Ohio State Football 2025 Schedule Breakdown

The Ohio State Buckeyes football team enters the 2025 season with high expectations, following another stellar performance in the previous year’s campaign. As one of the most consistently dominant programs in the nation, Ohio State is always a team to watch. This upcoming season promises to be no different, with a mix of in-conference showdowns, exciting non-conference matchups, and some potentially game-changing rivalries. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Buckeyes’ 2025 schedule, focusing on each week’s opponent, their potential challenges, and key moments to look forward to.

Week 1 – August 30th, Saturday: Against Texas

Ohio State kicks off their 2025 season in thrilling fashion, hosting the Texas Longhorns. This non-conference matchup will be one of the most anticipated games of the season, as both teams are powerhouses in college football. Texas has been rebuilding under their new head coach, and while they have shown flashes of brilliance, they’ll be looking to prove themselves against a top-tier team like Ohio State.

For the Buckeyes, this game will be crucial in setting the tone for the season. With an early-season showdown like this, Ohio State’s offense, led by a potent quarterback and skilled skill position players, will need to perform at a high level. Texas has some strong defensive players, which will give the Buckeyes’ offensive line a solid challenge. This matchup is likely to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams trying to establish dominance early.

Week 2 – September 6th, Saturday: Against Grambling

The Buckeyes’ home opener is against Grambling, a historically black college and powerhouse in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). While this matchup might not have the same national implications as others, it provides Ohio State with an opportunity to fine-tune their game plan and gain some momentum. The Grambling Tigers are always a competitive team in their conference but will likely struggle against the physicality and talent of Ohio State.

This game could be an excellent opportunity for Ohio State to rotate players, give their backups valuable playing time, and further develop depth across all positions. Expect to see a heavy dose of Ohio State’s running game and the chance for the younger players to shine in front of the home crowd.

Week 3 – September 13th, Saturday: Against Ohio

In a battle of in-state rivals, Ohio State will face off against the Ohio Bobcats. While this matchup should be firmly in Ohio State’s control, the Buckeyes will look to make a statement against their smaller-school opponent. Ohio University has had moments of success in the MAC, but they face a monumental challenge in playing against a Big Ten powerhouse.

For Ohio State, this will be another game to build team chemistry and continue their development. Ohio has a tough defense and will likely try to slow the pace of the game. However, Ohio State’s superior talent and depth will likely prove too much to overcome. With the likes of the Buckeyes’ star players showing out, it will be a chance to see some younger, less experienced players get their feet wet in a live game environment.

Week 4 – September 20th, Saturday: BYE

Week 4 brings the first bye of the season for Ohio State, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate the team’s progress through the first few weeks. This is an important time to heal up any injuries and strategize for the upcoming stretch of games. Ohio State’s first three matchups should give them some early insights into their strengths and weaknesses. With the physical toll that the season can take on players, this week is crucial for recovery.

Additionally, this bye week provides a chance for players to focus on their studies, which is particularly important for Ohio State’s academic rigor. The coaching staff can also use the break to adjust their game plans and get ready for the big upcoming clash with Washington.

Week 5 – September 27th, Saturday: At Washington

After the bye week, Ohio State heads to the Pacific Northwest to face the Washington Huskies in Seattle. Washington has been a strong program in recent years, known for their defense and physicality. Playing on the road in an intimidating environment like Husky Stadium will test Ohio State’s ability to handle noise, weather conditions, and the challenges of playing away from home.

This game will be a litmus test for the Buckeyes. Washington is well-coached and capable of springing an upset, but Ohio State has superior talent across the board. The matchup could come down to Ohio State’s offense against Washington’s defense, with the Buckeyes’ offensive line and skill players needing to step up to create opportunities. Expect a competitive, hard-fought game.

Week 6 – October 4th, Saturday: Against Minnesota

Returning to Ohio Stadium, Ohio State will face off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota has been a strong team in the Big Ten West, known for their physicality on both sides of the ball. Ohio State will need to bring their A-game against a well-coached Minnesota squad that can challenge any team in the conference.

The Gophers’ defense has traditionally been a strong suit, and they’ll likely look to slow down Ohio State’s high-powered offense. The Buckeyes will need to remain disciplined and avoid turnovers to maintain control of the game. If Ohio State can establish their running game early and make timely passes, they should be able to secure a win.

Week 7 – October 11th, Saturday: At Illinois

Ohio State heads to Champaign to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. Illinois is an up-and-coming team in the Big Ten, but they still face a steep challenge in competing with a program like Ohio State. The Illini’s defense has improved in recent years, but they’ll have their hands full with Ohio State’s offensive weapons.

This will be another test of Ohio State’s depth and ability to play on the road. The Buckeyes will be looking to continue building momentum after their earlier victories, and a tough win in Illinois could be just what they need before a stretch of difficult games later in the season.

Week 8 – October 18th, Saturday: At Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Badgers are always a tough opponent in the Big Ten, known for their traditional smash-mouth football style. Wisconsin’s home crowd at Camp Randall Stadium is one of the most intimidating in the country, and this game will be a true test of Ohio State’s character.

This game will likely be a battle of wills, with Ohio State trying to establish their fast-paced offense against Wisconsin’s physical running game. The Buckeyes will need to avoid falling into Wisconsin’s tempo and play smart, disciplined football. If Ohio State can control the line of scrimmage and limit Wisconsin’s ground attack, they should be able to come away with a victory.

Week 9 – October 25th, Saturday: BYE

Another bye week comes at a crucial point in the season. After facing three challenging opponents in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, the Buckeyes will need some time to recuperate and recharge for the stretch run. This week gives Ohio State a chance to evaluate how their players are holding up physically and mentally as they prepare for the final push.

Week 10 – November 1st, Saturday: Against Penn State

Coming out of their second bye week, Ohio State faces Penn State in a crucial Big Ten matchup. The Nittany Lions have been Ohio State’s toughest competition in recent seasons, with both teams battling for supremacy in the Big Ten. This game will have major implications for both teams, especially if they are in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Expect a high-stakes atmosphere in Ohio Stadium, with both teams bringing their best. Penn State’s defense has been one of the best in the conference, and their offense, led by an explosive quarterback, will pose a significant challenge for Ohio State’s defense. This game could very well determine the Big Ten East division champion.

Week 11 – November 8th, Saturday: Against Purdue

Purdue, known for its explosive passing game, will visit Ohio Stadium in Week 11. The Boilermakers can be a dangerous opponent, but Ohio State’s defense should have the upper hand in this contest. Purdue’s offense will look to air it out, but Ohio State’s defensive backs and pass rushers will aim to disrupt that game plan.

While Purdue will put up a fight, Ohio State’s talent and depth should prevail, allowing them to maintain their position at the top of the conference.

Week 12 – November 15th, Saturday: Against UCLA

The Ohio State Buckeyes welcome the UCLA Bruins to Ohio Stadium in Week 12. UCLA has been competitive in the Pac-12, but their defense has struggled against more powerful offenses. Ohio State’s high-powered offense will look to take advantage of these weaknesses, particularly in the passing game. The Bruins will need to put together a game plan to slow down Ohio State’s offensive firepower, but this will be a tall order on the road.

Week 13 – November 22nd, Saturday: Against Rutgers

Ohio State will round out their home slate with a matchup against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. While Rutgers has made strides in the Big Ten, they are still a work in progress. Ohio State should be able to dominate this game, using it as a warm-up for their biggest game of the season.

Week 14 – November 29th, Saturday: Against Michigan

The most anticipated game of the year: The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. This matchup needs little introduction. Both teams will be at the peak of their season, with everything on the line. The winner of this game will likely determine the Big Ten champion and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The stakes could not be higher, and fans on both sides will be ready for an epic showdown. The rivalry has been one of the most thrilling in college football, and 2025 will be no different.

The 2025 Ohio State football season is filled with high-stakes games, road challenges, and intense rivalries. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the Buckeyes are poised to make another run at the College Football Playoff. Fans will be treated to thrilling matchups, and the games against Texas, Washington, Penn State, and Michigan will be particularly exciting. As always, Ohio State will be a team to watch, with their eyes set on a national championship.