Ohio U Bobcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction and Picks - September 13, 2025
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Ohio State and Ohio meet in Columbus on Saturday in a collegiate“Battle of Ohio” matchup. The Buckeyes are off to a 2-0 start, gutting out a 14-7 defensive slugfest against Texas and then hammering Grambling 70-0. Ryan Day’s team looks balanced, explosive, and most importantly, dominant on defense, holding opponents to just 3.5 points per game so far.
On the other side, Ohio sits at 1-1 after a close loss at Rutgers and a gritty 17-10 win over West Virginia.
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Bobcats off a big win
Ohio enters this game tested by two competitive outings, losing a late heartbreaker at Rutgers and then controlling the tempo against West Virginia in a 17-10 win. Quarterback Parker Navarro has been the clear leader, already throwing for 486 yards while also running for 180 yards, making him the true engine of the offense. Navarro’s dual-threat ability has opened the door for consistent production in the run game, with running back Sieh Bangura adding balance to the backfield. Wide receiver Chase Hendricks has emerged as the top target, hauling in 236 receiving yards with timely plays in both games.
Defensively, linebacker Jack Fries leads the team with 15 tackles, while Cameron Hollobaugh has the only interception so far. Collectively, the Bobcats are averaging 24 points per game while giving up 22, a stat line that suggests they can fight but are still vulnerable to speed and size mismatches.
Heading into The Horseshoe, Ohio simply needs to protect Navarro, limit turnovers, and try to shorten the game. But with how this roster lines up man-to-man against Ohio State, staying competitive rather than victory feels like the goal. 
Defending champs and still No. 1
Ohio State looks every bit like a championship-caliber team after two weeks. The defense smothered top-ranked Texas in Week 1, limiting them to seven points, before unleashing the offense to score 70 against Grambling.
Quarterback Julian Sayin has been efficient and nearly flawless, throwing for 503 yards with six touchdowns to just one interception across multiple blowout stretches. Sayin spreads the ball well, especially to prized freshman Jeremiah Smith, who already has 162 yards and two touchdowns. CJ Donaldson has given the Buckeyes a strong ground option, piling up 112 yards and a pair of scores, while Bo Jackson has added 108 rushing yards at over 12 yards per carry.
Across two games, Ohio State averages 42 points per game and allows only 3.5, making them one of the most balanced teams in the country. Arvell Reese leads with 13 tackles, and Caleb Downs has already showcased his ball-hawking ability with an interception.
Ohio vs. Ohio State pick
Spread Pick vs. Ohio vs. Ohio State
Ohio State -31.5 (3 units)
Ohio brings a tough and scrappy team, and Navarro’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs could cause some headaches early. But the problem is depth. Ohio simply doesn’t have enough weapons around him to consistently threaten this Buckeyes defense. Against West Virginia, Navarro threw three interceptions, but the Mountaineers could not make the Bobcats pay. But Ohio State rarely lets those opportunities slip.
Laying -31.5 is steep, but given OSU’s ability to dominate both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes have more than enough firepower to cover.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Rob Vinciletti | +3,530.00 |
| 2 |  Nick Parsons | +951.00 |
| 3 |  Stephen Nover | +743.00 |
| 4 |  Tom Macrina | +196.00 |
| 5 |  Rocky Atkinson | +128.00 |
Total Pick for Ohio vs. Ohio State
Over 51.5 (5 units)
Ohio State has the kind of offense that can run up points in a hurry, and though Ohio’s defense has been solid, seeing them slowing down an offense led by Julian Sayin and Jeremiah does not seem likely. At the same time, Navarro’s playmaking might be enough to manufacture a touchdown or two against a defense that eventually rotates in second-string personnel. That dynamic points to a game script where OSU builds a 40+ point outing on its own while the Bobcats sneak into the teens late. A projected score like 49-17 would clear this number, and the balance of OSU’s attack gives plenty of confidence in the over.
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