The Notre Dame Fighting Irish travel to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday afternoon. Both teams enter undefeated at 3–0, but the Buckeyes are favorites in this battle of football schools on the basketball court. Before tip-off from Columbus, continue reading to get my thoughts on this game, including my Notre Dame vs Ohio State prediction.
Our Notre Dame vs Ohio State Pick
- Pick: Ohio State -8.5
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Ohio State Buckeyes
- Date & Time: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 12:30 PM ET
- Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, Ohio
- Broadcast: FS1
Key Storylines
- New home-and-home series: This season marks the beginning of a home-and-home series between Notre Dame and Ohio State in basketball. The Buckeyes already lead the all-time series 9–4 against Notre Dame.
- Ohio State’s core returns: The Buckeyes bring back Bruce Thornton, who averaged 17.7 PPG and 4.6 assists last season. Devin Royal is a strong two-way forward (13.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG) and is also back to help the Buckeyes.
- Depth in the frontcourt: Ohio State added size via the transfer portal, with 7-foot center Christoph Tilly (12.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG in his previous stop) and forward Brandon Noel expected to contribute.
- Notre Dame building around its guard play: The Fighting Irish are leaning on Markus Burton, who is averaging 19.3 PPG early in the season as their top scoring threat. Forward Carson Towt provides strength on the boards (13.3 RPG) and in playmaking (3.7 assists).
- First big test: Both of these teams have gone 3-0 early in the season. But those wins came against softer opponents than these teams are going to face as this season wears on. This is the first test against a powerhouse program for both of these teams and that is something to be mindful of as this game unfolds. It is also the first road game of the season for the Irish.
Betting Trends
- Ohio State is 1-2 against the spread so far this season.
- Notre Dame has covered the spread in two of its first three games.
- Both teams have gone over the total in two of their first three contests this year.
Notre Dame vs Ohio State Model Projection
Score Projection: Ohio State 84 – Notre Dame 74
Win Probability: Ohio State 75%, Notre Dame 25%
Final Thoughts
Ohio State appears to have the upper hand in this early-season showdown with Notre Dame. Their core of Thornton and Royal gives them a well-rounded roster capable of asserting control in their first real test of the season. Notre Dame will struggle in their first road game of the year and I will lay the points with Ohio State in this early-season resume-building opportunity for both sides.
