Ohio State’s 2025 Football Schedule and Challenges Ahead
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Ohio State. With a mix of familiar foes and fresh challenges, Ryan Day’s squad will have its work cut out as it aims to reclaim dominance, particularly against arch-rival Michigan. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Buckeyes’ 2025 football schedule and how they stack up against their opponents:
Complete 2025 Schedule
- Aug. 30 vs. Texas: A marquee season opener. While Ohio State won a 2006 clash (24-7), Texas holds a historical edge, including a memorable 2009 Fiesta Bowl win.
- Sept. 6 vs. Grambling: First-ever meeting between the schools, presenting an opportunity for depth testing early in the season.
- Sept. 13 vs. Ohio: The Buckeyes are undefeated in six meetings with Ohio, most recently a 43-7 win in 2010 (later vacated).
- Sept. 20 Idle
- Sept. 27 at Washington: A challenging away game. Ohio State leads the series 9-3, including a 2019 Rose Bowl victory under Urban Meyer.
- Oct. 4 vs. Minnesota: Historically one-sided, with Ohio State winning every matchup since 2001.
- Oct. 11 at Illinois: A rivalry rooted in history, with Ohio State holding a commanding lead (68-30) in the Illibuck Trophy series.
- Oct. 18 at Wisconsin: A critical Big Ten road test. Ohio State has dominated recent meetings, including a 24-10 win in 2023.
- Oct. 25 Idle
- Nov. 1 vs. Penn State: The Buckeyes boast an eight-game winning streak against the Nittany Lions.
- Nov. 8 at Purdue: Ohio State will look to avoid a repeat of the 2018 upset, despite a strong all-time record (42-15-2).
- Nov. 15 vs. UCLA: A rare non-conference matchup breaking a 4-4-1 series tie.
- Nov. 22 vs. Rutgers: Ohio State has been dominant, scoring at least 49 points in nine of 10 meetings.
- Nov. 29 at Michigan: The centerpiece of the season. After four consecutive losses, the Buckeyes face immense pressure to reclaim “The Game.”
Key Matchups to Watch
- Texas (Aug. 30): A season-defining opener that could set the tone for Ohio State’s College Football Playoff aspirations.
- Washington (Sept. 27): The first road test against a strong Pac-12 opponent.
- Michigan (Nov. 29): The ultimate litmus test for Ryan Day, as fans demand an end to the Wolverines’ recent dominance.
Playoff Path
The expanded College Football Playoff format offers new opportunities, but the Buckeyes must navigate their schedule successfully to secure a top seed:
- First Round Games: Dec. 19-20, 2025
- Quarterfinals: Jan. 1, 2026 (Cotton, Orange, Rose, Sugar Bowls)
- Semifinals: Jan. 8-9, 2026 (Fiesta, Peach Bowls)
- National Championship: Jan. 19, 2026
Analysis
Ohio State’s 2025 campaign is packed with intrigue. Early-season matchups like Texas and Washington will test their resilience, while games against Penn State and Wisconsin will prove critical in maintaining Big Ten dominance. All eyes, however, will remain on the season finale against Michigan, as the Buckeyes seek redemption in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries.
Can Ohio State rebound from recent struggles and return to championship contention? The stage is set for a dramatic season.