Get ready for an electrifying season as the Ohio State Buckeyes unveil their highly anticipated 2025 football schedule. This year promises to be an unforgettable journey filled with thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. From the historic Horseshoe to iconic stadiums across the nation, the Buckeyes will embark on an epic quest to etch their names in the annals of college football.
The schedule features a tantalizing blend of formidable Big Ten foes and out-of-conference powerhouses. The Buckeyes will face off against archrival Michigan in their annual clash of titans, a game that always captivates the nation with its intensity and passion. Other Big Ten battles include matchups against perennial contenders Wisconsin, Penn State, and Iowa, ensuring every game is a battle of epic proportions.
Beyond the conference, the Buckeyes will test their mettle against some of the most prestigious programs in the country. A trip to South Bend to face Notre Dame promises fireworks, as the Buckeyes look to extend their dominance in this storied rivalry. They will also welcome Southern California to the Horseshoe, setting the stage for a clash of two football powerhouses. And in a highly anticipated non-conference showdown, the Buckeyes will travel to Gainesville to face the Florida Gators, a contest sure to produce unforgettable moments.
Cross-Divisional Clashes: Facing New Challenges
The 2025 Buckeyes season will feature thrilling cross-divisional matchups, pitting them against formidable opponents from the East Division. These clashes will test the depth and adaptability of the team, as they navigate through unfamiliar territory and face new playing styles.
Battle for the West: Hometown Rivalry
The Buckeyes will face off against the fierce Michigan State Spartans at home in one of their most anticipated cross-divisional matchups. The Spartans, known for their physical play and tough defense, will pose a significant challenge to Ohio State’s offensive and defensive prowess. This rivalry goes beyond the gridiron, as both schools are located in the heart of the Big Ten footprint, creating an intense atmosphere on game day.
Titans of the East: Taking on the Penn State Nittany Lions
In a prime-time clash, the Buckeyes will travel to Beaver Stadium to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Nittany Lions, with their high-octane offense led by talented quarterback Drew Allar, will provide a stern test for Ohio State’s defense. This matchup will pit two of the Big Ten’s most decorated programs against each other, promising a battle of strength and skill.
Clash of Legends: Ohio State vs. Michigan
The most anticipated cross-divisional matchup of the 2025 season will undoubtedly be the titanic clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines. This rivalry, steeped in history and tradition, will see the Buckeyes host their arch-rivals in front of a sold-out crowd at the Horseshoe. Both teams will be looking to make a statement, as this game often has significant implications for the Big Ten championship race and the College Football Playoff.
| Opponent | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | October 18 | Home |
| Penn State | November 1 | Away |
| Michigan | November 29 | Home |
Non-Conference Tests: Showcasing Ohio State’s Might
Ohio State will face a challenging gauntlet of non-conference opponents in 2025, with matchups against three Power Five schools and an FCS powerhouse. These games will be a crucial test for the Buckeyes as they aim to compete for a national championship.
San Jose State Spartans
Ohio State opens its season with a home game against the San Jose State Spartans, a member of the Mountain West Conference. The Spartans have won at least six games in each of the past four seasons, including a 7-6 record in 2023. Ohio State should be heavily favored in this matchup, but it will be a good opportunity for the Buckeyes to get their feet wet before facing tougher competition.
Toledo Rockets
The Buckeyes will travel to Toledo to face the Rockets in Week 2. Toledo is a perennial contender in the Mid-American Conference, having won at least nine games in each of the past three seasons. The Rockets have a strong offense led by quarterback Dequan Finn and running back Peny Boone, so Ohio State will need to be prepared for a shootout.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Ohio State will host the West Virginia Mountaineers in Week 3. West Virginia is a member of the Big 12 Conference and has been a competitive team in recent years, finishing 6-7 in 2023. The Mountaineers have a talented defense led by linebacker Dante Stills and defensive lineman Sean Martin, so Ohio State will need to be at its best to win this game.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Ohio State’s biggest non-conference test of the season comes in Week 4 when they travel to South Bend to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Notre Dame is a perennial Top 25 team and has won at least 10 games in each of the past four seasons. The Fighting Irish have a strong offense led by quarterback Tyler Buchner and running back Chris Tyree, and their defense is anchored by linebacker Jack Kiser and safety Brandon Joseph. Ohio State will need to play its best game of the season to win this matchup.
Purdue Boilermakers
Ohio State will close out its non-conference schedule with a home game against the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has been a competitive team in recent years, finishing 8-5 in 2023. The Boilermakers have a strong offense led by quarterback Aidan O’Connell and wide receiver Charlie Jones, and their defense is led by linebacker Kieren Douglas and defensive lineman George Karlaftis. Ohio State will need to be careful not to overlook Purdue in this matchup, as the Boilermakers have the potential to pull off an upset.
The Game: An Epic Rivalry Renewal
The annual rivalry game between The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines, known as “The Game,” is one of the most intense rivalries in all of collegiate sports. The two teams have met 119 times, with Michigan holding a slim 59-54-6 advantage. The game is always played in the final week of the regular season, and it often has a major impact on the Big Ten Conference championship race.
The History of The Game
The first game between Ohio State and Michigan was played in 1897, and it was a close affair, with Michigan winning 34-0. The two teams have played each other every year since 1918, and the rivalry has only grown more intense over the years.
The Traditions of The Game
The Game is full of traditions, including the singing of “Carmen Ohio” and “The Victors” by the respective student bodies, the exchange of the “Little Brown Jug” trophy, and the wearing of scarlet and gray by Ohio State fans and maize and blue by Michigan fans.
The Impact of The Game
The Game is more than just a football game. It is a cultural event that brings together the entire state of Ohio. The game is a source of pride for both Ohio State and Michigan fans, and it is a major economic driver for the city of Columbus.
The 2025 Ohio State Football Schedule
The Ohio State Buckeyes will face a challenging schedule in 2025, with games against several ranked opponents. The Buckeyes will open the season at home against the Kent State Golden Flashes, and they will also play home games against the Wisconsin Badgers, the Michigan State Spartans, and the Michigan Wolverines.
The Buckeyes will travel to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Penn State Nittany Lions, and the Purdue Boilermakers. They will also play a neutral-site game against the Oregon Ducks in Las Vegas.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Kent State Golden Flashes | Ohio Stadium | TBD |
| September 13 | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Las Vegas, NV | TBD |
| September 20 | Penn State Nittany Lions | Ohio Stadium | TBD |
| October 4 | Wisconsin Badgers | Ohio Stadium | TBD |
| October 11 | @ Purdue Boilermakers | Ross-Ade Stadium | TBD |
| October 25 | Michigan State Spartans | Ohio Stadium | TBD |
| November 1 | @ Michigan Wolverines | Michigan Stadium | TBD |
Buckeyes 2025 Football Schedule
The Ohio State Buckeyes football team will open the 2025 season at home against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on August 30th. The Buckeyes will then travel to face the West Virginia Mountaineers in Morgantown on September 6th. Ohio State will return home to host the Akron Zips on September 13th before traveling to face the Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington on September 20th.
The Buckeyes will open Big Ten play at home against the Michigan Wolverines on October 4th. Ohio State will then travel to face the Penn State Nittany Lions in State College on October 11th. The Buckeyes will return home to host the Maryland Terrapins on October 18th before traveling to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway on October 25th.
Ohio State will host the Northwestern Wildcats on November 1st before traveling to face the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette on November 8th. The Buckeyes will close the regular season at home against the Michigan State Spartans on November 15th.
People Also Ask About Buckeyes 2025 Football Schedule
When is the first game of the 2025 Buckeyes football season?
The first game of the 2025 Buckeyes football season is on August 30th against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
Where is the first game of the 2025 Buckeyes football season?
The first game of the 2025 Buckeyes football season is at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Who is the Buckeyes’ opponent in the first game of the 2025 football season?
The Buckeyes’ opponent in the first game of the 2025 football season is the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
When do the Buckeyes play Michigan in 2025?
The Buckeyes play Michigan on October 4th, 2025.
Where do the Buckeyes play Michigan in 2025?
The Buckeyes play Michigan at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio in 2025.
