As a lifelong follower of college football and someone who has spent more years than I care to admit analyzing schedules, play-calling, and roster construction, I find the annual release of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ football schedule to be a unique source of anticipation. It’s not just a list of dates and opponents; it’s a narrative blueprint for the entire fall, a story waiting to be written with every snap. This year’s slate is no different, presenting a path filled with both monumental challenges and opportunities for statement wins. Crafting a successful season is about peak performance at the right moments, much like a key player stepping up in a tournament setting. I’m reminded of a performance I once analyzed in volleyball, where a player named Arisu Ishikawa registered her team’s first triple-double of a tournament with 11 points, 13 digs, and 16 receptions. That’s the kind of comprehensive, clutch contribution across all facets of the game that championship teams need, and as we look at the Buckeyes’ schedule, we’re looking for those potential triple-double moments—games where offense, defense, and special teams all click perfectly under pressure.
The non-conference schedule, as always, sets the early tone. The opener against the Akron Zips should be a comfortable tune-up, a chance to work out the kinks for a new starting quarterback, likely Will Howard, and integrate the plethora of transfer portal talent. But looking ahead, the real early-season litmus test comes in Week 2 with a trip to face the Washington Huskies. Now, Washington is a shadow of its national runner-up team from last year, having lost their coach and star quarterback, but traveling to the Pacific Northwest is never trivial. A convincing win here, by say, 17 points or more, would send a strong national message about the team’s cohesion and defensive improvements under new coordinator Jim Knowles in his third year. For me, the key matchup in that game will be Ohio State’s revamped secondary, featuring potential All-American cornerback Denzel Burke, against Washington’s new-look passing attack. If they can generate a couple of early turnovers, it could be a long day for the Huskies and a massive confidence booster for the Buckeyes.
Of course, the heart of the season, and the true measure of any Big Ten team, lies within the conference gauntlet. The new-look Big Ten, with its 18 teams and the elimination of divisions, makes every week feel consequential. The mid-October stretch is particularly brutal. They host the Iowa Hawkeyes, whose ferocious defense will test the Buckeyes’ offensive line and patience, then have to turn around and travel to Eugene to face the Oregon Ducks. That Oregon game, in my opinion, is the most critical matchup on the entire schedule, even more than The Game itself in some respects. It’s a potential playoff elimination game in Week 7, featuring two of the most talented rosters in the country, Heisman candidates at quarterback, and a rivalry simmering with conference realignment drama. The environment at Autzen Stadium is one of the loudest in the nation, and how Ohio State’s young offensive line handles that noise and Oregon’s aggressive front seven will decide the outcome. I’m predicting a high-scoring affair, something like 38-34, with the team that has the ball last possibly winning. Following that emotional rollercoaster, they can’t afford a letdown against a tricky Nebraska team led by Dylan Raiola. It’s a three-game stretch that will define their championship credentials.
And then, there’s The Game. The November 30th showdown in Columbus against Michigan. Everything builds toward this. The narrative is already writing itself: after three painful losses, Ryan Day and his squad have this one circled, underlined, and highlighted in blood red. The offseason moves, the intense focus on physicality in the trenches, it’s all been geared toward reclaiming supremacy in this rivalry. Personally, I believe the pressure is entirely on Ohio State this year. The talent advantage, on paper, is significant, especially with Michigan undergoing a major reload. But rivalry games have a way of leveling that field. The key matchup here won’t be a surprise: Ohio State’s defensive line, anchored by future first-rounders like JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, must dominate the line of scrimmage and harass Michigan’s new quarterback relentlessly. They need to hold Michigan under 100 yards rushing, a feat they haven’t accomplished in this rivalry since 2019. If they can do that, and if quarterback Will Howard avoids the critical mistakes that have plagued OSU signal-callers in recent meetings, the Buckeyes should win. I’m forecasting a 27-17 victory, a cathartic release for the fanbase and a likely ticket to the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis.
In conclusion, navigating the Ohio State football schedule is about managing energy and excelling in those key, season-defining moments. Just as Arisu Ishikawa’s triple-double was a complete performance when her team needed it most, the Buckeyes must deliver complete games against Oregon, in the tough mid-season stretch, and ultimately against Michigan. The margin for error is slim, perhaps a single loss given the strength of the SEC, but the opportunity is immense. This schedule is built for a playoff run if—and it’s a big if—they can win the battles in the trenches in those spotlight games. From my perspective, the pieces are there. The talent is undeniable, arguably the most skilled roster from top to bottom in the country. It now comes down to execution, coaching, and that elusive clutch gene when the lights are brightest. As a fan and an analyst, I’m equal parts excited and nervous, which is exactly how a championship-caliber schedule should make you feel. Buckle up; it’s going to be a fascinating ride.