The 2025 Ohio State football season promises to be a thrilling ride for fans of the Buckeyes. After a season filled with ups and downs, Ohio State will look to build upon its success and further establish itself as one of the premier programs in college football. With an exciting mix of non-conference matchups and a grueling Big Ten schedule, the 2025 season offers plenty of opportunities for the Buckeyes to prove themselves.
Ohio State, under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, has maintained a tradition of excellence. The team enters the 2025 season with high expectations, as they continue their quest for a College Football Playoff berth and possibly a national championship. Let’s dive into the week-by-week breakdown of the 2025 season for the Buckeyes.
Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 – vs. Texas
The season opener for Ohio State will be a high-profile matchup against the Texas Longhorns. This non-conference game is set to be a marquee event, as both teams are historically powerful and have a lot to prove. Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, will come into the game with ambitions of returning to the top of the college football world, but they will be facing a tough challenge in Columbus.
Ohio State will be looking to make a statement in front of a home crowd. With a potent offense and a solid defense, the Buckeyes will be favored in this contest, but Texas cannot be underestimated. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams’ rankings as the season progresses.
For the Buckeyes, this early-season game will be an important litmus test, as they will want to set the tone for the rest of the year. Texas presents a formidable challenge, and how Ohio State handles the game will provide early insights into the strength of their roster.
Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 – vs. Grambling
After a tough opening game, Ohio State will face a much more manageable opponent in Grambling. The Grambling State Tigers, a historically black college program, are not expected to pose a serious threat to the Buckeyes. However, this game provides an opportunity for Ohio State to fine-tune its game plan, give backups valuable playing time, and recover from the potential physical toll of facing a powerhouse like Texas.
For Ryan Day, this game will be about getting his team into rhythm and ensuring that key players stay healthy and avoid any injuries. The Buckeyes will likely dominate this contest, which will allow them to rest their starters in the second half and avoid any unnecessary wear and tear early in the season.
Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 – vs. Ohio
A showdown with in-state rival Ohio University will bring some local bragging rights into play. The Ohio Bobcats have been a competitive program within the Mid-American Conference, but they will be severely outmatched by the Buckeyes on the field. However, Ohio will look to make a statement and give their best effort in what is one of the most exciting games on their schedule.
For Ohio State, this game presents a chance to continue to build momentum before heading into the Big Ten portion of their schedule. This is another game where the Buckeyes will likely be heavy favorites, and they will need to ensure they don’t overlook the Bobcats while focusing on their bigger goals ahead.
Week 4: Saturday, Sept. 20 – BYE
The Buckeyes will take a much-needed break during Week 4. A bye week at this stage of the season allows Ohio State to rest and recuperate, but it also provides a critical opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate their performance in the first three games. This week will be spent analyzing the team’s strengths and weaknesses, making adjustments to the game plan, and preparing for the tough stretch of Big Ten games that lies ahead.
The early-season bye week allows the coaching staff to implement any changes to the depth chart, and it also provides a chance for injured players to heal before the grind of the conference schedule.
Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 – at Washington
Week 5 will see Ohio State head west to take on the Washington Huskies. Washington is a team that has shown flashes of brilliance over the past few seasons and is expected to be a formidable opponent in 2025. While the game is in Seattle, Ohio State’s talent and experience will likely make them favorites. However, playing in Husky Stadium is no easy task, as the atmosphere can be electric, and Washington’s defense has historically been a tough challenge.
For Ohio State, this road game presents a test of their ability to handle hostile environments. They will need to be disciplined and focused, especially given the travel and the potential for weather-related disruptions. The Buckeyes’ ability to execute their game plan under pressure will be a key storyline to watch in this matchup.
Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 – vs. Minnesota
Returning home to the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium, Ohio State will face Minnesota in Week 6. The Golden Gophers, coached by P.J. Fleck, have had some strong seasons recently and will look to challenge the Buckeyes. Minnesota has been known for its physicality on both sides of the ball, but Ohio State’s superior depth and talent will likely give them the upper hand in this contest.
The Buckeyes will need to establish their dominance early and avoid any letdown after the tough road test at Washington. With an eye on the bigger goals of the season, Ohio State cannot afford to overlook Minnesota and must come out with a strong performance.
Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 – at Illinois
Next, Ohio State heads to Champaign to face the Illinois Fighting Illini. Illinois has made strides under head coach Bret Bielema, and they have become a tougher team to beat in the Big Ten. However, Ohio State still enters this matchup as a heavy favorite.
This will be another important road test for the Buckeyes, as Illinois will look to give them a run for their money, especially on their home turf. Ohio State will need to be disciplined on both sides of the ball, especially when it comes to controlling the line of scrimmage and avoiding turnovers.
Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 – at Wisconsin
Week 8 brings a marquee matchup as Ohio State travels to Camp Randall Stadium to take on the Wisconsin Badgers. This is one of the toughest environments in all of college football, and Wisconsin’s physical, run-first offense is always a challenge for any opponent.
The Badgers are traditionally known for their strong offensive line and running game, but Ohio State’s defense will be ready for the challenge. This will be a critical game in the Big Ten race, and the Buckeyes will need to be at their best to come away with a victory. Wisconsin is always a tough test, especially at home, and Ohio State must prepare for a battle in the trenches.
Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 – BYE
Ohio State will have their second bye week of the season during Week 9. This late-season bye provides another opportunity for the Buckeyes to rest and recharge for the final stretch of the season. It will also give the coaching staff additional time to review the first half of the Big Ten season and make any necessary adjustments for the remaining games.
With the meat of the conference schedule ahead, including matchups with Penn State, Michigan, and others, the bye week will be crucial for the Buckeyes as they prepare for the critical stretch.
Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 – vs. Penn State
Week 10 sees the Buckeyes return to action against the Penn State Nittany Lions in a crucial Big Ten showdown. Penn State has been a consistent contender in the Big Ten, and their defense, led by head coach James Franklin, is always one of the best in the country. Ohio State will need to come out firing on all cylinders to ensure they don’t get bogged down in a defensive struggle.
This game will have major implications for the Big Ten East title race and could even have playoff ramifications. Ohio State will be favored, but they cannot afford to underestimate Penn State’s talent. The Nittany Lions always bring their best when facing the Buckeyes.
Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 – at Purdue
Ohio State’s next game will be a road trip to Purdue. While Purdue isn’t always a top contender in the Big Ten, the Boilermakers are known for their ability to pull off upsets, especially at home. Ohio State must come prepared for a tough game, as Purdue will try to exploit any weaknesses in the Buckeyes’ game plan.
The key for Ohio State in this game will be to stay focused and avoid looking ahead to their next two huge matchups against UCLA and Rutgers. Purdue will likely be playing for pride and could cause problems if Ohio State isn’t ready to execute.
Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 – vs. UCLA
Ohio State will face UCLA in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup in Week 12. The Bruins, coached by Chip Kelly, have shown a lot of promise in recent seasons and will be a tough opponent. UCLA has a high-powered offense, and Ohio State will need to be sharp defensively to prevent big plays.
This game will be a great test for Ohio State as they look to continue building momentum toward the season’s final stretch. UCLA’s ability to score quickly could make for a high-scoring affair, and Ohio State will need to maintain control of the game to ensure they don’t get caught in a shootout.
Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 – vs. Rutgers
Week 13 brings another Big Ten matchup as Ohio State hosts Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have shown improvement under head coach Greg Schiano but are still a long way from being competitive with the top teams in the conference. Ohio State will be favored in this game and will look to secure a strong victory heading into the final week of the season.
Week 14: Saturday, Nov. 29 – at Michigan
The season culminates in the most anticipated rivalry in college football: The Game against Michigan. Ohio State will travel to Ann Arbor for what is always an emotional and hard-fought battle. Michigan, under Jim Harbaugh, will be looking to defend their home field and extend their winning streak over the Buckeyes. This game will have huge implications for the Big Ten title and potentially the College Football Playoff race.
For Ohio State, it’s a chance to redeem themselves after a tough loss in 2024 and assert dominance in the Big Ten. This rivalry game will be as intense as ever, and both teams will leave everything on the field to try to win.
Ohio State’s 2025 football schedule is filled with intriguing matchups, both in the non-conference slate and throughout their Big Ten schedule. With tough opponents like Texas, Penn State, Michigan, and others, the Buckeyes will need to be at their best to contend for a Big Ten championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. The season will be a true test of their resilience, talent, and ability to handle the pressure of a challenging schedule.
