Ohio State Football 2025 Schedule Breakdown

The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to have a thrilling and challenging 2025 football season with an exciting array of matchups, including significant non-conference games, key Big Ten showdowns, and the annual rivalry game against Michigan. With two bye weeks strategically placed during the season, Ohio State’s 2025 schedule promises a balance between high-profile games and critical preparation periods. This breakdown provides a detailed weekly analysis of the 2025 Ohio State football season.

Week 1 – August 30: vs. Texas (Home)

The 2025 season kicks off with a major non-conference battle against the Texas Longhorns. The game at Ohio Stadium marks the beginning of a home-and-home series between these two powerhouse programs. Texas and Ohio State have faced each other in the past, and their encounters have always been full of excitement and drama. The last time they met in a major bowl game was in 2009, but now, with both teams looking to build their programs into national contenders, this early-season clash will be crucial for setting the tone for the season.

Ohio State comes into this game with high expectations, having consistently been one of the top teams in the nation. Texas, under new leadership, will look to show its resurgence and challenge the Buckeyes from the start. This matchup serves not only as a competitive contest but also as an opportunity for Ohio State to strengthen its national positioning early on, especially if they are vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Week 2 – September 6: vs. Grambling (Home)

After their opening week battle with Texas, Ohio State returns home to face Grambling State in what will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Grambling State, an HBCU with a rich football history, comes to Columbus as a significant underdog. However, the game presents an important opportunity for Ohio State to work on its depth and preparation, giving younger players a chance to gain experience in a live-game setting.

This game will also hold cultural significance, as Grambling is known for its legacy and its place in the history of HBCU football. It will give Ohio State fans an opportunity to see a different style of play and allow for an exciting, albeit one-sided, contest. The focus will be on Ohio State’s ability to execute at a high level and avoid any potential upset, as they look forward to their next test in Week 3.

Week 3 – September 13: vs. Ohio (Home)

In Week 3, Ohio State faces an in-state rival in the Ohio University Bobcats. The Buckeyes have historically dominated this matchup, winning every game in their all-time series. This game gives Ohio State the chance to continue building momentum and fine-tune their offensive and defensive schemes before the grueling conference schedule begins.

While Ohio University is not traditionally a powerhouse in college football, they will be motivated to play their best against a school from the state’s biggest conference. The Bobcats will look to put together a competitive effort, but Ohio State’s sheer talent and depth should shine through in this matchup. A strong performance will be crucial for the Buckeyes to head into the next week on a high note, ready for their first major road test.

Week 4 – September 20: Bye Week

After the first three games, Ohio State will take a much-needed break during Week 4. The bye week gives the team time to rest and recharge for what is set to be a demanding schedule in the coming weeks. This off week also allows the coaching staff to assess their performance so far, make adjustments where needed, and prepare for their upcoming game against Washington in Week 5.

In addition to rest and recovery, the bye week also provides an opportunity for players to focus on individual development. Those who might not have seen much playing time in the previous weeks will have a chance to step up in practice, contributing to the overall depth of the team. The break is also an important time for Ohio State to focus on strategy and preparation for a tough matchup against Washington.

Week 5 – September 27: at Washington (Away)

Following the bye, Ohio State travels to the West Coast to take on the Washington Huskies. This game promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the season, as both teams are typically ranked among the top in the nation. The trip to Seattle will test Ohio State’s ability to perform on the road in a hostile environment, with Washington having a strong home-field advantage at Husky Stadium.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2007, and Ohio State will need to bring its A-game. Washington has consistently been a contender in the Pac-12, and their high-powered offense will be a challenge for Ohio State’s defense. This game could have significant implications for the College Football Playoff picture, making it a critical early-season road test for the Buckeyes. Ohio State’s ability to stay focused, execute their game plan, and make big plays will determine whether they leave Seattle with a win.

Week 6 – October 4: vs. Minnesota (Home)

After a tough road game against Washington, Ohio State returns home to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten matchup. Minnesota is known for playing a tough, physical brand of football, and they will look to challenge the Buckeyes in every phase of the game. Ohio State, however, is expected to be the more talented team, with a roster loaded with future NFL prospects.

This game should serve as an opportunity for Ohio State to make some adjustments after their road trip to Washington and get back into the rhythm of conference play. The Gophers will likely bring a strong defensive front, so Ohio State’s offense will need to execute at a high level to move the ball effectively. The Buckeyes will also have to stay disciplined defensively, as Minnesota is capable of pulling off upsets with their balanced attack.

Week 7 – October 11: at Illinois (Away)

Ohio State heads to Champaign to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. Illinois has had a challenging time competing at the top level of the Big Ten in recent years, but they have historically been a tough opponent, especially at home. This game could present a trap for the Buckeyes if they are not careful, as Illinois has the ability to disrupt a game with its defense.

For Ohio State, it is important that they don’t overlook the Illini and stay focused on executing their game plan. Illinois will likely try to keep the game close with ball control and a strong defensive effort, but Ohio State’s overall talent and depth should be enough to secure a victory if they stay disciplined.

Week 8 – October 18: at Wisconsin (Away)

Ohio State’s next road trip takes them to Madison, where they will face the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin is traditionally one of the most physical teams in college football, and they will look to challenge Ohio State with their tough, ground-and-pound style of offense. The Badgers also have a reputation for playing well at home, making this a key contest for the Buckeyes in their quest for a Big Ten Championship.

This game could be a classic Big Ten battle of power football, and Ohio State’s defense will need to be prepared for a heavy dose of the run game. Wisconsin’s offensive line is one of the best in the conference, so Ohio State’s front seven will need to step up and contain the Badgers’ rushing attack. On offense, Ohio State will need to find balance and avoid becoming one-dimensional, keeping Wisconsin’s defense on its heels.

Week 9 – October 25: Bye Week

The second bye week of the season comes in Week 9, right after a tough stretch of road games. This break will be crucial for Ohio State to recover and regroup before the final stretch of the regular season. The coaching staff will have time to evaluate what has worked and what needs improvement, and the players will be able to focus on getting healthy for the remaining games.

This bye week will also allow Ohio State to prepare for a critical home stretch, including a showdown against Penn State and the annual rivalry game against Michigan. It’s an opportunity to fine-tune strategies and ensure that the Buckeyes are firing on all cylinders as they head into November.

Week 10 – November 1: vs. Penn State (Home)

Ohio State’s next game brings the Penn State Nittany Lions to Ohio Stadium. Penn State has consistently been one of the top teams in the Big Ten, and this matchup is expected to have major implications in the Big Ten East standings. The Nittany Lions are always well-coached and bring a balanced attack, which could challenge Ohio State in several ways.

This game will be a battle for supremacy in the division, and the atmosphere at Ohio Stadium will be electric. Ohio State will need to be prepared for a physical contest, especially as Penn State’s defense is known for being tough and aggressive. The Buckeyes’ offense will have to be at its best to break down the Nittany Lions’ defense, while the Ohio State defense will need to neutralize Penn State’s explosive playmakers.

Week 11 – November 8: at Purdue (Away)

The Buckeyes travel to West Lafayette to face the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue has been known for playing spoiler in the Big Ten, having pulled off several upsets in recent years. Ohio State will need to be wary of the Boilermakers, who can be a dangerous team when playing at home. Purdue’s offense, led by a capable quarterback, has the potential to put up points in a hurry.

For Ohio State, this game is an opportunity to avoid looking past an opponent and to continue building momentum toward the final weeks of the season. The Buckeyes’ defense will need to contain Purdue’s passing game, while the offense will look to impose its will and control the game from start to finish.

Week 12 – November 15: vs. UCLA (Home)

Ohio State hosts the UCLA Bruins in a non-conference matchup in Week 12. UCLA has been competitive in the Pac-12, and this game provides Ohio State with an interesting challenge outside of the Big Ten. This matchup will give both teams a chance to test their strengths against a top-tier opponent from another conference. For Ohio State, it will be an important opportunity to refine their game before heading into the final weeks of the regular season.

Week 13 – November 22: vs. Rutgers (Home)

The Buckeyes wrap up their home schedule with a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. While Rutgers has struggled in the Big Ten, this game will still be an important one for Ohio State to avoid any potential upsets and keep the momentum going toward the rivalry game with Michigan.

Week 14 – November 29: at Michigan (Away)

The regular season concludes with the biggest game of the year: the annual rivalry game against Michigan. This game often has playoff implications, and this year will likely be no different. Both teams will be vying for a spot in the Big Ten Championship and a potential place in the College Football Playoff.

The atmosphere in Ann Arbor will be electric, and Ohio State will need to be at its best to beat Michigan on the road. This game is always highly anticipated and filled with emotion, and it is sure to be one of the highlights of the 2025 season.

Conclusion

The 2025 Ohio State football schedule offers a mix of challenging matchups, key Big Ten games, and thrilling non-conference contests. With two bye weeks, the Buckeyes have built-in opportunities to rest and recalibrate, making them even more dangerous as they approach their most important games of the season. From their season opener against Texas to the annual rivalry showdown at Michigan, Ohio State’s path to a potential national championship will be full of excitement, drama, and high-level football.