The 2025 Ohio State football season promises to be an exciting journey for the Buckeyes, with a slate of high-profile matchups against both familiar rivals and formidable newcomers. Head coach Ryan Day and his team will aim to build on the program’s storied history of success, seeking another shot at a national title. This breakdown of Ohio State’s 2025 football schedule covers every aspect of their campaign, from the anticipation around the opening game to the rivalry clashes, key matchups, and bye weeks that could impact their season.
Saturday, Aug. 30: vs. Texas
The 2025 season opener for Ohio State features a thrilling non-conference matchup against the Texas Longhorns, one of college football’s most iconic programs. This game will be a historic clash of two storied programs, each with a rich football tradition. Texas has been a major player in college football for decades, and their inclusion in the Big 12 conference makes them a key component of the college football landscape.
For Ohio State, this matchup is an opportunity to show early dominance, especially as they welcome in a high-profile opponent from another power conference. Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has been improving and will no doubt present a stiff challenge for the Buckeyes. The Longhorns boast a powerful offense, and their defense, which has been a point of improvement, will look to slow down Ohio State’s dynamic attack. The Buckeyes, with their high-powered offense and deep roster, will be looking to establish themselves early as one of the nation’s top teams.
Saturday, Sept. 6: vs. Grambling
The second week of the season sees Ohio State hosting the Grambling State Tigers, a historically black university (HBCU) powerhouse. This game is expected to be an opportunity for the Buckeyes to showcase their talent against an FCS opponent. While Grambling has a proud football tradition, including a legacy of NFL players, this matchup is a bit more one-sided on paper. Ohio State will likely use this game to tune up for the tougher competition ahead, but Grambling will still bring its own brand of grit and determination.
This game also provides an opportunity for some younger players and backups to get valuable playing time and for the Buckeyes to refine their schemes in preparation for the more demanding weeks that lie ahead.
Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Ohio
The annual in-state rivalry game against the Ohio Bobcats is always a notable matchup, no matter the gap in talent. Ohio State will look to handle their business and claim a comfortable victory at home, but the Bobcats, who play in the MAC, often come with a chip on their shoulder when facing such a high-profile opponent. Ohio State’s dominance in this series has been unquestionable over the years, but this game offers a chance for both teams to show their pride.
The Buckeyes will aim to stay sharp and avoid any letdowns after two games that should be in their favor. For Ohio, the Bobcats will look to play spoiler and prove that they belong on the big stage, although the talent gap between the two programs is considerable.
Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
A much-needed break comes in Week 4 for Ohio State. The first bye week of the season allows the coaching staff to evaluate the team’s performance during the first three games, make adjustments, and rest any players who may be nursing minor injuries. This early bye also gives players an opportunity to focus on academics and improve their conditioning for the next phase of the season.
For Ohio State, the weeks leading up to the bye will be a chance to build momentum and develop chemistry among the team. After the bye, the Buckeyes will face tougher competition, so this time off could prove pivotal in ensuring they’re ready for the gauntlet that lies ahead.
Saturday, Sept. 27: at Washington
Ohio State’s first true road game of the 2025 season takes the Buckeyes to Seattle for a contest against the Washington Huskies. Washington has emerged as one of the Pac-12’s strongest programs in recent years, led by a potent offense and a defense that has made strides under head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Huskies will be a tough opponent for Ohio State, especially in a hostile environment.
The game will be a real test for Ohio State’s defense, as Washington boasts a high-powered passing attack, led by a talented quarterback and dynamic wide receivers. Ohio State’s defense will need to contain Washington’s explosive plays and find ways to neutralize the Huskies’ attack, while also remaining balanced on offense. With two powerhouse teams from different conferences meeting in a neutral setting, this will be a true measuring stick game for the Buckeyes.
Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Minnesota
Back in Columbus for a home contest, Ohio State will host the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Week 6. Minnesota has been a consistent team under head coach P.J. Fleck, known for their tough, physical style of play and emphasis on special teams and time of possession. Ohio State will need to avoid getting into a slugfest with the Gophers, who will look to control the game on the ground.
Ohio State’s talent should be enough to overcome Minnesota, but the Buckeyes cannot afford to take the Golden Gophers lightly. A fast start will be critical for Ohio State, as Minnesota’s game plan often revolves around slowing the pace and keeping the opposing offense off the field. This game could be a key moment for Ohio State to continue their dominance in the Big Ten.
Saturday, Oct. 11: at Illinois
In Week 7, Ohio State will travel to Champaign to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. Illinois, under head coach Bret Bielema, has been building a physical, tough-minded program. The Illini will be looking to make a statement at home, but Ohio State’s speed, depth, and overall talent should be too much for Illinois to handle.
This game will be another opportunity for Ohio State to fine-tune their offense and defense while dealing with a team that is traditionally difficult to break down. Illinois has historically been a difficult team to blow out, so Ohio State must remain focused to avoid any surprises.
Saturday, Oct. 18: at Wisconsin
Week 8 brings Ohio State to Madison to face a perennial Big Ten contender in the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin is known for its punishing running game, hard-nosed defense, and strong special teams. The Badgers will test Ohio State’s ability to stop the run and control the trenches. For Ohio State, stopping Wisconsin’s powerful ground game will be paramount in ensuring they come away with a win.
The Badgers will no doubt give the Buckeyes a tough challenge, and this road game will test Ohio State’s resolve. With the game in Wisconsin, the atmosphere will be intense, adding an extra layer of difficulty to what is already a highly challenging matchup.
Saturday, Oct. 25: BYE
After two consecutive tough road games, Ohio State gets another much-needed break. This second bye week will provide the Buckeyes with an opportunity to rest, regroup, and re-focus as they enter the home stretch of their season. The team will likely use this time to heal up any lingering injuries and prepare mentally for the crucial games ahead, which include conference showdowns and the season-ending rivalry game.
Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Penn State
After the second bye week, Ohio State will return home to face one of their toughest Big Ten foes: the Penn State Nittany Lions. Penn State has developed into a perennial powerhouse under James Franklin, with strong defenses and a balanced offense. The Nittany Lions will bring a tough challenge, especially with their potent defensive front and playmakers on offense. The Buckeyes will need to be sharp, especially on offense, to break through Penn State’s defense.
Ohio State has had a strong track record against Penn State in recent years, but the Nittany Lions are always dangerous, especially when they come into the game with a chip on their shoulder. This matchup could have major implications on the Big Ten standings and potentially the College Football Playoff race.
Saturday, Nov. 8: at Purdue
In Week 10, Ohio State will hit the road again, traveling to West Lafayette to take on the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue has been a dangerous team, capable of pulling off upsets against bigger opponents. Head coach Ryan Walters will look to continue building Purdue into a competitive force in the Big Ten.
Purdue’s offense, led by talented quarterbacks and playmakers, will be a test for Ohio State’s defense. However, with the talent disparity between the teams, Ohio State should still be the favorite. It will be critical for Ohio State to avoid any slow starts or mistakes that could allow Purdue to stay in the game.
Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. UCLA
In an intriguing non-conference matchup, Ohio State will host the UCLA Bruins in Week 11. UCLA, which will be joining the Big Ten officially starting in 2024, has become a competitive program under head coach Chip Kelly. The Bruins have a fast-paced offense and a strong defensive unit, making them a potential challenge for Ohio State.
Ohio State’s offense, led by their dynamic playmakers, will need to stay focused against UCLA’s aggressive defense. This game will serve as an important test as the Buckeyes prepare for the final stretch of their season.
Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Rutgers
In Week 12, Ohio State will take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, who have been one of the weaker teams in the Big Ten in recent years. Although Rutgers has shown some improvement under head coach Greg Schiano, this game will likely be a comfortable win for Ohio State, barring any major surprises.
The Buckeyes will aim to use this game as a tune-up before the final, critical showdown of the regular season against Michigan.
Saturday, Nov. 29: at Michigan
The season concludes with the biggest game of all—The Game. Ohio State will travel to Ann Arbor for the annual rivalry clash with Michigan. This game is always intense, and in 2025, both teams are expected to be contenders for the Big Ten title and potentially a College Football Playoff spot.
Michigan has been a formidable opponent under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and the rivalry has become even more heated in recent years. Ohio State will need to bring their best game to secure a victory in one of the most hostile environments in college football.
This game could very well determine the fate of both teams’ seasons, and the stakes will be higher than ever. The winner will likely claim the Big Ten Championship and punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff, making this one of the most anticipated games of the year.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ohio State football schedule features a mix of marquee matchups, in-conference battles, and exciting non-conference games. From the season opener against Texas to the final showdown in Michigan, the Buckeyes’ path to another potential College Football Playoff appearance will be filled with challenges. With a mix of elite talent, experienced coaching, and a roster that is as deep as any in the country, Ohio State will be a team to watch as the season unfolds.
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