Why was Ohio State-Illinois canceled? COVID-19 impacts Buckeyes’ Big Ten,

No. 4 Ohio State canceled Saturday’s game with Illinois after more positive tests for COVID-19 within the program were discovered Friday afternoon.  

The university’s athletic department has paused all football-related activities. 

MORE: How long is Ryan Day out after positive COVID-19 test result?

This decision will put the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff in limbo over the next few weeks. The Buckeyes are 4-0 and were fourth in the first set of College Football Playoff rankings.  

Under the current rules, Ohio State must play six games to be eligible for the Big Ten championship game. Here is a closer look at the Buckeyes’ outlook for the remainder of the 2020 season.  

Why was the Ohio State-Illinois game canceled?  

Ohio State did not disclose the number of positive COVID-19 tests on the team, but as of Friday afternoon the team was planning to travel to Illinois on Saturday morning for a noon ET (11 a.m. CT) kickoff.  

That was the plan, even after it was revealed Ohio State coach Ryan Day tested positive for COVID-19 and would not make the trip. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson was set to coach the team.  

Ohio State announced late Friday evening that the game was canceled after an increased number of positive tests.  

“We have continued to experience an increase in positive tests over the course of this week,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in a statement released by the school. “The health, safety and well-being of our student-athlete is our main concern, and our decisions on their welfare will continue to be guided by our medical staff.”  

Can Ohio State still make Big Ten title game?  

Yes, but there is no margin for error now. The Buckeyes have had two games canceled this season. The Nov. 14 game at Maryland was canceled because the Terrapins were forced to go on pause because of COVID-19.  

The Big Ten decided to return to play on Oct. 24 after postponing the season, which meant the schedule left no room for bye weeks. Ohio State has an undetermined number of players who cannot return to action until 21 days after their positive test, per Big Ten COVID-19 guidelines. 

Wisconsin has missed three games this season and will not be eligible for the Big Ten championship game. That might not affect the Big Ten West Division race because the Badgers lost 17-7 to Northwestern on Oct. 21. The Wildcats are 5-0 heading into Saturday’s game against Maryland.  

Ohio State is the lone undefeated team left in the Big Ten East. The Buckeyes beat Indiana (4-1) — the second-place team — in a 42-35 shootout at Ohio Stadium last week.