin eying the Trojans’ job. Maybe Troy should have eyed him back?
13. Wisconsin (3-2)
Last week: 13
This week: at Rutgers
What to know: Fun-loving Cheeseheads fans get to party in the shadow of the Big Apple. The Badgers, meanwhile, get the Sopranos treatment in New Jersey.
14. Michigan State (3-3)
Last week: 11
This week: idle
What to know: Sparty is that team that looks so close to being good but really is so far from it.
15. Maryland (3-2)
Last week: 15
This week: vs. Northwestern (Friday)
What to know: The Terrapins need to get their heads out of their, er, shells, if they expect to become bowl eligible.
16. Northwestern (2-3)
Last week: 16
This week: at Maryland (Friday)
What to know: It’s been a tough go for Chicago teams, but chin up, Wildcats, you can’t be as awful as the White Sox..
17. UCLA (1-4)
Last week: 17
This week: vs. Minnesota
What to know: When the Bruins sit down for dinner, they give thanks they’re not Purdue.
18. Purdue (1-4)
Last week: 18
This week: at Illinois
What to know: Mama taught us if you don’t have anything nice to say … so we’re keeping our mouth shut on this one.
roller@dispatch.com
Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts

Ohio
THC gummies recalled in Ohio for not being properly marked

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO)- The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control has issued a product recall for edible gummies made by Green Investment Partners, LLC.
The Division investigated a complaint that the affected gummies were not marked with a universal THC symbol on each serving.
The Division’s rules require the universal THC symbol on each serving; therefore, the products are not compliant.
The Division has placed a hold on all affected gummy products so that no additional products are distributed to or sold at dispensaries.
No adverse events have been reported. Anyone who experiences adverse health effects after consuming the affected product should contact their health care provider immediately and report the event to the DCC at 1-833-464-6627. The DCC will provide any updates, as necessary.
AFFECTED PRODUCT:
Product Name:
O’Dank Cannabis Infused Gummies – Pineapple
O’Dank Cannabis Infused Gummies – Sour Watermelon
Purchase Dates: September 5, 2025, to present
Processor Name: Green Investment Partners, LLC (License# CCP000024-00)
Product ID and Batch:
Affected Product Sold at the Following Dispensaries:
Copyright 2025 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Ohio
Ohio State’s defense is already elite, but these two players could make it even better

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s defense has been nothing short of dominant this season, but what’s scary for future opponents is that it might be on the verge of getting even better.
The latest episode of Buckeye Talk revealed two fascinating developments that could transform an already-elite unit into something truly unstoppable.
The first involves what Stephen Means described as “the ultimate good problem” at the nickel position. While Lorenzo Styles has been solid, Jermaine Mathews has shown flashes of being an elite playmaker who can dramatically change games with his ability to create turnovers.
“This is, I think, the ultimate good problem that a defense could have — where the guy who’s doing a job isn’t doing it poorly, but there just might be a guy who is elite, elite, elite at it,” Means said.
The option between Styles and Mathews represents the luxury Ohio State now has – two excellent players for one position, with Mathews offering a specific skill set that addresses one of the few areas where the defense could improve: creating more takeaways.
Co-host Stefan Krajisnik emphasized Mathews’ impact:
“I just think he’s such a difference-maker for you that if that’s the one thing you feel like this defense is lacking… I would continue to give Jermaine Mathews some snaps there in the slot.”
But perhaps the most intriguing revelation came from defensive end Kenyatta Jackson, who approached defensive coordinator Matt Patricia about being allowed more freedom as a pass rusher.
Jackson, who has been disciplined in his containment responsibilities against mobile quarterbacks, wanted permission to use his full arsenal of pass-rush moves.
Means highlighted the significance of this conversation:
“I also love the fact that he said that Matt Patricia’s response was like, ‘Yeah, just don’t go past quarterback… You can do whatever you want as long as you don’t put us at a disadvantage.”
This context explains why Jackson hasn’t been as statistically productive as many expected. Against more traditional pocket passers, Jackson could now be unleashed, complementing Caden Curry (who’s putting up numbers comparable to Chase Young’s Heisman campaign start) and creating a truly terrifying pass rush.
What we witnessed against Wisconsin – where Jackson registered three pressures and a sack after this conversation with Patricia – might just be the beginning. Ohio State’s defense is already allowing a minuscule 5.9 points per game, but these adjustments suggest the best is yet to come.
Here’s the podcast for this week:
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Ohio
What’s Up With That? Why isn’t trick or treating always on Halloween?

Halloween safety tips for fun and safe trick-or-treating
Safety is key to enjoying Halloween festivities. The FDA and CDC offer these tips for costumes, candy and trick-or-treating to keep you safe this year.
Why do central Ohio communities trick or treat on nights other than Halloween?
This week’s What’s Up With That? is a personal one, as it’s a query I’ve had since I moved to Columbus nearly seven years ago. What’s the origin of central Ohio’s complex (to outsiders) tradition of holding trick or treating (or Beggars Night, as some call it) on nights other than Oct. 31?
It is a question that has been asked and answered by The Columbus Dispatch before. But to save you a journey through our archives, I’ll recap the history here.
Why does central Ohio schedule trick-or-treating on nights other than Halloween?
Up until 2005, when the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission adopted the current system for recommending when communities should hold trick-or-treating, Columbus hadn’t held the event on Halloween itself in 90 years, according to past Dispatch reporting.
Columbus historically held a raucous Downtown Halloween party on Oct. 31, according to our archives, prompting the preference for Oct. 30 as the day kids could collect candy. That party was discontinued in the 1950s over too much revelry, but Oct. 30 trick-or-treating persisted.
MORPC took on its role as trick-or-treat scheduler in 1993 and adopted the current system it uses to choose the date in 2005. MORPC’s recommendation is just that; communities are still free to set their own trick-or-treating days and times.
When is central Ohio trick-or-treating in 2025?
Here’s MORPC’s system: When Halloween falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, trick or treat typically takes place the Thursday before Oct. 31 in central Ohio. When Halloween falls on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, expect costumed kids on the day itself.
In 2015, a MORPC spokesman told the Dispatch the system was meant to increase convenience for families. Friday or Saturday night trick or treating could conflict with football (as could Sunday, for that matter, although in central Ohio it’s largely the first two putting a dent in people’s calendars).
Since Halloween falls on a Friday this year, the recommended trick-or-treat date is Oct. 30, and cities and towns have official candy-calling hours of 6-8 p.m.
But there are exceptions. Here’s a look at which Franklin County communities are going their own way:
- Bexley: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
- Grandview Heights: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
- Groveport: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
- Madison Township: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
- Worthington: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
You can see other communities’ hours in this list we published in early October.
Have a question about Columbus? I’ll find your answer
What other weird central Ohio traditions would you like to have explained? I’m happy to track down the information. Or just curious what that development is, or why the traffic pattern you hate is the way it is?
Email ekennedy@dispatch.com and I will see what I can do.
Eleanor Kennedy is the senior digital director of the Columbus Dispatch. She can breached at ekennedy@dispatch.com.
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