Early predictions for each game on the Ohio State football schedule for 2025


Ohio State 2025 Football Schedule and Early Predictions

Overview:

Ohio State has one of the most iconic and competitive football programs in the NCAA, consistently battling for national championships and making deep playoff runs. For the 2025 season, Ohio State will be led by Coach Ryan Day, whose program has remained a powerhouse in the Big Ten and college football at large. Although it’s early to predict every detail, we can break down each game on the schedule, consider team dynamics, player performance, and trends, and offer some insights into how the season might unfold.


Week 1: Ohio State vs. Western Michigan (Home)

Prediction: Ohio State 42, Western Michigan 10

Ohio State opens the 2025 season with a home game against Western Michigan. The Buckeyes should be heavy favorites in this matchup, given their depth in talent across the roster. Western Michigan may have some solid individual players, but they don’t have the overall depth to compete with Ohio State’s elite recruiting class and proven game plans. Expect Ohio State to dominate early, giving younger players some opportunities to see the field as they prepare for tougher conference matchups later in the season.


Week 2: Ohio State at Notre Dame (Away)

Prediction: Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 20

A road trip to Notre Dame is always a major challenge, but Ohio State is poised to take control in this matchup. Notre Dame will likely be a strong team, with their always-sturdy defense and methodical offensive style. However, Ohio State’s high-powered offense, led by a top-tier quarterback and an explosive wide receiver corps, will be difficult to contain. Ohio State’s depth and speed should make the difference, but this could be a close game early before the Buckeyes pull away in the second half.


Week 3: Ohio State vs. Kent State (Home)

Prediction: Ohio State 55, Kent State 7

Kent State will likely be a big underdog in this matchup. Ohio State should dominate in all phases of the game, with their talent advantage being especially noticeable on offense. Kent State may struggle to put up points against Ohio State’s defense, and it’s reasonable to expect the Buckeyes to get off to a fast start and play deep into their roster. This will likely be a game that provides plenty of opportunities for Ohio State to experiment with new players and strategies.


Week 4: Ohio State at Indiana (Away)

Prediction: Ohio State 38, Indiana 14

Traveling to Bloomington to face Indiana will be an interesting test for Ohio State, but it’s a matchup they should be able to handle comfortably. Indiana has had moments of competitiveness in recent seasons, but Ohio State’s talent gap will likely prove insurmountable. The Hoosiers may keep things close early on, especially if they can control the clock and limit Ohio State’s offensive possessions. However, expect the Buckeyes to ultimately overpower them with their explosive playmakers and superior depth.


Week 5: Ohio State vs. Maryland (Home)

Prediction: Ohio State 45, Maryland 24

Maryland has shown flashes of being competitive in the Big Ten, but Ohio State is simply on a different level. Maryland’s offense, led by their talented quarterback and wide receivers, could put up some points, but the Buckeyes’ defense will adjust. On the offensive side, Ohio State’s depth and dynamic playmakers will be too much for Maryland to handle, particularly in the second half. Expect Ohio State to cover a sizable spread in this one.


Week 6: Ohio State vs. Penn State (Home)

Prediction: Ohio State 27, Penn State 20

Penn State will come to Columbus as a potential challenger to Ohio State’s conference dominance, but the Buckeyes are expected to get the edge in this contest. Penn State’s defense could give Ohio State trouble, especially with their talented front seven. The game could be a battle of field position, and Penn State will certainly make it tough for Ohio State to score consistently. However, Ohio State’s elite talent, especially in the quarterback and receiving corps, should help them escape with a hard-fought win.


Week 7: Ohio State at Wisconsin (Away)

Prediction: Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 17

Wisconsin’s traditionally strong run game and physical defense will pose challenges for Ohio State, especially in Madison, where the crowd will be electric. However, the Buckeyes’ superior athleticism and speed should eventually wear down Wisconsin. The Badgers will look to control the ball and dominate time of possession, but Ohio State’s balanced offense, along with its defensive improvements, should ensure a relatively comfortable win for the Buckeyes on the road.


Week 8: Ohio State vs. Michigan State (Home)

Prediction: Ohio State 41, Michigan State 13

Michigan State has been a competitive team in the Big Ten but has not been able to consistently match Ohio State’s talent. This will be a game where Ohio State can exploit the Spartans’ weaknesses on both sides of the ball. Michigan State may be able to mount some resistance early on, but the Buckeyes’ offensive firepower will be too much to handle. Expect a decisive victory for Ohio State as they build momentum for the second half of their season.


Week 9: Ohio State at Rutgers (Away)

Prediction: Ohio State 48, Rutgers 10

Rutgers has made strides in the Big Ten, but they remain one of the conference’s lower-tier programs. Ohio State will likely dominate this matchup from the outset. While Rutgers has some talent, especially on defense, they will struggle to contain Ohio State’s high-powered offense. The Buckeyes will likely play a clean, efficient game and give their backups ample playing time in the second half.


Week 10: Ohio State vs. Iowa (Home)

Prediction: Ohio State 38, Iowa 14

Iowa’s traditionally tough defense will provide a challenge for Ohio State’s offense, but the Buckeyes’ dynamic playmakers should break through. The Hawkeyes’ offense, while gritty, often struggles against top-tier defenses, and Ohio State’s defensive line will likely keep Iowa’s running game in check. Ohio State’s balanced attack and explosive weapons on offense will help them pull away in this one.


Week 11: Ohio State at Michigan (Away)

Prediction: Ohio State 35, Michigan 27

The annual showdown with Michigan is always the most anticipated game on Ohio State’s schedule. The Wolverines have become a serious contender in the Big Ten under Coach Jim Harbaugh, and this will likely be a close, hard-fought contest. Michigan’s defense, led by a strong defensive front and disciplined secondary, will pose a challenge. However, Ohio State’s ability to score quickly and consistently on offense will give them the upper hand. Expect a close game that could come down to the final possessions, but Ohio State’s overall talent should allow them to edge out Michigan once again in 2025.


Week 12: Ohio State vs. Nebraska (Home)

Prediction: Ohio State 44, Nebraska 14

Nebraska will be an underdog in this matchup. While the Cornhuskers have some talented players and have made improvements, they will struggle against Ohio State’s complete roster. The Buckeyes’ offensive line and skill position players will have an edge over Nebraska’s defense, and the home crowd in Columbus will make it difficult for the Cornhuskers to execute their game plan. Ohio State should win this game comfortably.


Week 13: Ohio State at Minnesota (Away)

Prediction: Ohio State 41, Minnesota 17

Minnesota’s solid, run-heavy offense will attempt to slow the game down, but Ohio State’s high-powered offense will likely prove too much. While the Golden Gophers may be able to control the clock for a while, Ohio State’s depth and speed will eventually take over. Expect Ohio State to win decisively, continuing to build momentum before the Big Ten Championship game.


Week 14: Big Ten Championship Game (Opponent TBD)

Prediction: Ohio State 38, Opponent TBD (likely Michigan or Penn State) 24

The Big Ten Championship game could very well feature Ohio State and one of its top rivals, likely Michigan or Penn State. If Michigan is their opponent, this could be a rematch of their regular-season showdown. The Buckeyes will be ready for the challenge and, assuming they stay healthy and play their best football, they should have the edge in the championship game. Ohio State’s offense will likely overpower the defense of any opponent they face, setting them up for a potential playoff berth.


 

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