Who does Ohio State play in the 2025 college football season?

Ohio State University is one of the most storied programs in college football, with a rich tradition that includes national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and numerous conference titles. Each season, the Ohio State Buckeyes face a challenging schedule, often featuring top-tier competition from both their own Big Ten Conference and beyond. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, it’s important to understand the full scope of their opponents, including both conference and non-conference matchups.

Overview of Ohio State’s 2025 Football Schedule

The Ohio State Buckeyes play a mix of conference opponents and non-conference teams during the 2025 season. In a typical year, Ohio State’s schedule includes:

1. Big Ten Conference games, with a full slate of divisional matchups against schools in the East and West Divisions.
2. Non-conference games, often featuring high-profile opponents from Power Five conferences and sometimes a group-of-five team or two.
3. Rivalry games, which are always significant, such as their annual matchup with Michigan, one of the most heated rivalries in all of sports.

The 2025 season will likely include familiar faces and potentially some new challenges as Ohio State continues to build on its legacy. Below is a detailed look at who Ohio State will play in the 2025 college football season:

Big Ten Conference Games

As a member of the Big Ten Conference, Ohio State plays a series of conference games each season. The Big Ten is divided into two divisions: the East Division and the West Division. Ohio State belongs to the East, which historically has been the stronger division in terms of overall performance. However, with the addition of new teams and the upcoming changes to the conference landscape, Ohio State’s schedule could feature some new dynamics in 2025.

East Division Opponents:

1. Michigan – The Game Ohio State’s biggest rivalry is with the Michigan Wolverines, known as “The Game,” one of the most anticipated matchups of the college football season. The Buckeyes and Wolverines have met every year since 1918, and the rivalry has seen countless dramatic moments. As of recent years, the series has been competitive, with Michigan claiming victory in the last few seasons. Ohio State will look to reclaim dominance in this iconic rivalry in 2025.
2. Penn State – The Whiteout Game Penn State and Ohio State have become one of the more intense rivalries in the Big Ten, especially when they face off in Happy Valley, where the Nittany Lions’ “Whiteout” environment creates one of the most hostile atmospheres in college football. Ohio State and Penn State consistently play each other in primetime, with both teams often ranked in the top 25, making this game a key battle in the Big Ten East standings.
3. Michigan State – The Spartans Challenge Michigan State has long been a competitive opponent in the Big Ten East. While not at the same level as Ohio State or Michigan in recent years, the Spartans can never be counted out. Games between these two programs are usually hard-fought, with Ohio State’s offense needing to contend with Michigan State’s typically strong defense.
4. Rutgers – Big Ten East Matchup Since joining the Big Ten in 2014, Rutgers has struggled to keep up with the upper-tier teams of the conference. However, they have been improving and could pose a challenge in certain years. Ohio State has dominated this matchup in the past, and they’ll look to continue that trend in 2025.
5. Indiana – The Hoosiers at Home or Away Indiana is another team in the Big Ten East that has seen periods of competitiveness, especially in the past few seasons. While they haven’t been able to consistently contend for the top of the division, Indiana has produced strong individual players and an occasionally potent offense. Ohio State will look to maintain control in this rivalry.
6. Maryland – The Terrapins’ Challenge Maryland, since joining the Big Ten, has posed some interesting challenges, particularly with its high-powered offense. While Ohio State has won most of these contests, Maryland’s speed and pass-heavy offense have occasionally been difficult for Ohio State to defend.

West Division Opponents:

1. Wisconsin – A Powerhouse in the West Wisconsin consistently fields one of the best programs in the Big Ten West, and their defense-first style of play is always a tough test for Ohio State. The Buckeyes and Badgers have had some memorable games in the past, and Wisconsin will continue to be a significant opponent in 2025, especially as they transition into a new era under their coaching staff.
2. Iowa – Tough Defensive Challenge Iowa, known for its tough, physical style of play, always provides a challenge. While Iowa might not be able to compete with the top teams in the Big Ten East on a consistent basis, their defense is typically among the best in the country, and their physicality can test Ohio State’s offensive line and rushing attack.
3. Minnesota – Golden Gophers at Home or Away Minnesota has been on the rise in recent years, and under head coach P.J. Fleck, the Golden Gophers have become a program that is hard to ignore. While Ohio State is generally favored, Minnesota has managed to play competitive games against the Buckeyes in the past. This game could provide some surprises in 2025, especially if Minnesota continues to improve.
4. Northwestern – A Consistent Threat Northwestern is known for being a well-coached team that often surprises higher-ranked opponents. While they may not pose a huge threat to the top of the division, they’re known for their ability to pull off upsets, particularly in close, hard-fought matchups.
5. Purdue – The Boilermakers’ Offense Purdue has produced some notable upsets in recent years and has an offense that can light up the scoreboard. Ohio State’s defense will need to stay disciplined, as Purdue can be a dangerous team when they’re clicking offensively.
6. Illinois – The Fighting Illini Challenge Illinois, historically a lower-tier team in the Big Ten, has shown improvement in recent years, particularly on defense. They’ll continue to be a challenge for Ohio State in 2025, though the Buckeyes should remain the favorites in this matchup.

Non-Conference Opponents

Ohio State’s non-conference schedule is usually one of the highlights of their season, with marquee matchups that help to define their national standing. While the full non-conference schedule for 2025 may still be subject to change, Ohio State is expected to continue playing teams that help bolster their resume for a potential College Football Playoff bid.

1. Notre Dame – A Historic Rivalry Renewed The Ohio State-Notre Dame rivalry is one of college football’s most prestigious, and while it is not an annual matchup, games between these two programs have always garnered attention. Ohio State will likely meet Notre Dame in 2025 in a game that could have major College Football Playoff implications, as both teams traditionally aim for high rankings. Their 2024 meeting is highly anticipated, and Ohio State’s next meeting with the Fighting Irish in 2025 is sure to be a major event.
2. Clemson or Another High-Powered Opponent While specific scheduling details for 2025 might not yet be confirmed, Ohio State has often sought to schedule a major non-conference opponent from another power conference. Historically, this has included matchups with teams like Clemson, Georgia, and others. A game against a perennial powerhouse outside the Big Ten could provide an opportunity for Ohio State to prove its national championship credentials early in the season.

Key Matchups to Watch in 2025

1. Ohio State vs. Michigan – The Game Always one of the most anticipated games of the season, Ohio State’s rivalry with Michigan is legendary. Michigan won the 2022 and 2023 contests, so Ohio State will be looking for revenge and to reclaim supremacy in the Big Ten East.
2. Ohio State vs. Penn State – The Big Ten East Showdown This game could have major implications for the Big Ten Championship race. If both teams are ranked highly, the game could essentially decide who will represent the East Division in the conference title game.
3. Ohio State vs. Notre Dame – Non-Conference Clash A marquee non-conference matchup against the Fighting Irish would give Ohio State an opportunity to prove themselves in a high-stakes, early-season game. The winner of this game could have a significant advantage in terms of playoff positioning as the season progresses.
4. Ohio State vs. Wisconsin – Big Ten Power Battle Wisconsin has long been a thorn in Ohio State’s side, particularly in the Big Ten Championship Game. A matchup between these two teams could be crucial in deciding who comes out of the Big Ten to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.