Ohio State Football 2025 Schedule: A Comprehensive Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes have consistently been one of the premier football programs in the country, and as the 2025 season approaches, expectations remain high. With an illustrious history, a passionate fan base, and a roster brimming with talent, Ohio State enters 2025 with the ambition to contend for another Big Ten title and, ultimately, the College Football Playoff.

In this article, we will provide a detailed look at the Buckeyes’ 2025 football schedule, breaking down each game, key matchups, potential storylines, and what fans can expect as Ohio State looks to build upon its impressive legacy.

Overview of the 2025 Schedule

Ohio State’s 2025 schedule has a healthy mix of challenging matchups, familiar Big Ten rivals, and high-profile non-conference games that will make for a thrilling season. As is often the case in college football, the Buckeyes will have to navigate a tough path in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference while also taking on a few notable non-conference opponents.

The Buckeyes have two bye weeks in 2025, one in Week 4 (Sept. 20) and another in Week 9 (Oct. 25), providing some much-needed rest during the grind of the season. The overall schedule consists of 12 regular-season games, with 8 of them being conference games.

Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 – vs. Texas

The 2025 Ohio State football season kicks off with a monumental non-conference showdown against the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns, historically one of the top programs in college football, have been rebuilding in recent years but have an abundance of talent at their disposal. This will be an early test for the Buckeyes as they face a program with a rich tradition.

For Ohio State, this game represents an opportunity to make an early statement on the national stage. Texas is always a dangerous opponent, and with an explosive offense, including potential star players in the backfield and at quarterback, this matchup promises to be one for the ages. If the Buckeyes can win convincingly, it will set the tone for a successful season and provide momentum heading into the rest of the schedule.

Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 – vs. Grambling

After the high-stakes opener against Texas, Ohio State will play a much lighter non-conference opponent in Grambling. The Grambling Tigers, while having a proud football tradition, are not on the same level as the Buckeyes when it comes to talent and depth.

This game offers Ohio State an opportunity to build depth, get younger players on the field, and potentially work out any kinks from the season opener. Grambling will likely provide little resistance to a Buckeye team that will be favored by a wide margin. While the focus will be on avoiding injuries and staying healthy, Ohio State will want to fine-tune its offense and defense ahead of the more difficult portion of the schedule.

Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 – vs. Ohio

The Buckeyes will take on the Ohio Bobcats in Week 3. This in-state rivalry is always an intriguing matchup, even though Ohio State will be the heavy favorite. The Bobcats come from the Mid-American Conference (MAC), and while they have had some success in recent years, they are unlikely to pose a serious challenge to Ohio State.

That being said, Ohio will be motivated to play in one of the most iconic football stadiums in the country, and the Buckeyes will need to stay focused to avoid a letdown. Ohio State will likely have the upper hand in terms of both talent and depth, and this game will be a chance to develop chemistry on both sides of the ball before entering conference play.

Week 4: Saturday, Sept. 20 – BYE

The first bye week of the 2025 season comes at an opportune time for Ohio State. After three games in the first three weeks, the Buckeyes will get a break to rest and regroup before heading into the heart of their Big Ten schedule.

While the coaching staff will likely use this week to address any areas that need improvement, it also provides an opportunity for players to recover from any early-season injuries. The team can use the time off to focus on their game plan for their first big road test of the season against Washington, which comes the following week.

Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 – at Washington

In Week 5, Ohio State heads west for a critical non-conference showdown with the Washington Huskies. Washington has been a competitive program in recent years, with a potent offense and strong defense. This game will be one of the toughest tests on Ohio State’s schedule, and it will be crucial for the Buckeyes to come prepared for what promises to be a hostile environment.

Washington’s home field advantage, combined with a talented roster, will make for a challenging matchup for Ohio State. However, if the Buckeyes can take care of business on the road and leave with a win, it would further bolster their playoff hopes and help them stand out in the eyes of the selection committee.

Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 – vs. Minnesota

The Big Ten slate begins with a home matchup against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers have been a solid program in recent years, but they are not expected to challenge Ohio State for the conference crown in 2025. However, Minnesota will come into this game with confidence, knowing that it will be facing one of the top programs in the country.

For Ohio State, this game offers an opportunity to get off on the right foot in Big Ten play. The Buckeyes should be favored to win, but they will need to maintain focus to avoid any slip-ups. Ohio State’s depth and talent across both sides of the ball should prove to be too much for Minnesota in the end.

Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 – at Illinois

Illinois is always a tough team to play in the Big Ten, particularly when hosting an opponent like Ohio State. While the Illini have struggled in recent seasons, they have often played spoiler to top teams in the conference.

This will be another road test for the Buckeyes, and they will need to avoid getting caught up in the hostile atmosphere in Champaign. Illinois has the potential to create problems for any team if not taken seriously, but Ohio State’s superior talent should shine through in the end.

Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 – at Wisconsin

Wisconsin has traditionally been one of the toughest teams in the Big Ten, known for its punishing ground game and physical defense. In 2025, the Badgers will be looking to challenge for the conference title, and the game in Camp Randall Stadium will be one of Ohio State’s biggest challenges of the season.

Wisconsin’s home field advantage is legendary, and playing in such a difficult environment will test the Buckeyes’ poise and composure. The physicality of the Badgers’ style of play could make this a bruising contest, but if Ohio State can establish dominance early, they will have the upper hand.

Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 – BYE

The second bye week of the season provides another opportunity for the Buckeyes to rest and recharge. With a tough stretch of games behind them, this week off will allow Ohio State to regroup, heal from any injuries, and start preparing for the crucial stretch of the season that follows.

Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 – vs. Penn State

Penn State is always one of Ohio State’s toughest competitors in the Big Ten, and the Nittany Lions are expected to be a serious contender in 2025. This matchup has all the makings of a potential conference title decider, as both teams will be looking to stay in the hunt for the Big Ten championship.

At home, Ohio State will be favored, but Penn State will present a significant challenge. Expect a hard-fought game, with both teams giving it their all to claim victory.

Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 – at Purdue

Purdue is known for being a high-scoring, pass-happy team, and this game in West Lafayette could prove to be a tricky matchup for Ohio State. Purdue has been capable of surprising top teams in recent seasons, and Ohio State will need to be prepared for an up-tempo offense.

This road game will test Ohio State’s ability to handle a team that is willing to take risks and go after a big win. Purdue’s offense could keep the game interesting, but the Buckeyes’ talent and depth should ultimately win out.

Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 – vs. UCLA

The Buckeyes will play host to UCLA in Week 12 in what could be an exciting matchup. The Bruins have shown flashes of brilliance in recent years, and while they are not currently considered a top-tier team, they have the potential to give Ohio State trouble.

This game will provide Ohio State with an opportunity to fine-tune its game plan before the final two critical matchups of the season.

Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 – vs. Rutgers

Rutgers has struggled in the Big Ten, and this game will likely serve as a tune-up for Ohio State before the Michigan showdown. Ohio State will be the overwhelming favorite in this matchup, and it should have little trouble securing a victory.

Week 14: Saturday, Nov. 29 – at Michigan

The annual rivalry game against Michigan is always the biggest game on Ohio State’s calendar, and 2025 is no exception. Michigan has historically been a formidable opponent, and this game will be crucial for both teams’ playoff hopes and Big Ten championship aspirations.

The rivalry is as intense as ever, and this game is sure to be a hard-fought battle with everything on the line. The winner will claim the Big Ten East title, and potentially earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State’s 2025 football schedule is packed with exciting matchups, tough road tests, and high-stakes conference battles. From the season opener against Texas to the annual showdown with Michigan, the Buckeyes will need to be at their best to navigate this challenging slate.

With the right preparation and execution, Ohio State has the potential to contend for a Big Ten title and make another deep run in the College Football Playoff. Fans can expect a thrilling season filled with memorable moments as the Buckeyes aim to continue their tradition of excellence.