Ohio State Buckeyes vs Iowa Hawkeyes Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Wednesday February 25 2026
Use Code WWWC Ohio State vs Iowa picks are front and center in a Big Ten battle that could shape the bubble picture. If you are searching for sharp college basketball picks, this matchup in Iowa City offers both spread and total value. Ohio State keeps alternating wins and losses, while Iowa is trying to steady itself after dropping three of four.
Quick Picks and Prediction
- Spread Pick: Ohio State +6.5
- Total Pick: Over 141.5
- Projected Final Score: Iowa 74, Ohio State 72
Odds and Line Movement
Opening Odds
| Market | Ohio State | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +5.5 (-102) | -5.5 (-120) |
| Market | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 141.5 (-110) | 141.5 (-110) |
Current Odds
| Market | Ohio State | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +6.5 (-110) | -6.5 (-110) |
| Market | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Total (141.5) | 141.5 (-115) | 141.5 (-105) |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | Time | Ohio State | Iowa | Public |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/25 | 09:07:16AM | +6.5 (-110) | -6.5 (-110) | OSU 50%, IOWA 75% |
| 02/24 | 02:57:04PM | +5.5 (-102) | -5.5 (-120) | |
| 02/24 | 02:49:35PM | +5.5 (-110) | -5.5 (-110) |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Time | Over | Under | Public |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/25 | 04:47:45AM | 141.5 (-115) | 141.5 (-105) | OV 100%, OV 100% |
| 02/24 | 02:49:35PM | 141.5 (-110) | 141.5 (-110) |
Ohio State
Ohio State has been living on the bubble and living game to game. The Buckeyes have alternated wins and losses in 20 of their last 22 contests. They just fell short at Michigan State, but they covered, and they have covered four straight overall.
Bruce Thornton has been on a heater. He scored 32 points against Michigan State and dropped 27 in the 86-69 win over Wisconsin. He has scored 21 or more in four straight games and is averaging close to 27 points per game in that span. When Thornton is rolling, Ohio State can hang with anyone.
The key trend here is simple. The Buckeyes have not lost two games in a row all season. After Sunday’s tight loss, that pattern favors a strong response.
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Iowa
Iowa has dropped three of its last four games and is still fighting to lock up an at-large bid. The Hawkeyes are giving up more points as the season moves forward. That is reflected in a 9-4 over record in their last 13 games.
Bennett Stirtz has been the engine at 20.6 points per game. He takes more than twice as many shots as anyone else on the roster. That kind of usage can keep Iowa competitive, but it also means the supporting cast must step up.
The latest setback came in an 84-71 loss at Wisconsin. Iowa struggled to slow the Badgers, and that defensive slide is something Ohio State can attack.
Betting Trends - OSU and IOWA
- Ohio State has alternated wins and losses in 20 of its last 22 games.
- Ohio State has covered four straight games.
- Bruce Thornton has scored 21 or more in four straight games.
- Iowa is 9-4 to the over in its last 13 games.
- Iowa has lost three of its last four games.
- The spread has moved from Iowa -5.5 to -6.5.
- The total remains at 141.5 with heavy public action on the over.
Key Injuries and Notes - OSU and IOWA
- OSU: No key injuries reported in this matchup.
- IOWA: No key injuries reported in this matchup.
- Ohio State has not lost back-to-back games all season.
- Iowa has leaned heavily on Bennett Stirtz for scoring production.
ATS and Total Picks
- ATS Pick: Ohio State +6.5
- Total Pick: Over 141.5
Final Score Prediction
This shapes up as a tight Big Ten battle. Iowa may find a way to win at home, but Ohio State’s recent form and Thornton’s scoring punch should keep this inside the number.
- Projected Final Score: Iowa 74, Ohio State 72
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