COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football is in the midst of its first week this season, meaning Buckeye fans can spend their Saturday (hate) watching other games around the country.
Here are 10 matchups to keep an eye on as you wait for the 3-0 Buckeyes to return to action next week for their Big Ten opener at Washington.
No. 21 Michigan at Nebraska
Reason: Bryce Underwood vs. Dylan Raiola
Ohio State fans should always keep an eye on Michigan when their team is off. It just so happens that the Wolverines play one of their biggest games this week.
Michigan, led by freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, will be at Nebraska, which is led by former OSU commit and sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola.
These former five-star prospects have yet to truly live up to their hype at their respective schools, granted Underwood has only played three games.
Saturday presents a breakout opportunity — plus, the winner could propel itself into early College Football Playoff discussions.
No. 9 Illinois at No. 19 Indiana
Reason: Future Ohio State opponent
Ohio State, Penn State and Oregon have solidified themselves as contenders in the expanded Big Ten. Michigan has the best chance, considering the resources at hand, to become part of that group.
Then, it seems as though Indiana and Illinois are trying to be the next-best team. It makes Saturday’s matchup intriguing in the grand scheme of the conference.
As for Ohio State, this game provides a look at Illinois against a 2024 CFP participant. The Buckeyes play at the Illini on Oct. 11.
Michigan State at No. 25 USC
Reason: Big Ten implications
Southern California has won 18 games across the previous three seasons, but the program’s history suggests it could be a sleeping giant in the Big Ten.
If a return to glory is coming under coach Lincoln Riley, a matchup between Ohio State and USC could happen in the conference title game. The teams last met in the 2017 Cotton Bowl.
Florida at No. 4 Miami
Reason: CFP implications
The conference champions from the SEC and Big Ten are often penciled in as the top two seeds in CFP projections. Miami might have something to say about that.
The Hurricanes made a statement in Week 1 with a win against Notre Dame.
Now, they’ll look to beat their in-state. Miami’s eventual downfall makes for good comedy each year, but this year’s squad could be a legitimate contender considering how impressive it has looked in the trenches.
Washington at Washington State
Reason: Future Ohio State opponent
Ohio State’s first road game is next week at Washington, and it’s still unclear just how good the Huskies are.
They were a trendy preseason pick as a dark horse CFP team from the Big Ten. However, we have yet to see them against tough competition this year.
Washington State lost by 49 at North Texas last week, so the Cougars aren’t a formidable opponent. However, the Apple Cup should still teach us something about quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and the Huskies.
Maryland at Wisconsin
Reason: Future Ohio State opponent
Wisconsin had a poor showing at Alabama last week, suggesting coach Luke Fickell’s third year might look like the first two. That said, Camp Randall Stadium still owns one of college football’s loudest environments.
If the Badgers can show some fight against the Terrapins, then Ohio State’s trip to Wisconsin on Oct. 18 could be a trap game threat.
Also, keep an eye on Maryland. The schedule sets up for a potential Indiana-type run.
No. 17 Texas Tech at No. 16 Utah
Reason: CFP implications
Big Noon Kickoff is leaving Big Ten country for a ranked matchup between Texas Tech and Utah.
While this game has no immediate impact on Ohio State, these two teams are contenders to win the Big 12, meaning the Buckeyes could see the Red Raiders or Utes in the CFP.
No. 22 Auburn at No. 11 Oklahoma
Reason: CFP implications
A month ago, this matchup between Oklahoma and Auburn was supposed to be a hot seat game. Instead, the teams enter undefeated.
OU has had an impressive start to the season, highlighted by a Week 2 win against Michigan. The strong play has been fueled by quarterback John Mateer thrusting himself into the Heisman picture.
Meanwhile, Auburn is looking for a signature moment in coach Hugh Freeze’s third season. It could come Saturday with quarterback Jackson Arnold returning to play against his former team.
Tulane at No. 13 Ole Miss
Reason: CFP implications
Many are penciling South Florida in as the Group of Five team to make the CFP, but Tulane could take that spot with a statement win at Ole Miss. Tulane is 3-0 with wins against Northwestern and Duke on its resume.
As for Ole Miss, another year with CFP aspirations is off to a strong start. The Rebels had arguably their best roster ever and fell short last season. Could 2025 be a year of redemption?
Purdue at No. 24 Notre Dame
Reason: Vibe check on the Fighting Irish
Last year showed that even when the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish don’t schedule each other, they find a way to meet. That matchup in the national title game feels like a distant memory for Notre Dame fans, though.
The Fighting Irish have lost their first two games, giving themselves an uphill journey into the CFP conversation. A loss to Purdue, a team on Ohio State’s schedule, would kill any remaining hope for fans of the Irish.
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