The 1946 Ohio State Buckeyes football team was an American football team that represented Ohio State University in the 1946 Big Ten Conference football season. In Paul Bixler's only season as head coach, the Buckeyes compiled a 4–3–2 record (2–3–1 against conference opponents) and were outscored by a total of 170 to 166. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll on November 4, 1946, but lost the final two games of their season against No. 9 Illinois and No. 8 Michigan. Right guard Warren Amling, a veterinary student, was elected as team captain.
Ohio State was ranked at No. 25 in the final Litkenhous Difference by Score System rankings for 1946.
Schedule
Awards and honors
Tackle Warren Amling was a consensus first-team pick on the 1946 All-America college football team. Three Ohio State players received honors from the Associated Press (AP) or United Press (UP) on the 1946 All-Big Nine Conference football team: end Cecil Souders (AP-1, UP-1); Amling (AP-1, UP-2); and fullback Joe Whisler (UP-1). Souders was also selected by his teammates as the team's most valuable player.
Statistics
On offense, the Buckeyes averaged 94.2 passing yards and 199.4 rushing yards. On defense, they allowed an average of 106.6 passing yards and 176.9 rushing yards. The team's statistical leaders included quarterback George Spencer with 398 passing yards, fullback Joseph Whisler with 544 rushing yards, and Bob Brugge with 193 receiving yards.
Personnel
Players
Warren Amling, tackle
Dave Bonnie
Bob Brugge
Michael Cannavino
Jameson Crane
Traian Dendiu
William Doolittle
Charles Gandee
Tommy James
Carlton Kessler
Jerry Krall
Richard Palmer
Ernest Parks
Pete Perini
Thomas Phillips
Richard Slager
Cecil Souders, end
George Spencer, quarterback
Rodney Swinehart
Alex Verdova
Joe Whisler, fullback
Russell Wolfe
Coaching staff
Paul Bixler, head coach, first year
Sam T. Selby, assistant
NFL draft
The 1947 NFL Draft was held on December 16, 1946. The following Buckeyes were selected.