Illinois vs Ohio State Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 26, 2026

The Illinois Fighting Illini visit the 6th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, with the opening kickoff at 12:00 PM ET and televised on FOX. Both teams are 2-1 overall and 0-0 in Big Ten play. Illinois rebounded from a 31-27 loss to Duke by beating Southern Illinois 48-10 last week. Ohio State also returned to the win column with a 59-3 victory over Kent State after losing 24-23 at Texas. Get ready for Saturday’s matchup with our free NCAAF picks.

Illinois Fighting Illini Coming Off a Convincing Win

Illinois has scored at least 27 points in all three games, including 42 against UAB and 48 against Southern Illinois. Katin Houser has completed 60 of 81 passes for 758 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions. His 74.1% completion rate and 9.4 yards per attempt have helped Illinois create big plays through the air. Collin Dixon has been the leading receiver with 25 catches for 367 yards and seven touchdowns. Hudson Clement has added 140 yards on 12 receptions, while Brayden Trimble has nine catches for 85 yards.

The Fighting Illini have rushed for 459 yards and five touchdowns on 86 attempts, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Ca'Lil Valentine leads the ground attack with 177 yards and a touchdown, while Aidan Laughery has 159 yards at 7.2 yards per attempt. Illinois has recorded three sacks and two interceptions on defense. Ismael Kante leads the unit with 15 tackles and one interception. Juice Clarke and Matthew Bailey have 14 tackles apiece, while Will Holmes and Ean Rhea have each recorded one sack.

Injuries: Jeremiah Platt (questionable), Dylan Brown (questionable), Kenari Alston (questionable), Naivyan Rankin (questionable), Willem Vala III (questionable), Jireh Harvey (questionable), Jordan Forster (questionable), Jalen Eberhart (questionable), Grant Smith (out), Brett Thurman (out), Ashton Perry (out), Tanner Hollinger (out).

Ohio State Buckeyes Back Home After a Dominant Victory

Ohio State has been dominant in its two home games, beating Ball State 56-3 and Kent State 59-3. Julian Sayin has completed 56 of 79 passes for 839 yards, six touchdowns and one interception, averaging 10.6 yards per attempt. Jeremiah Smith has recorded 21 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 19.0 yards per reception. Brandon Inniss has added 133 yards and a touchdown, while Devin McCuin has 131 yards and one score. Chris Henry Jr. has two touchdowns on only two receptions.

The Buckeyes have rushed for 476 yards and eight touchdowns on 104 attempts. Bo Jackson leads Ohio State with 230 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Ja'Kobi Jackson has added 150 yards, four touchdowns and a 7.1-yard average. Ohio State has four sacks and three interceptions defensively. Earl Little Jr. leads the team with 17 tackles, while Riley Pettijohn has 12 tackles, one sack and an interception. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. has also recorded a sack.

Injuries: Legend Bey (questionable), Zion Grady (out), Quincy Porter (out).

Key to the Game

Illinois needs to protect Houser and create explosive passing plays against an Ohio State defense that has allowed only 30 points across three games. Dixon’s seven touchdowns make him Illinois’ main threat through the air, but Ohio State has several defensive backs capable of limiting big gains. The Buckeyes can answer with Smith, who is averaging 19.0 yards per reception. Illinois also needs to contain Ohio State’s rushing rotation, especially Jackson and Ja'Kobi Jackson. Limiting early-down gains can force the Buckeyes into longer third-down situations.

Illinois vs Ohio State Game Pick

• Ohio State -27.5 (-110)

Ohio State is the pick at -27.5. The Buckeyes have won their two home games by 53 and 56 points while allowing only six total points in those contests. Sayin has averaged 10.6 yards per pass attempt, and Ohio State has several explosive options around him. Illinois has scored well through three games, but this is a major increase in defensive difficulty. Ohio State’s rushing depth also creates problems over four quarters. With the Buckeyes back at Ohio Stadium, their offensive balance can create enough of a lead to cover the large spread.

Illinois vs Ohio State Over/Under Pick

• Over 53.5 (-110)

The play is over 53.5. Ohio State has scored 56 and 59 points in its two home games, while Illinois has reached at least 27 in every contest. Both starting quarterbacks have produced strong passing numbers, with Sayin averaging 10.6 yards per attempt and Houser at 9.4. Illinois also has a rushing attack averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Ohio State can do most of the scoring work, but Illinois has enough passing production to add points of its own. A game in the upper 50s is expected, making the over the pick on Saturdays