Zain Bando

Joined: Oct 14, 2025

Zain Bando is a Sports Desk writer for BIGPLAY with a focus on covering the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns. Bando has been with the On SI network since October 2023, contributing across the Illinois Fighting Illini on SI and the Kansas State on SI sites, among others. Currently, Bando serves as a staff writer and columnist for MMA Knockout on SI, as well as the recently launched WNBA section of On SI, with a focus on the Dallas Wings.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) attempts to catch a pass against Indiana Hoosiers defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) in the first half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

News

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti isn't pulling any punches before his team's unofficial home game vs. OSU at Lucas Oil Stadium this Saturday.

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs past Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jyaire Hill (20) during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.

Opinion

The Ohio State Buckeyes now have bragging rights against TTUN for at least the next year.

Ohio State Buckeyes fans cheer during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.

News

Finishing the regular season unbeaten was step one, but the Ohio State Buckeyes now have the college football world in front of them.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads his team onto the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025.

News

The Wolverines did their best to stand their ground against the victorious Ohio State Buckeyes, but this year's postgame encounter was way different.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day walks the sideline during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025.

News

Ohio State broke a four-game losing skid to Michigan on Saturday. Here's how the Buckeyes punched their ticket to the Big Ten Championship game.

Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines fans react to a Hassan Haskins touchdown during the third quarter of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.

News

"The Game" has gotten a bit too important for the wrong reasons, according to a seven-time national championship coach.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) speaks to his teammates in the second half of the NCAA college football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

News

Ryan Day is confident in his quarterback, Julian Sayin, entering Saturday's game in Ann Arbor.

The Ohio State Buckeyes take the field for the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.

News

Ohio State has been a mainstay on Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff" this season and Week 13 was no exception.

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) and cornerback Devin Sanchez (6) celebrate following the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.

News

Ryan Day spoke openly about where Arvell Reese fits into the game plan vs. Michigan.

Nov 15, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches his team warms up before the game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

News

With the College Football Playoff looming, it's never a bad idea to review past glory

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.

News

Julian Sayin is starting to gain the national attention Ryan Day says Sayin has sought for so long.

Oct 18, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day speaks in a press conference after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

News

A former Michigan tight end-turned-analyst likes what he sees from Ryan Day and Ohio State.

Zain Bando

Joined: Oct 14, 2025

Ohio State vs. Indiana strength of schedule outlook entering Big Ten title game

Ohio State coach Ryan Day reacts to Brian Hartline's departure from Buckeyes

Ryan Day uses iconic Curt Cignetti "Google Me" line before Big Ten title game

Fernando Mendoza's latest Ohio State cap tip shows how huge Big Ten title game is

News

Curt Cignetti says Ohio State's Ryan Day is holding back before Big Ten title game

Opinion

Why Ohio State regaining momentum of 'The Game' is good for Big Ten football

News

Ohio State has taken control of 'The Game,' but bigger tests await Buckeyes

News

Why Ryan Day blocked Buckeyes from planting flag after beating Michigan

News

Ohio State Buckeyes clinch Big Ten title berth after rout of Michigan Wolverines

News

Hall of Fame coach calls Ohio State football fans 'psychotic' over Michigan rivalry

News

Why Ann Arbor cold weather won't impact Ohio State QB Julian Sayin for 'The Game'

News

Ohio State's win against Rutgers reportedly draws massive 'Big Noon Kickoff' ratings

Ryan Day explains Arvell Reese's production dip ahead of Ohio State vs. Michigan

Wonder project partners with Ohio State football, Ryan Day for one-of-a-kind CFP documentary

Ryan Day reveals critical stride QB Julian Sayin made for Ohio State football

Big Ten Network analyst shares why Ohio State Buckeyes are 'fresh' entering November