The Ohio State Buckeyes are ranked number one in the country and they will try to stay there as they face the Wisconsin Badgers this week. Ohio State is a huge favorite going into this game and Wisconsin will try to knock them off their perch at Camp Randall Stadium here. Before Saturday’s marquee matchup in the Big Ten, continue reading to get my Ohio State vs Wisconsin prediction.
Our Ohio State vs Wisconsin Pick
- Pick: Under 41.5
- Confidence: ★★★★★
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Wisconsin Badgers
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
- Broadcast: CBS
Ohio State vs Wisconsin Odds
| Odds | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | -25.5 | Over 41.5 |
| Wisconsin | +25.5 | Under 41.5 |
Key Storylines
Quarterback Play
Ohio State’s sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin has been exceptional this season. Sayin is leading the Big Ten in completion percentage and quarterback rating. He has 1,479 passing yards and 15 touchdowns against just three interceptions. Sayin has been a key factor in the Buckeyes’ offensive success.
Wisconsin has struggled at the quarterback position due to injuries and inconsistency. Billy Edwards Jr. remains sidelined with a knee injury, and neither Danny O’Neil nor Hunter Simmons has been able to provide stability. Simmons was held to just 82 passing yards and completed eight of his 21 pass attempts in last week’s 37-0 loss to Iowa.
Defensive Matchup
Ohio State might have the best defense in the country going into this game. The Buckeyes have allowed 6.8 points per game this season. That number is the best in college football by a full field goal per game over second-place Oklahoma. The Buckeyes will have to like their chances on that side of the ball against a struggling Wisconsin defense.
Wisconsin’s defense has not fared well against power conference opponents. They have given up 31.5 points per game in their last four games. Those games came against Alabama and a trio of Big Ten opponents. The Badgers have to be better on that side of the ball if they want any shot at slowing down Sayin and the Buckeyes.
Betting Trends & Head-to-Head
- Ohio State has won 10 consecutive games against Wisconsin.
- The Buckeyes are 5-0-1 against the spread this season.
- Wisconsin has failed to cover the spread in four of their first six games.
- The total has gone under in four of the six games played by both of these teams.
Ohio State vs Wisconsin Model Projection
Score Projection: Ohio State 31 – Wisconsin 7
Win Probability: Ohio State 91.5%, Wisconsin 8.5%
Final Thoughts
Ohio State should dominate this game with their defense as they have done in all of their other games so far this season. The hot seat will only get hotter for Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell after this game. I think the Buckeyes win convincingly, but my best bet for this contest will be the under, as there is a real shot that Ohio State pitches a shutout on the road in this one.
