The 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule promises to be an exciting and competitive season as they take on both familiar foes and new challenges. With a blend of traditional Big Ten matchups, intriguing non-conference games, and a couple of bye weeks, the Buckeyes’ football program is gearing up for another season of high expectations. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 2025 schedule, highlighting key games, potential challenges, and what fans can expect as Ohio State embarks on its journey through the season.
Preseason Expectations and Overview
Ohio State football has long been one of the most successful programs in the NCAA, with a storied history filled with championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and a loyal fan base. Heading into the 2025 season, expectations remain high for the Buckeyes, who are constantly competing for Big Ten titles and a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). As usual, the Buckeyes will play a challenging schedule that includes a mix of traditional rivals, a few out-of-conference tests, and conference games that will shape the Big Ten landscape.
For the 2025 season, Ohio State will kick off its campaign with an exciting slate of games that includes the likes of Texas, Grambling, and Ohio before heading into a mix of conference and non-conference matchups. Along the way, the team will have two bye weeks (in Weeks 4 and 9), which will allow for rest, recovery, and preparation for the crucial mid-season and end-of-season games. The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated seasons in recent memory.
Week 1 – August 30th, Saturday: vs Texas
The 2025 season kicks off with a bang as Ohio State will host the Texas Longhorns in a non-conference showdown. This is a huge game for both programs, as Texas, under new leadership and a new phase in its football development, looks to challenge Ohio State for national prominence. The Buckeyes, with their strong roster and championship pedigree, will be tested right out of the gate. Texas has been improving over the years, and this game will provide a glimpse of where both programs stand in the early stages of the season.
The game will be one of the most highly anticipated non-conference matchups in the country, featuring two of the sport’s most storied programs. Ohio State fans will be eager to see how their team performs against an elite opponent like Texas in the season opener. With both teams featuring dynamic offenses and strong defensive units, this will be a high-stakes game that will set the tone for the season.
Week 2 – September 6th, Saturday: vs Grambling
After the high-profile showdown with Texas, Ohio State will take on Grambling State, an FCS opponent, in Week 2. This game will provide the Buckeyes with an opportunity to work on their game plan, refine their strategies, and give younger players valuable playing time before entering the more intense portion of their schedule. While Grambling is a talented program in its own right, the Buckeyes will be heavily favored in this matchup.
For Ohio State, the goal in this game will be to get healthy and continue building chemistry between the starters and the second-string players. Fans can expect a dominant performance from the Buckeyes, but the game will still have value in terms of team development and preparation for future challenges.
Week 3 – September 13th, Saturday: vs Ohio
The rivalry between Ohio State and Ohio University is always an interesting one, with the in-state matchup often drawing significant attention. Ohio State will host the Bobcats in Week 3, and while the Buckeyes will enter the game as heavy favorites, there is always a sense of pride and determination for the smaller program to compete against the powerhouse from Columbus.
This game will likely see Ohio State rotate its roster and give players the chance to fine-tune their skills in preparation for tougher competition down the line. Expect Ohio State’s depth to shine, as they overpower Ohio University in the battle of the Buckeyes.
Week 4 – September 20th, Saturday: Bye Week
Following the first three weeks of action, Ohio State will have a well-timed bye week. This will give the team a chance to rest, recover from any early-season injuries, and focus on the next stretch of games. Bye weeks are crucial in the college football season, particularly for teams like Ohio State, who will need to remain fresh and healthy for the rigors of the Big Ten schedule. This break will also provide an opportunity for head coach Ryan Day and his staff to assess how the team is progressing and make adjustments where needed.
Week 5 – September 27th, Saturday: at Washington
After the bye week, Ohio State will travel to Washington to take on the Huskies in a marquee out-of-conference game. Washington is a team on the rise, and this game will be an excellent test for the Buckeyes as they travel to the West Coast for a challenging matchup. Washington has always been a competitive program in the Pac-12, and they will likely provide Ohio State with their first true road test of the season.
This game is significant because it presents a unique challenge. Playing in an unfamiliar environment, on the road, and against a talented team like Washington will require Ohio State to be sharp. The Buckeyes’ ability to handle the pressure and execute at a high level in this matchup will go a long way in determining their national title aspirations.
Week 6 – October 4th, Saturday: vs Minnesota
In Week 6, Ohio State returns home to host the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota is a solid Big Ten team, but Ohio State will enter the game as the clear favorite. The Golden Gophers will need to play at their best to compete with the Buckeyes, but Ohio State’s superior talent across the board should make the difference in this matchup. The Buckeyes will look to establish dominance early and secure a decisive win in front of their home crowd.
Week 7 – October 11th, Saturday: at Illinois
Week 7 brings a road game at Illinois, where the Buckeyes will take on a Fighting Illini team that has shown flashes of improvement in recent seasons. Illinois will be hoping to pull off an upset against Ohio State, but the Buckeyes’ talent and depth will likely prove too much for them to overcome. However, this game will still serve as an important test, as Ohio State must continue to improve and stay focused during their Big Ten slate.
Week 8 – October 18th, Saturday: at Wisconsin
Wisconsin has been one of Ohio State’s most formidable Big Ten opponents in recent years, and the Badgers will provide a serious challenge for the Buckeyes in Week 8. This road game will be a tough test for Ohio State, as playing in Camp Randall Stadium is never an easy task. Wisconsin’s traditional power running game and tough defense will give the Buckeyes’ offense a serious challenge, and the game will likely be a close, hard-fought battle.
Week 9 – October 25th, Saturday: Bye Week
After a grueling stretch of games, Ohio State will have another bye week in Week 9. This second break in the schedule will give the team a chance to recover and prepare for the final stretch of the season. It’s always important to be fresh as the season heads into its most critical games, and the Buckeyes will need to be at their best for the November stretch.
Week 10 – November 1st, Saturday: vs Penn State
In Week 10, Ohio State will host Penn State in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Penn State is always a tough team, and the Nittany Lions will be looking to challenge Ohio State for a spot in the College Football Playoff race. This will be a high-stakes game with significant implications for both teams. The Buckeyes will need to execute on both sides of the ball to come out on top in this tough matchup.
Week 11 – November 8th, Saturday: vs Purdue
The Purdue Boilermakers come to Columbus in Week 11, and while they are not always viewed as one of the top teams in the Big Ten, they are known for being capable of pulling off upsets. Ohio State will need to stay focused and avoid any letdowns following their game against Penn State. The Boilermakers’ offense, led by their quarterback, will pose challenges for the Buckeyes, but Ohio State should have the upper hand in this matchup.
Week 12 – November 15th, Saturday: vs UCLA
UCLA makes its first visit to Ohio State for a cross-country showdown in Week 12. The Bruins are a competitive team from the Pac-12, and this game will offer a unique test for Ohio State. The Buckeyes will need to adjust to UCLA’s style of play and be ready for a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. It will be another opportunity for Ohio State to prove its dominance, especially with the College Football Playoff implications on the line.
Week 13 – November 22nd, Saturday: vs Rutgers
Rutgers has made strides in recent years but still remains a team that Ohio State should be able to handle. The Scarlet Knights will likely enter the game with a defensive-minded approach, trying to slow down the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. However, Ohio State’s superior depth and talent will likely be too much for Rutgers to handle.
Week 14 – November 29th, Saturday: vs Michigan
The annual rivalry game against Michigan will take place in Week 14, and as always, it will be one of the most highly anticipated games of the season. Michigan is Ohio State’s biggest rival, and this matchup will have major implications for the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff. Both teams will be looking to finish the regular season on a high note, and this game will likely be a hard-fought, emotionally charged contest that could decide the fate of both teams.
The 2025 Ohio State football schedule is set to provide fans with plenty of drama, excitement, and high-level football. From the season opener against Texas to the final game against Michigan, the Buckeyes will face a variety of challenges that will test their ability to compete at the highest level. With a mix of tough non-conference games, intense Big Ten matchups, and the always crucial rivalry game against Michigan, the 2025 season will be one to remember for Ohio State football fans.
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