The Ohio State Buckeyes are poised for an exciting 2025 football season, with a schedule that balances high-stakes matchups, rivalry games, and strategic byes. As always, the Buckeyes will aim for a championship run in the Big Ten Conference and the College Football Playoff, and their schedule will be pivotal in determining their path to glory. Below is an in-depth breakdown of the Ohio State football schedule for the 2025 season, with a focus on each week’s matchups, the strategic importance of the bye weeks, and the teams that will challenge the Buckeyes on their journey.
Week 1: Saturday, August 30th – vs Texas
The 2025 Ohio State football season kicks off with a marquee matchup against the Texas Longhorns, a team with a rich history and a reputation for being one of the top programs in college football. This game, scheduled for the opening weekend, will be an early test for the Buckeyes. Texas, known for its power-running game and solid defense, will provide a stiff challenge for Ohio State, which is looking to prove itself as a national title contender.
For Ohio State, the key to success will be to execute its high-powered offense early in the season, led by their experienced quarterback and deep receiving corps. Additionally, the Buckeyes’ defense will need to contain Texas’ running back, who is known for his ability to break through tackles and create big plays. This game will be crucial in setting the tone for the Buckeyes’ 2025 season, and a victory over a historically strong opponent like Texas will provide a major boost of confidence heading into the rest of the schedule.
Week 2: Saturday, September 6th – vs Grambling
After the high-profile season opener against Texas, Ohio State will return home to face the Grambling Tigers. This is an excellent opportunity for the Buckeyes to fine-tune their game plan, experiment with different lineups, and build depth on both sides of the ball. Grambling, a historically prominent team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), will likely struggle to match Ohio State’s speed and athleticism.
Despite the mismatch, Ohio State will aim to maintain focus and improve on areas that might need work after the Texas game. It’s also a great chance for younger players to get valuable game experience, especially in preparation for the upcoming conference games. The Buckeyes should come out on top comfortably, but the focus will remain on sharpening their execution and avoiding any injuries that could hinder them as the season progresses.
Week 3: Saturday, September 13th – vs Ohio
The Ohio State Buckeyes’ annual in-state rivalry against the Ohio Bobcats is always a spirited affair, even though Ohio State typically enters as a heavy favorite. The Bobcats, part of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), have had success in recent years and will bring an enthusiastic crowd, hoping to pull off the upset of the season.
For Ohio State, this game offers another opportunity to showcase their offensive talent, especially in the passing game. Ohio will try to slow down the Buckeyes’ attack with a defense that may struggle against the athleticism and speed of Ohio State’s skill players. With an eye toward Big Ten play, Ohio State’s goal will be to execute cleanly, avoid turnovers, and develop chemistry between its key offensive players.
Week 4: Saturday, September 20th – Bye Week
Ohio State’s first bye week comes early in the season, after three straight games. While the team won’t be playing, this break will provide a crucial opportunity for rest, recovery, and preparation. Injuries are always a concern early in the season, and this bye will give the players time to heal and refresh before heading into the heart of their schedule. It will also be used to analyze the first three games, refine their game plan, and make any necessary adjustments based on their early-season performance.
The coaching staff will likely focus on fine-tuning the offensive and defensive schemes, ensuring the team is well-prepared for the tougher competition that lies ahead. The Buckeyes will also take advantage of this time to scout their upcoming opponents, including Washington, who will be a major test in Week 5.
Week 5: Saturday, September 27th – at Washington
In a highly anticipated non-conference matchup, Ohio State travels to Washington to face the Huskies. Washington has made significant strides in recent years and presents a formidable challenge for the Buckeyes. The Huskies, with a strong passing attack and a physical defense, will be a tough opponent, especially in front of their home crowd at Husky Stadium. Ohio State’s defense will need to contain Washington’s quarterback, who is known for his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.
For the Buckeyes, the key to victory will be to disrupt Washington’s rhythm early, applying pressure to the quarterback and forcing him into mistakes. Offensively, Ohio State will look to capitalize on their speed and skill, exploiting Washington’s defense with both the running and passing games. This will be one of Ohio State’s biggest challenges of the season, and a win here would go a long way in establishing the Buckeyes as national title contenders.
Week 6: Saturday, October 4th – vs Minnesota
After their tough road test at Washington, the Buckeyes return home to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota, under the leadership of their head coach, has developed into a competitive program in the Big Ten, but Ohio State remains the clear favorite in this matchup. The Golden Gophers are known for their solid, fundamental football and will attempt to control the clock with a power-running game.
Ohio State’s defense will need to be prepared for Minnesota’s physicality, while the Buckeyes’ offense should look to outpace the Golden Gophers with their dynamic playmakers. With Ohio State’s offensive depth, they should have the advantage, but they will need to stay disciplined and avoid allowing Minnesota to control the tempo of the game. This is an important conference game, and Ohio State will be looking to stay on track toward their Big Ten Championship aspirations.
Week 7: Saturday, October 11th – at Illinois
Ohio State travels to Champaign, Illinois, to face the Fighting Illini in what promises to be another important Big Ten clash. Illinois, while not traditionally a powerhouse, has had moments of success in recent years and will be looking to knock off a top-tier opponent in front of their home fans.
Ohio State’s offense should have the upper hand in this matchup, but the Buckeyes must avoid complacency. The Illini defense is known for playing tough, hard-nosed football, and they will look to stymie Ohio State’s high-flying attack. If Ohio State can execute at a high level and avoid turnovers, they should be able to come away with a win, but this is a game that could be closer than expected if the Buckeyes take their foot off the gas.
Week 8: Saturday, October 18th – at Wisconsin
Another tough road test awaits Ohio State in Week 8 as they head to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin is renowned for its physical style of play, particularly on the offensive line and in the running game. The Badgers will aim to dominate the trenches, and Ohio State’s defense will have to be on high alert against Wisconsin’s punishing running back.
Offensively, Ohio State will need to be efficient and avoid getting bogged down by Wisconsin’s stout defense. The Badgers will try to control the ball and limit Ohio State’s offensive opportunities, so the Buckeyes must make the most of their possessions. Wisconsin is always a tough opponent at home, and Ohio State will need to bring their A-game if they hope to come away with a victory.
Week 9: Saturday, October 25th – Bye Week
Ohio State’s second bye week comes in Week 9, providing another opportunity for rest and recovery. This break is strategically placed before the most crucial stretch of the season, with games against Penn State, Purdue, UCLA, Rutgers, and Michigan. During this time, Ohio State will need to prepare mentally and physically for the stretch run, and they will likely focus on game-planning for their upcoming opponents, particularly Penn State, who will be one of the toughest challenges of the season.
Week 10: Saturday, November 1st – vs Penn State
The first game after the bye will be a high-stakes matchup against the Penn State Nittany Lions, one of the top programs in the Big Ten. Penn State always brings a tough, physical brand of football, and this game will be a major test for the Buckeyes’ offense. Penn State’s defense is one of the best in the conference, and their pass rush will be a key factor in this game. Ohio State will need to establish the run and find ways to exploit the Nittany Lions’ secondary.
This game could have major implications for the Big Ten standings and the College Football Playoff race. A win here would go a long way toward securing Ohio State’s place in the Big Ten Championship game and potentially earning a spot in the Playoff.
Week 11: Saturday, November 8th – vs Purdue
Ohio State returns home to face the Purdue Boilermakers, another important Big Ten matchup. Purdue is known for its up-tempo offense and aerial attack, which could present challenges for Ohio State’s defense. However, the Buckeyes have the athleticism and depth to keep up with Purdue’s fast pace.
For Ohio State, the focus will be on limiting big plays and controlling the ball on offense. Purdue is dangerous, but Ohio State’s talent should be enough to overpower the Boilermakers if they play a disciplined and focused game.
Week 12: Saturday, November 15th – vs UCLA
A non-conference showdown with UCLA awaits Ohio State in Week 12. The Bruins, part of the Pac-12 Conference, have been building momentum in recent years, but Ohio State’s talent level should prove to be too much for UCLA to handle. The Buckeyes will need to remain sharp, especially against UCLA’s dynamic offense, which can strike quickly through the air.
This game could provide a great opportunity for Ohio State to further develop their passing game and build confidence heading into the final weeks of the season. If Ohio State can execute at a high level, they should be able to secure a solid win.
Week 13: Saturday, November 22nd – vs Rutgers
The Buckeyes will face off against Rutgers in another important Big Ten matchup. Rutgers has improved over the years but remains an underdog compared to Ohio State’s talent. The Scarlet Knights will try to capitalize on any mistakes the Buckeyes make, but Ohio State should be able to control the game from start to finish.
This game is another opportunity for Ohio State to fine-tune its game plan and ensure they are in peak form for the season finale against Michigan.
Week 14: Saturday, November 29th – vs Michigan
The season finale against Michigan is always the most anticipated game of the year for Ohio State. Known as “The Game,” this rivalry is one of the fiercest in all of college football. Michigan is expected to be a major contender in the Big Ten and the Playoff race, so this game could have massive implications for both teams.
Ohio State will need to bring their best performance of the season, both offensively and defensively, to defeat Michigan and secure their spot in the Big Ten Championship game. The atmosphere will be electric, and this game will likely determine the fate of both teams as they aim for postseason glory.
In conclusion, the 2025 Ohio State football schedule features a mix of exciting non-conference games, tough Big Ten opponents, and a highly anticipated rivalry game against Michigan. With two bye weeks, the Buckeyes will have opportunities to rest and strategize, but each week presents a challenge that will test their depth, talent, and resolve. From the season opener against Texas to the dramatic finale against Michigan, the 2025 season promises to be a thrilling ride for Ohio State fans.
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