The 2025 Buckeye football schedule is set to be one of the most challenging in recent memory. The Buckeyes will open the season on the road against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2016. The Buckeyes will then return home to face the San Diego State Aztecs. This will be the first time that these two teams have ever played. The Buckeyes will then travel to face the Florida Gators. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2010. The Buckeyes will then return home to face the Wisconsin Badgers. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2016.
The Buckeyes will then travel to face the Penn State Nittany Lions. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2022. The Buckeyes will then return home to face the Michigan Wolverines. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2024. The Buckeyes will then travel to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2023. The Buckeyes will then return home to face the Northwestern Wildcats. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2022.
Finally, the Buckeyes will travel to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2021. The Buckeyes will then return home to face the Indiana Hoosiers. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2024. The Buckeyes will then travel to face the Maryland Terrapins. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2023. Finally, the Buckeyes will return home to face the Michigan State Spartans. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2022. The Buckeyes will then travel to face the Purdue Boilermakers. This will be the first time that these two teams have played since 2023.
The Road to Columbus: Buckeyes Prepare for Home Opener
The 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule is set, and the team is preparing for a challenging season. The Buckeyes will open the season at home against the Oregon Ducks on September 6th. This will be a tough test for the Buckeyes, as the Ducks are a perennial contender in the Pac-12 Conference. After their home opener, the Buckeyes will hit the road for a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels on September 13th. The Tar Heels are coming off a 9-4 season in 2024, and they will be looking to make a statement against the Buckeyes in their home opener.
The Buckeyes will then return home for a game against the Toledo Rockets on September 20th. The Rockets are a mid-major program, but they are always a tough opponent for the Buckeyes. After their game against the Rockets, the Buckeyes will have a bye week before they open Big Ten play against the Michigan Wolverines on October 4th. The Wolverines are the Buckeyes’ biggest rival, and this game is always one of the most anticipated games of the season.
The Buckeyes will then travel to West Lafayette, Indiana to take on the Purdue Boilermakers on October 11th. The Boilermakers are a tough opponent, and they will be looking to upset the Buckeyes in their home stadium. After their game against the Boilermakers, the Buckeyes will return home for a game against the Maryland Terrapins on October 18th. The Terrapins are a rising program, and they will be looking to make a statement against the Buckeyes in their home stadium.
The Buckeyes will then have a bye week before they travel to Madison, Wisconsin to take on the Wisconsin Badgers on November 1st. The Badgers are a tough opponent, and they will be looking to defend their home turf against the Buckeyes. After their game against the Badgers, the Buckeyes will return home for a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on November 8th. The Scarlet Knights are a rebuilding program, and they will be looking to make a statement against the Buckeyes in their home stadium.
The Buckeyes will then travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan to take on the Michigan Wolverines on November 15th. The Wolverines are the Buckeyes’ biggest rival, and this game is always one of the most anticipated games of the season. After their game against the Wolverines, the Buckeyes will return home for a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 22nd. The Nittany Lions are a tough opponent, and they will be looking to upset the Buckeyes in their home stadium.
The Buckeyes will then close out the regular season with a game against the Michigan State Spartans on November 29th. The Spartans are a tough opponent, and they will be looking to end the Buckeyes’ season on a high note. After their game against the Spartans, the Buckeyes will hope to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6th | Oregon Ducks | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH |
| September 13th | North Carolina Tar Heels | Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC |
| September 20th | Toledo Rockets | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH |
| October 4th | Michigan Wolverines | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI |
| October 11th | Purdue Boilermakers | Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN |
| October 18th | Maryland Terrapins | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH |
| November 1st | Wisconsin Badgers | Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI |
| November 8th | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH |
| November 15th | Michigan Wolverines | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI |
| November 22nd | Penn State Nittany Lions | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH |
| November 29th | Michigan State Spartans | Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI |
Nighttime Lights: Primetime Matchups Illuminate the Season
The 2025 Buckeye football schedule features a number of primetime matchups under the lights, creating a thrilling atmosphere for fans and players alike. These games will showcase some of the top teams and players in the country, and they are sure to be some of the most memorable moments of the season.
Here’s a closer look at the Buckeyes’ primetime schedule:
September 6: vs. Notre Dame (8:00 PM ET)
The Buckeyes open their season with a massive home game against rivals Notre Dame. The two teams have met over 90 times, with Ohio State holding a 45-39-5 advantage. College football fans across the country will be tuning in to this one.
September 20: @ Penn State (7:30 PM ET)
Just two weeks later, Ohio State travels to Happy Valley to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions – another historic rivalry in college football. The Buckeyes have never lost to Penn State at night. The game will also be ESPN’s “College Gameday” matchup for that week.
October 11: @ Michigan (12:00 PM ET)
The annual trip to Michigan Stadium for “The Game” is always one of the most anticipated events on the Buckeyes’ schedule. This year’s matchup will take place at noon ET and will be televised nationally on FOX. The Buckeyes have won the last two meetings and will be looking to make it three in a row.
Coastal Clash: Buckeyes Embark on Cross-Divisional Trip
Ohio State and North Carolina are set to meet for the first time since 2018 when the Buckeyes travel to the Tar Heel State on September 13. The game will be the third meeting between the two schools, with Ohio State holding a 2-0 record.
The Tar Heels are coming off a 9-4 season in 2023, including a 5-3 mark in the ACC Coastal Division. UNC is led by quarterback Sam Howell, who passed for 3,050 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. The Tar Heels also return their top two receivers, Josh Downs and Antoine Green, who combined for 1,600 yards receiving in 2023.
The Buckeyes are coming off a 11-2 season in 2023, including a 7-2 mark in the Big Ten East Division. Ohio State is led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who passed for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns last season. The Buckeyes also return their top three receivers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Julian Fleming, and Marvin Harrison Jr., who combined for 2,700 yards receiving in 2023.
The game is expected to be a close one, as both teams are ranked in the top 15 of the preseason polls. The Buckeyes are currently ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll and No. 4 in the Coaches Poll, while the Tar Heels are ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll and No. 11 in the Coaches Poll.
Key Matchups
There are several key matchups to watch in this game, including:
**Quarterbacks:** C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) vs. Sam Howell (North Carolina)
**Running backs:** Miyan Williams (Ohio State) vs. British Brooks (North Carolina)
**Wide receivers:** Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State) vs. Josh Downs (North Carolina)
**Defensive linemen:** Jack Sawyer (Ohio State) vs. Jaheim Oatis (North Carolina)
**Linebackers:** Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State) vs. Cedric Gray (North Carolina)
**Cornerbacks:** Denzel Burke (Ohio State) vs. Storm Duck (North Carolina)
| Ohio State | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Rank: 3 (AP), 4 (Coaches) | Rank: 10 (AP), 11 (Coaches) |
| Record in 2023: 11-2 | Record in 2023: 9-4 |
| Head coach: Ryan Day | Head coach: Mack Brown |
| QB: C.J. Stroud | QB: Sam Howell |
| RB: Miyan Williams | RB: British Brooks |
| WR: Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR: Josh Downs |
| DL: Jack Sawyer | DL: Jaheim Oatis |
| LB: Tommy Eichenberg | LB: Cedric Gray |
| CB: Denzel Burke | CB: Storm Duck |
Big Ten Battles: Crucial Conference Clashes
Home Games
The Buckeyes will host eight conference opponents at home. These games will be pivotal in determining Ohio State’s Big Ten title hopes, as well as their national championship aspirations. The home slate includes:
- Rutgers
- Michigan
Away Games
The Buckeyes will face seven challenging opponents on the road in conference play. These games will test the team’s ability to win away from home and build momentum for the postseason.
Divisional Matchups
The Buckeyes will face both East Division opponents at home and both West Division opponents on the road. These games will be crucial in determining Ohio State’s standing within the division and their chances of making the Big Ten Championship game.
Crossover Games
The Buckeyes will face two East Division opponents on the road and two West Division opponents at home in the crossover games. These games will provide Ohio State with an opportunity to build up its resume and prepare for the postseason.
Week 7: Indiana
The Indiana game is one of the most important games on Ohio State’s schedule. The Hoosiers have emerged as a legitimate threat in the Big Ten, and they will be looking to upset the Buckeyes in Bloomington. Ohio State will need to be at their best to avoid an upset and keep their championship hopes alive.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 11, 2025 | Indiana | Bloomington, IN |
Remaining Schedule
| Week | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Week 8 | TBA |
| Week 9 | TBA |
| Week 10 | Penn State |
| Week 11 | Purdue |
| Week 12 | Maryland |
| Week 13 | Michigan State |
Defending the Title: Buckeyes Seek to Repeat as Champions
The Ohio State Buckeyes will enter the 2025 season with the goal of repeating as College Football Playoff champions. After a dominant 2024 campaign that saw them finish with a perfect 13-0 record, the Buckeyes are poised to make another run at the title.
The Buckeyes’ schedule in 2025 will be challenging, but they will have a chance to prove themselves against some of the best teams in the country. They will open the season at home against San Jose State before traveling to face Notre Dame in Week 2. They will also face Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin in Big Ten play.
Week 8: Michigan State (Home)
The Buckeyes’ Week 8 matchup against Michigan State will be a key test for the team. The Spartans have been a thorn in Ohio State’s side in recent years, and they will be looking to upset the Buckeyes in front of their home crowd. Michigan State has a strong defense led by linebacker Cal Haladay, who was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2024. The Spartans also have a talented offense led by quarterback Payton Thorne and running back Jalen Berger. The Buckeyes will need to be at their best to beat Michigan State in this crucial matchup.
The Buckeyes have a tough schedule in 2025, but they are confident that they can repeat as champions. They have a talented team led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and running back TreVeyon Henderson. The Buckeyes also have a strong defense led by defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau. If the Buckeyes can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a good chance of winning another national championship.
| Opponent | Date |
|---|---|
| San Jose State | August 30 |
| Notre Dame | September 6 |
| Toledo | September 13 |
| Penn State | September 20 |
| Wisconsin | October 4 |
| Michigan State | October 11 |
| Purdue | October 18 |
| Maryland | October 25 |
| Michigan | November 1 |
| Rutgers | November 8 |
| Illinois | November 15 |
Farewell, Seniors: Celebrating the Legacy of a Legendary Class
10. Ohio State (November 22)
In the biggest game of the year, the Buckeyes will host rival Ohio State at home in the Horseshoe. This rivalry is one of the most heated in all of college football, and the atmosphere in Columbus will be electric. The Buckeyes will be looking to avenge their 42-27 loss to the Buckeyes in 2022, and they will have a chance to do so in front of their home crowd. This game will be a battle of two of the best teams in the country, and it will have a major impact on the College Football Playoff race.
| Date | Opponent | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Eastern Kentucky | 7:30 p.m. | Ohio Stadium |
| September 13 | UTSA | 3:30 p.m. | Ohio Stadium |
| September 20 | Houston | Noon | Ohio Stadium |
| September 27 | at Wisconsin | TBD | Camp Randall Stadium |
| October 4 | at Rutgers | TBD | SHI Stadium |
| October 11 | Indiana | TBD | Ohio Stadium |
| October 18 | at Penn State | TBD | Beaver Stadium |
| October 25 | Purdue | TBD | Ohio Stadium |
| November 1 | at Minnesota | TBD | Huntington Bank Stadium |
| November 8 | Michigan | TBD | Ohio Stadium |
| November 15 | Maryland | TBD | Ohio Stadium |
| November 22 | Ohio State | TBD | Ohio Stadium |
2025 Buckeye Football Schedule
The 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule has been released, and it features a challenging slate of opponents. The Buckeyes will open the season at home against the Western Michigan Broncos on August 30, 2025. They will then travel to Eugene, Oregon to face the Oregon Ducks on September 6, 2025. The Buckeyes will host the Toledo Rockets on September 13, 2025, and then travel to Madison, Wisconsin to face the Wisconsin Badgers on September 20, 2025. Ohio State will host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 27, 2025, before traveling to Ann Arbor, Michigan to face the Michigan Wolverines on October 4, 2025. The Buckeyes will host the Indiana Hoosiers on October 11, 2025, and then travel to Purdue, Indiana to face the Purdue Boilermakers on October 18, 2025. Ohio State will host the Maryland Terrapins on October 25, 2025, before traveling to Minneapolis, Minnesota to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers on November 1, 2025. The Buckeyes will host the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 8, 2025, before traveling to East Lansing, Michigan to face the Michigan State Spartans on November 15, 2025. Ohio State will host the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 22, 2025, before facing the Michigan Wolverines in the regular season finale on November 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
