Ohio State Football Schedule 2025: A Week-by-Week Breakdown
The 2025 season for Ohio State football is shaping up to be another exciting campaign. With a combination of high-stakes matchups, fierce rivalries, and a few challenging road trips, the Buckeyes will face a variety of opponents across the nation. This week-by-week breakdown of their 2025 football schedule gives a detailed look into what fans can expect as Ohio State looks to compete for a national championship, extend its dominant run in the Big Ten, and defend its reputation as one of college football’s premier programs.
The Buckeyes’ 2025 season includes two bye weeks, which will provide valuable rest in the middle of a challenging schedule. These breaks are important as they come during the fourth and ninth weeks of the season, allowing the team to recover, adjust, and refocus for the remainder of the campaign. With matchups against traditional powerhouses such as Texas, Penn State, and Michigan, as well as exciting new challenges against teams like UCLA and Washington, the 2025 Ohio State football schedule will be filled with drama from start to finish.
Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 vs. Texas
The 2025 season kicks off with one of the most anticipated games of the year, as Ohio State hosts the Texas Longhorns. Texas is a storied program in college football, and this matchup represents a high-profile non-conference clash. The Buckeyes will face off against the Longhorns in front of a raucous home crowd at Ohio Stadium. This will be an early test for Ohio State, as they look to set the tone for the rest of the season. With Texas having a strong football program and aspirations of returning to national prominence, this game will be an emotional and thrilling opening contest.
For Ohio State, the matchup presents an opportunity to showcase their strengths, especially on offense. Texas has traditionally been known for its powerful running game and strong defensive units, so it will be interesting to see how Ohio State’s high-octane offense, led by their quarterback and a talented group of skill players, fares against the Longhorns’ defensive schemes. Conversely, Texas will need to be efficient on offense to keep up with the Buckeyes’ fast-paced game. With both teams aiming to send a message early, expect a memorable game under the lights in Columbus.
Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 vs. Grambling
After their intense opener, Ohio State takes on an FCS opponent in Grambling. This game gives the Buckeyes an opportunity to recover and build momentum, especially after a tough challenge in Week 1. Grambling, while historically a strong program in the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) landscape, will be significantly outmatched in this game. For Ohio State, this is likely to be a tune-up for the more difficult Big Ten battles ahead.
Fans will get the chance to see the depth of Ohio State’s roster, as the coaching staff may choose to rotate in backups and give younger players some valuable game experience. Ohio State should dominate this matchup on both sides of the ball, but there’s always the chance for Grambling to pull off a surprise or put together some interesting moments. Regardless, this game is expected to serve as a confidence booster for Ohio State as they prepare for their first real challenge of the season.
Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 vs. Ohio
A week later, the Buckeyes will face in-state rival Ohio University in a non-conference matchup. Ohio is no stranger to making noise in the MAC (Mid-American Conference), and while they may not be at the level of a Power Five school, they’ve shown an ability to upset larger programs in the past. The Bobcats will bring their best effort to the game, but Ohio State is clearly the stronger team on paper. The Buckeyes will look to make quick work of Ohio and avoid any potential letdowns after two tough early-season games.
Ohio State will also use this game as an opportunity to fine-tune their offense and defense. The matchup against Ohio should allow the Buckeyes to focus on improving specific areas, such as timing, execution, and depth. The key to this game will be maintaining focus and avoiding injuries as the team prepares for a much tougher stretch ahead in conference play.
Week 4: Saturday, Sept. 20 – BYE
Ohio State’s first bye week comes in Week 4. After three weeks of action, this is an ideal time for the team to recharge and regroup. This break in the schedule will give the coaching staff time to assess the team’s performance over the first few games and make adjustments as needed. With a tough road ahead in the form of a trip to Washington and the start of Big Ten play, the bye week gives the team a chance to get healthy, refine their strategy, and focus on upcoming challenges.
Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 at Washington
After their bye week, Ohio State will head to Seattle to face the Washington Huskies. This game will be one of the most exciting non-conference matchups of the season. Washington is a talented program with a rich football history and a passionate fan base. The Huskies will present a stiff test for Ohio State, especially on their home turf at Husky Stadium.
Washington has made significant strides in recent years, and they’ll be looking to prove themselves against one of the top programs in the country. This game will challenge Ohio State’s defense, particularly against Washington’s potent passing attack. The Huskies’ offense will test the Buckeyes’ secondary, making this an intriguing matchup. Ohio State will need to play sharp, mistake-free football to secure a win on the road.
Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 vs. Minnesota
The Buckeyes return to Columbus to open Big Ten play with a matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota has traditionally been a solid team in the Big Ten, but Ohio State will be a heavy favorite in this one. The Golden Gophers’ physical style of play will test the Buckeyes’ ability to handle a grinding running game and tough, hard-nosed football.
Ohio State has an opportunity to make a statement in this game, showing their dominance in the conference from the start. Minnesota may be able to keep things close for a while, but the Buckeyes’ depth and talent should shine through by the end. This game is an essential building block for Ohio State as they march forward in conference play.
Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 at Illinois
Next up for Ohio State is a road trip to Illinois. The Fighting Illini have shown flashes of potential over the years but have struggled to maintain consistency. This game is a prime opportunity for Ohio State to showcase their strength as a road team in the Big Ten. Illinois will try to disrupt Ohio State’s rhythm and provide a challenging environment, but the Buckeyes are the superior team and should be able to pull out a victory, assuming they avoid a major letdown.
The key to this matchup will be Ohio State’s ability to stay focused on the task at hand. Illinois may not have the talent to compete with the Buckeyes in a full game, but they can be dangerous if given the chance to build confidence early on. Ohio State will need to start strong and avoid giving the Illini any momentum.
Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 at Wisconsin
One of the toughest games on Ohio State’s schedule comes when they travel to Madison, Wisconsin, to take on the Wisconsin Badgers. Known for their stout defense and powerful running game, the Badgers have the potential to present a real challenge to Ohio State. Camp Randall Stadium will be rocking, and the fans will be fired up for a matchup between two of the Big Ten’s top programs.
For Ohio State, this is a critical road game that will test their ability to play in a hostile environment and against one of the most physical teams in college football. Wisconsin’s ability to dominate the time of possession with a strong rushing attack could be problematic for Ohio State if they aren’t able to control the line of scrimmage. This game is an opportunity for the Buckeyes to prove their mettle as a national championship contender.
Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 – BYE
Ohio State’s second bye week comes after the tough Wisconsin matchup. This week off will give the Buckeyes a chance to rest and recover from their early Big Ten battles. The coaching staff will have the opportunity to assess where the team stands and what adjustments need to be made as they enter the final stretch of the regular season. With critical games coming up against Penn State, UCLA, and Michigan, this bye week is a crucial time for preparation and focus.
Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 vs. Penn State
Coming off the bye, Ohio State will welcome Penn State to Ohio Stadium. Penn State is one of the Big Ten’s most consistent programs, and their rivalry with Ohio State has become one of the conference’s marquee matchups. This game has potential playoff implications, as both teams will likely be ranked highly heading into November.
Penn State has a strong defense and a balanced offense, making them a formidable opponent for Ohio State. The Buckeyes will need to contain Penn State’s playmakers and avoid turning the ball over, as the Nittany Lions can capitalize on mistakes. Expect an electric atmosphere in Columbus as both teams jockey for position in the Big Ten and national standings.
Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 at Purdue
Ohio State’s road trip to Purdue presents an interesting test. Purdue has been known for its high-powered passing offense, and their ability to stretch the field will challenge Ohio State’s secondary. The Boilermakers can score quickly and put pressure on opposing defenses, so the Buckeyes will need to stay focused and execute their game plan.
While Purdue isn’t likely to challenge Ohio State in terms of talent, the Boilermakers can be dangerous when playing at home. Ohio State will need to manage the environment and avoid letting the game become a shootout. This could be a tricky game for the Buckeyes, but they should have enough firepower to secure the win.
Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 vs. UCLA
Ohio State’s home game against UCLA brings a fresh matchup to the table. The Bruins, a talented team from the Pac-12, will provide a unique challenge for the Buckeyes. UCLA has the ability to move the ball effectively through the air, and their defense has shown improvement in recent years. This will be a great test for Ohio State’s offense, which will need to be sharp and efficient to take down the Bruins.
Expect a competitive atmosphere as UCLA tries to pull off the upset in Columbus. However, Ohio State’s talent and depth should ultimately prevail. This game will serve as another opportunity for Ohio State to fine-tune their game plan before the final stretch of the season.
Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 vs. Rutgers
Ohio State’s final home game of the season is against Rutgers. While the Scarlet Knights have made strides in recent years, they are still considered one of the weaker teams in the Big Ten. Ohio State should have no problem winning this game, and it will likely serve as a chance to prepare for their final showdown with Michigan.
Week 14: Saturday, Nov. 29 at Michigan
The 2025 regular season concludes with the biggest game of the year – the annual rivalry game against Michigan. This contest will once again have huge implications for the Big Ten title, College Football Playoff spots, and bragging rights in one of the greatest rivalries in sports. Michigan will be looking to upset Ohio State and claim victory in this heated battle.
The Buckeyes will need to bring their best football to Ann Arbor as they try to extend their dominance over their bitter rivals. Both teams will be highly motivated, and the atmosphere at Michigan Stadium will be electric. Ohio State will need to execute on all fronts and avoid any mistakes that could give Michigan a chance to pull off the upset.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ohio State football schedule offers a thrilling mix of marquee matchups, rivalries, and challenges. With non-conference games against Texas and Washington, as well as a tough Big Ten slate, the Buckeyes will need to be at their best week in and week out. The two bye weeks provide valuable rest and recovery, while the games against Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan will be critical in determining Ohio State’s place in the College Football Playoff race. Fans are in for an exciting season full of high-stakes games and unforgettable moments.
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