Ohio State vs. Michigan Picks, Odds, Prediction and Line Movement for Friday, January 23, 2026
Use Code WWWC It's one of the biggest rivalries in college sports, and this one takes place on the basketball court in this Ohio State vs. Michigan prediction. Ohio State (13-5, 4-3 B10) has quite the challenge on Friday night from Ann Arbor as they take on No. 3 Michigan (17-1, 6-1 B10). Last season, these teams met just once, with Michigan winning 86-83 in Columbus as a 1-point underdog. The Buckeyes have won three of their last four games, while the Wolverines have won three straight after losing their only game of the season to Wisconsin on Jan. 14. Check out more free College Basketball Predictions and NBA picks at Winners and Whiners.
Mobley and Thornton lead Buckeyes over Golden Gophers
Ohio State needed overtime to beat Minnesota in their last game on Tuesday, 82-74. John Mobley Jr led the Buckeyes with 26 points on 5-of-11 from three-point range, while guard Bruce Thornton added 23 points and seven boards. Both played over 40 minutes as Ohio State played just eight players and received six points off the bench. They shot the ball well (48%) from the field, but not great from beyond the arc (7 of 24).
They do have depth issues with F Brandon Noel (foot) out indefinitely. He was averaging 7.4 points and 4.1 rebounds in 20 minutes per game. Thornton has been a mainstay in the Ohio State lineup for four years, averaging 20.7 points and 5.4 rebounds, while shooting a sizzling 56.5% from the field and 41.4% from long range.
According to KenPom, Ohio State ranks 34th overall, 24th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and 68th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency.
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Wolverines roll after loss to Wisconsin
Michigan is 17-1, but they haven't looked as dominant since it defeated USC 96-66 at home on January 2. They beat Penn State 74-72 after that as a 24.5-point favorite and have not covered in five straight games. In their last matchup, they beat Indiana 86-72 on Jan. 20. Elliott Cadeau led the Wolverines with 19 points, while Yaxel Lendeborg added 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Michigan shot 51% from the field and 40% (10-of-25) from three-point range.
Michigan has all the tools to go far this season. They have great size led by Aday Mara (7-3, 255) and Lendeborg (6-9, 240), who averages 14.2 points to lead the team with 7.1 rebounds. Mara leads theWolverines with 2.6 blocks and 7.2 rebounds in 22 minutes per game.
According to KenPom, Michigan ranks first overall, fifth in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and second in Adjusted Defense.
Spread Pick and Odds for Ohio State vs. Michigan
Ohio State vs. Michigan Pick and Prediction
- Ohio State +15.5 (5 units)
Michigan is 0-5 ATS in their last five games. Ohio State has covered in three of their last four games. While Michigan is a very good team, they are overvalued right now and should not be favored by that many points against a good Ohio State team and a rival. They've won four of their last five against Ohio State, but all four wins came in single digits. Ohio State also has a very good shooting team led by Thornton (49.8%) and an excellent free-throw shooting team (78.8%, 6th), which never hurts in a close game and helps the spread.
Over/Under Pick for Ohio State vs. Michigan
- Under 163.5 (4 units)
Michigan is not only one of the best teams in the nation, but they rank 10th in pace. Ohio State would like to slow it down some, but that will be difficult on the road. At home, the Wolverines shoot 53.1% from the field and average 97.9 points per game. Ohio State averages 75.6 points per game on the road, but will need to step up its pace to win this game.
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