The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of college football’s premier programs, have a jam-packed schedule for the 2025 season. From high-profile matchups to intense Big Ten showdowns, the Buckeyes are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting year of college football. The 2025 season features tough opponents and a couple of strategically placed bye weeks that could prove vital for maintaining momentum throughout the year.
The 2025 football schedule for Ohio State includes several high-profile games, starting with a showdown against Texas in the season opener. The schedule also features two bye weeks—one in Week 4 and the other in Week 9. These bye weeks will give the team a chance to recover, reevaluate, and adjust as they move through the grind of the season. Let’s break down each of the games week by week.
The 2025 season kicks off with an exciting non-conference matchup against the Texas Longhorns. This game is not just a clash of two elite programs but also a significant test for both teams in terms of national relevance. Ohio State will be looking to assert itself early in the season, especially with the pressure to win big early on. Texas, under the leadership of its head coach, is expected to bring a highly competitive team to Columbus, making this one of the marquee matchups of the entire season.
The Buckeyes will be aiming to get off to a strong start in front of their home crowd at Ohio Stadium. Texas, known for its explosive offense and passionate fanbase, will provide a unique challenge. Ohio State will need to focus on both offense and defense, capitalizing on the home field advantage while trying to neutralize Texas’ powerful attack.
Key players to watch for Ohio State in this game will include their quarterback, running back, and defensive line. Texas has historically had a potent offensive line, so the Buckeyes’ defensive front must show up and disrupt the Longhorns’ rhythm.
After a tough matchup in Week 1, Ohio State will face Grambling State in Week 2. This game is likely to be a confidence booster, giving Ohio State a chance to sharpen its skills before diving into the heart of the Big Ten schedule. Grambling State, a historically black college with a storied football program, will be a much less formidable opponent for the Buckeyes.
This game will allow Ohio State to rotate players and develop depth while also executing their offensive and defensive schemes. It’s a chance to work out the kinks from the opener and build momentum heading into the next set of games. Expect significant playing time for backups and younger players, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The Buckeyes will face another non-conference opponent in Week 3, as they take on Ohio University. A well-established team in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), Ohio University won’t be as high-profile as some other opponents on Ohio State’s schedule, but the Bobcats can’t be taken lightly. Ohio State will need to remain focused and execute a strong performance to ensure they enter Week 4 with momentum, especially with a big matchup ahead against Washington.
With the team likely to have developed some chemistry by this point, this will be another opportunity for the coaching staff to work on fine-tuning the offensive and defensive strategies before heading into a critical away game.
Ohio State has its first bye week in Week 4, which comes right after three games. This break will be crucial for the Buckeyes, especially after the grueling season opener against Texas and their upcoming trip to Washington in Week 5. The bye will give the team time to rest and recover from any early-season injuries and refine their strategy moving forward.
During this week, Ohio State will likely spend time evaluating its performance so far, watching film from previous games, and making adjustments in preparation for their conference schedule. This bye week also allows the coaching staff to give players a mental break and a chance to focus on individual development.
After a week off, Ohio State will travel to Washington to take on the Huskies. This promises to be a tough road game for the Buckeyes, as Washington has become a strong program in recent years. Washington’s electric atmosphere and challenging environment will be a test for Ohio State’s resilience and composure, particularly for younger players playing in their first true road game of the season.
The Huskies have a dynamic offense and a capable defense, so Ohio State will need to execute at a high level. The key to this game will be how the Buckeyes can adapt to the West Coast style of play and how their defense handles Washington’s spread attack. This is a big opportunity for Ohio State to make a statement to the rest of the country about their readiness for the college football playoff.
Coming back home, Ohio State will host Minnesota in Week 6. The Golden Gophers have historically been a solid team, and while they may not be in the same class as Ohio State, they’ve been known to surprise big programs with tough, hard-nosed football. Minnesota’s strong defense and physical play will provide a good challenge for the Buckeyes, and they will need to be at their best to avoid any slip-ups.
Ohio State’s offense should look to be in sync, as they will need to put points on the board early to avoid any potential upset. Look for the Buckeyes to lean on their run game to wear down Minnesota’s defense while keeping their defense sharp against a Gophers offense that often likes to control the clock.
The following week, Ohio State will head to Champaign to face Illinois. The Fighting Illini have historically been an underdog in the Big Ten, but they can never be counted out, especially when playing in front of their home crowd. Illinois has a tough defense and a style of play that can frustrate even the most high-powered offenses, so Ohio State will need to be cautious.
The Buckeyes will need to keep the tempo of the game in their favor and avoid getting bogged down in a low-scoring affair. Ohio State’s depth and speed will likely be too much for Illinois, but it’s never easy to play on the road in the Big Ten, so the Buckeyes must stay focused and execute.
In Week 8, Ohio State will travel to Madison to face a tough Wisconsin team. Wisconsin has a reputation for playing physically on both sides of the ball, and this game will be a test of Ohio State’s ability to handle an intense, smash-mouth style of football. The Badgers typically have a stout defense and a strong running game, which could pose challenges for Ohio State’s defense.
This game is always hard-fought, and Ohio State will need to remain disciplined, particularly in their run defense, as Wisconsin will likely try to control the clock and grind out long drives. The Buckeyes will need to take advantage of their speed and athleticism to counter Wisconsin’s power approach.
Ohio State’s second bye week comes in Week 9, just before their crucial November slate. This break is perfectly timed to allow the team to recharge and refocus. With a challenging schedule ahead, including games against Penn State, Michigan, and other Big Ten opponents, the bye week will allow Ohio State to make any necessary adjustments and prepare for the final stretch of the season.
The team will likely focus on refining their playbook, improving special teams, and working on individual skills. There will be a heavy emphasis on recovery for players dealing with any lingering injuries from the earlier part of the season.
The first week of November brings a highly anticipated showdown against Penn State. This game is always a battle of heavyweights in the Big Ten, and the outcome will have significant implications for the conference standings and the College Football Playoff race. Penn State, with its aggressive defense and dynamic offense, will pose a major challenge for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State will need to execute a balanced attack on offense and play a disciplined game on defense. The key for the Buckeyes will be containing Penn State’s playmakers and limiting explosive plays. A strong performance in this game will give Ohio State a significant boost heading into the rest of November.
The 2025 Ohio State football schedule is filled with tough matchups, both in and out of conference. From the opening game against Texas to the intense Big Ten road games, the Buckeyes will be tested in every aspect of the game. With two bye weeks strategically placed, Ohio State has the opportunity to maintain their health and momentum throughout the season, but it will be crucial that they take each game seriously and stay focused on their ultimate goal: a national championship. The 2025 season promises to be one for the ages for Ohio State, and fans can expect high drama and thrilling football each and every week.
