Season Overview
Not too long ago, Ohio State ruled the Big 10 Conference, winning four straight conference championships. However, after three consecutive losses to Michigan, the Buckeyes are now in quest of their first conference title since 2020.
OSU returns what is likely the best team in the now 18-team Big 10 this season and will be one of the top betting choices to make the now 12-team College Football Playoff.
Betting Odds
- Odds to win national championship (Bet365): +400
- Odds to make CFP: -600
- Odds to win Big 10 (FanDuel): +155
- Wins over/under: 10.5
Ohio State returns 16 starters this season from a team that finished 11-2 last year. The Buckeyes started 11-0 but lost a tough season finale at Ann Arbor, which cost them a shot at the CFP. They then played their bowl game shorthanded and lost to Missouri.
Seven starters return for an offense that averaged 408 yards per game last year, which was the unit’s poorest performance in over a decade. Two 1,000-yard rushers are back: home-grown Treveyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins, along with four returning offensive linemen. The Buckeyes also brought in QB Will Howard, who led Kansas State to a Big 12 title two seasons ago. Additionally, nine starters are back on a defense that limited opponents to just 265 YPG last season, including the entire front four.
The Buckeyes will play at Oregon and at Penn State but will host Iowa and Michigan at the Horseshoe. OSU should be 5-0 heading into Eugene in mid-October and should win every game after that. We’re having trouble seeing two losses on Ohio State’s regular-season slate.
Pick
Ohio State over 10.5 wins
