The Buckeyes’ 11th Consecutive Victory Over Johns Hopkins: A Milestone in College Lacrosse

In the world of college lacrosse, few rivalries carry as much prestige and history as the one between Ohio State University’s Buckeyes and Johns Hopkins University. These two programs have not only been among the top contenders in the sport but also have come to represent the heart and soul of college lacrosse, with their storied legacies and high expectations.

When Ohio State’s lacrosse team secured their 11th consecutive victory over the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays, it was more than just another notch in the win column. It was a statement, a demonstration of the program’s evolution, resilience, and strength, and it marked a key moment in the rivalry’s long history.

The Rise of Ohio State Lacrosse

Ohio State’s rise in lacrosse has been nothing short of impressive. Historically, the Buckeyes were not considered among the elite lacrosse programs in the NCAA. The men’s lacrosse team had a relatively quiet start, building its foundation over the years with occasional flashes of brilliance but never establishing the level of sustained dominance that would make other teams across the country take notice.

That began to change in the 2000s, with the program gaining momentum under head coach Nick Myers. Myers, who became the head coach in 2008, started to instill a sense of discipline and a winning mentality in the team. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes began recruiting top-tier talent, emphasizing a dynamic, high-paced style of play that would eventually become their hallmark.

In 2012, Ohio State achieved its first taste of national prominence, earning a berth in the NCAA tournament. But it wasn’t until later in the decade that the Buckeyes truly began to establish themselves as a top contender. The program’s resurgence culminated in 2017, when Ohio State reached the NCAA Championship game for the first time in its history, cementing its place as one of the sport’s rising powers.

The Johns Hopkins Legacy

On the other side of this rivalry is Johns Hopkins, a program that has long been synonymous with success in lacrosse. Founded in 1883, Johns Hopkins is one of the most prestigious schools in the history of college lacrosse, boasting numerous national championships and a rich tradition of producing both top-tier players and coaches.

The Blue Jays have been perennial contenders in the NCAA tournament, with their consistency and historical success elevating them to a place of reverence in the lacrosse community. The program has produced countless All-Americans and future professional players, making Johns Hopkins one of the most respected names in the sport.

However, in recent years, while still considered one of the nation’s top programs, Johns Hopkins has experienced more challenges than it had in previous decades. The program faced difficulties in maintaining its dominance during the 2010s, with the rise of other programs such as Maryland, Duke, and Ohio State itself. Despite these struggles, Johns Hopkins remained a formidable team with a legacy that loomed large over college lacrosse.

The Streak: Ohio State’s Continued Dominance

The 11th consecutive victory that Ohio State secured over Johns Hopkins is not just a reflection of the Buckeyes’ recent success; it marks a distinct shift in the balance of power within college lacrosse. For a program that had once been an underdog, the streak is a testament to Ohio State’s growth and ability to sustain excellence at the highest level.

One of the most compelling aspects of this streak is the way in which Ohio State has been able to consistently overcome the challenges that Johns Hopkins presents. The Blue Jays are a team known for their physicality, high lacrosse IQ, and fast-paced play. They have historically excelled in all facets of the game, from faceoffs to defense to attack. To defeat such a well-rounded team 11 times in a row requires not just talent but mental fortitude, resilience, and coaching acumen.

Each of these 11 victories represents a battle where Ohio State had to outplay one of the game’s most successful teams. The first few wins in the streak were particularly significant because they marked the moment when Ohio State began to take control of the rivalry. Prior to that, Johns Hopkins had dominated the series, but Ohio State’s newfound ability to challenge and beat the Blue Jays was a sign of the Buckeyes’ rising status in the sport.

Key Moments in the Streak

The first of Ohio State’s 11 consecutive victories came in 2014. That year, Ohio State was beginning to assert itself as one of the rising programs in the country. With star players like Jesse King and an explosive offensive unit, the Buckeyes took down Johns Hopkins in a thrilling contest that demonstrated their potential to compete with the very best.

Following that initial breakthrough, Ohio State’s victories over Johns Hopkins continued year after year. Each win was marked by a combination of strategic game plans, individual brilliance, and team cohesion. Whether it was through the exceptional play of their goalkeepers, stellar performances from their attackmen, or the tactical brilliance of their coaching staff, Ohio State consistently found ways to outlast Johns Hopkins.

Some of the most memorable moments in the streak came from dramatic comebacks and clutch performances. Players like Tre Leclaire, who became one of the program’s all-time greats, and Jack Myers, an offensive dynamo, played key roles in many of these victories. Their ability to shine under pressure, particularly in high-stakes moments, allowed Ohio State to maintain its dominance.

The 2025 Victory: A Defining Moment

In 2025, when Ohio State captured its 11th consecutive victory over Johns Hopkins, the win was more than just another step in the streak—it was a defining moment for the program. This victory came after years of steady growth and was seen as a validation of Ohio State’s place among the elite in college lacrosse.

What made the 2025 win particularly significant was the way in which Ohio State displayed its balance and depth. Johns Hopkins, as always, was a tough opponent, boasting a strong defense and a fast, skilled attack. However, Ohio State’s ability to adapt to every challenge posed by the Blue Jays showed just how far the Buckeyes had come.

The game featured a standout performance by Ohio State’s midfield, who controlled the tempo and dominated the faceoff circle. This allowed the Buckeyes to maintain possession and create high-quality scoring opportunities. Additionally, Ohio State’s defense, led by a stellar group of close defenders and a superb goalkeeper, kept Johns Hopkins at bay and neutralized their offensive threats.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of the 2025 win was the maturity and poise demonstrated by the team. Unlike earlier years in the streak, when Ohio State’s victories were often characterized by explosive moments of brilliance, the 2025 win was a testament to their growth as a complete team. It wasn’t just about scoring highlight-reel goals; it was about playing disciplined, team-oriented lacrosse and executing when it mattered most.

Implications for the Rivalry

The 11th consecutive victory over Johns Hopkins also signals a shift in the broader context of the rivalry. While Johns Hopkins has remained a respected and formidable opponent, the Buckeyes’ sustained dominance in recent years has redefined the matchup. What was once a rivalry dominated by Johns Hopkins is now a more balanced—and at times, one-sided—affair in favor of Ohio State.

For the Blue Jays, the streak has been a difficult pill to swallow. As one of the most decorated programs in college lacrosse, they are used to being at the top of the mountain, but Ohio State’s rise has been a wake-up call. The Blue Jays will undoubtedly use this losing streak as motivation, and as history has shown, programs like Johns Hopkins are never down for long. They will look to rebound and find a way to break Ohio State’s stranglehold on the series.

For Ohio State, however, the 11th consecutive victory over Johns Hopkins is a reminder of their strength and resilience. It serves as validation for their hard work, development, and consistency. It also puts the lacrosse world on notice that Ohio State is not just a team on the rise, but one that has firmly established itself as a perennial powerhouse in the sport.

The Future of the Rivalry

As we look to the future, the rivalry between Ohio State and Johns Hopkins promises to remain one of the most exciting in college lacrosse. While Ohio State’s current dominance is undeniable, there is no question that Johns Hopkins will fight tooth and nail to end the streak and reclaim its spot among the elite.

For the Buckeyes, the challenge will be maintaining their level of excellence and continuing to improve year after year. With the talent they have in place and the recruiting success they have experienced, Ohio State looks poised to continue its dominance for the foreseeable future. However, college lacrosse is a sport known for its unpredictability, and nothing is ever guaranteed.

As these two programs continue to battle for supremacy, one thing is certain: the rivalry between Ohio State and Johns Hopkins will remain one of the cornerstones of college lacrosse, filled with history, drama, and unforgettable moments.

Ohio State’s 11th consecutive victory over Johns Hopkins is a landmark achievement in the program’s history. It not only signifies the Buckeyes’ growth and success in college lacrosse but also marks a turning point in the rivalry itself. For Ohio State, this victory is a symbol of their ascent to the top tier of the sport, while for Johns Hopkins, it serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in maintaining their place among the elite. As both teams continue to build their legacies, the rivalry promises to deliver more thrilling chapters for years to come.