Early Game-by-Game Predictions for the Ohio State 2025 Football Schedule
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Ohio State University’s football program is preparing for another run at a national championship. The Buckeyes have been a perennial powerhouse in college football, and expectations are always high for the team. With a new set of challenges ahead, let’s take an early look at Ohio State’s 2025 football schedule and predict how the season could unfold, game by game.
1. Ohio State vs. Indiana (Home)
The Buckeyes will open the season with a home game against Indiana. Historically, Ohio State has dominated this matchup, and there’s no reason to expect anything different in 2025. Indiana will likely come in with a solid defensive game plan, but Ohio State’s offensive firepower should be too much to handle.
Prediction: Ohio State wins big, 45-10.
2. Ohio State at Penn State (Away)
Penn State is always a tough test, especially when the game is played in Happy Valley. With a strong defense and a solid quarterback, the Nittany Lions will make this a competitive game. However, Ohio State has historically been able to overpower Penn State’s defense, and Ryan Day’s offense should find a way to score enough to come away with a hard-fought win.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 34-24.
3. Ohio State vs. Western Michigan (Home)
Western Michigan will have a tough time competing with Ohio State’s sheer talent and depth. The Buckeyes will likely use this game to fine-tune their strategies, giving younger players more opportunities to showcase their abilities.
Prediction: Ohio State wins comfortably, 52-7.
4. Ohio State at Michigan State (Away)
Michigan State can be unpredictable, but they’ve struggled to compete with Ohio State in recent years. With a home-field advantage, the Spartans will make things difficult for the Buckeyes early on, but Ohio State should overpower them in the second half.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 38-20.
5. Ohio State vs. Michigan (Home)
This game will be one of the most highly anticipated of the 2025 season, especially with the recent success Michigan has had against Ohio State. After back-to-back wins over the Buckeyes, Michigan will come into this game with confidence. However, Ohio State has a history of bouncing back strong after losses to their biggest rival. Expect a high-stakes, intense matchup that could decide the Big Ten East division.
Prediction: Ohio State wins a close one, 31-28.
6. Ohio State at Rutgers (Away)
Rutgers has made some strides in recent years, but they still aren’t on the same level as Ohio State. The Scarlet Knights will put up a fight early, but Ohio State’s talent will shine through by the second half.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 41-14.
7. Ohio State vs. Wisconsin (Home)
Wisconsin always presents a tough, physical challenge, particularly on the ground. However, Ohio State’s defense has shown it can handle the Badgers’ running game, and the Buckeyes’ offense will prove too explosive for Wisconsin’s defense.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 35-17.
8. Ohio State at Iowa (Away)
Kinnick Stadium is known for being a difficult place to play, and Iowa’s defense is always one of the best in the Big Ten. However, Iowa’s offense tends to struggle against elite defenses, and Ohio State’s offense should be able to do enough to win this road game.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 28-17.
9. Ohio State vs. Maryland (Home)
Maryland is improving, but Ohio State should have the talent advantage in this matchup. The Terrapins will provide some offensive challenges, but Ohio State’s defense will be up to the task, and the Buckeyes should have little trouble securing the win.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 49-21.
10. Ohio State vs. Nebraska (Home)
Nebraska has been in a rebuilding phase for a while now, and while the Cornhuskers may make progress in 2025, they likely won’t have enough to contend with Ohio State at home. This should be a game where the Buckeyes cruise to another easy victory.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 42-10.
11. Ohio State at Minnesota (Away)
Minnesota is a solid program, but they haven’t had the firepower to hang with Ohio State in recent years. The Buckeyes may face some resistance early on, but their depth and skill should prove to be too much as the game progresses.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 38-14.
12. Ohio State vs. Iowa State (Neutral Site – Big Ten/Big 12 Showcase)
In this neutral-site game, Ohio State will face off against a talented Iowa State team. While the Cyclones have made strides in recent seasons, Ohio State’s overall talent and depth should give them the upper hand in this matchup. Iowa State will provide a stiff challenge, but the Buckeyes will pull away in the second half.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 38-20.
13. Ohio State vs. Big Ten Championship Game (Opponent TBD)
By the time the Big Ten Championship rolls around, Ohio State will likely have already secured a spot in the College Football Playoff with one or fewer losses. Their opponent could be Michigan, Penn State, or another contender from the West Division, and it’s sure to be a high-stakes, exciting matchup.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 34-27.
14. College Football Playoff (Opponent TBD)
As one of the top teams in the country, Ohio State is all but guaranteed to make the College Football Playoff if they finish the regular season with just one or no losses. Their first playoff game will be against one of the best teams in the country, likely from the SEC or another Power Five conference.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 38-31 (against a tough SEC opponent).
15. National Championship Game (Opponent TBD)
If Ohio State navigates through the College Football Playoff, they will have a chance to play for the national championship. This game will feature some of the best talent in college football, and it will likely come down to the final moments. If Ohio State’s defense is playing at a high level and their offense is clicking, they have the talent to win it all in 2025.
Prediction: Ohio State wins, 31-27, and claims the national championship.