Ohio State Unveils Challenging 2025 Football Schedule After Championship Win

ATLANTA, Ga. — Ohio State capped its 2024 college football season with a 34-23 victory over No. 7 Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, securing its first national championship since 2014. As the Buckeyes celebrate their triumph, attention has already turned to their 2025 schedule, which includes high-stakes matchups and a quest to end a losing streak against archrival Michigan.

The Buckeyes will open their title defense on Aug. 30 in Columbus, Ohio, against Texas, led by quarterback Arch Manning. This rematch of the Cotton Bowl semifinal is expected to draw national attention. Following the opener, Ohio State will host Grambling State and Ohio in Weeks 2 and 3 before diving into Big Ten play.

The Big Ten schedule features a cross-country trip to Washington in Week 5, marking the Buckeyes’ first conference game. Other notable matchups include home games against Penn State and UCLA, as well as road contests at Wisconsin and Michigan. The season culminates with a highly anticipated showdown against Michigan in Ann Arbor on Nov. 29, where Ohio State will aim to snap a four-game losing streak to the Wolverines.

Ohio State’s 2025 schedule includes two bye weeks, in Weeks 4 and 9, providing crucial rest during the grueling season. The Buckeyes’ path to a repeat championship will be anything but easy, with a mix of nonconference challenges and tough conference foes.

“We know what’s ahead of us,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “Every game is a battle, and we’re focused on taking it one week at a time.”

The Buckeyes’ 2025 schedule is as follows: Week 1 vs. Texas, Week 2 vs. Grambling State, Week 3 vs. Ohio, Week 5 at Washington*, Week 6 vs. Minnesota*, Week 7 at Illinois*, Week 8 at Wisconsin*, Week 10 vs. Penn State*, Week 11 at Purdue*, Week 12 vs. UCLA*, Week 13 vs. Rutgers*, and Week 14 at Michigan*. (*Denotes Big Ten game)