As the 2025 college football regular season nears its end, number one Ohio State faces Rutgers in a matchup loaded with postseason implications. The Buckeyes are undefeated at 10–0 and dominating in almost every facet of every game. They host a Rutgers squad that is scrapping for one more win to reach bowl eligibility. Before kickoff on Saturday, you can continue reading to find my Rutgers vs Ohio State prediction.
Our Rutgers vs Ohio State Pick
- Pick: Ohio State -32.5
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ Ohio State Buckeyes
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 22, 2025, 12:00 PM ET
- Venue: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Broadcast: FOX
Key Storylines
Ohio State enters this game as the prohibitive favorite. That’s a huge number, but it reflects not just their dominance this season, but also Rutgers’ shortcomings. The Scarlet Knights are 5–5 (2–5 in the Big Ten) and fighting for bowl eligibility. Rutgers may need to wait for their final regular-season game at home against Penn State to reach the six-win mark.
The Buckeyes remain perfect and are focused on maintaining momentum heading into their rivalry game against Michigan. Ohio State hasn’t allowed more than 14 points in a game since October 11. Another defensive gem from the Buckeyes would put them within one game of an unbeaten regular season and another trip to the Big Ten championship game.
The question for Rutgers in this game is how to generate any sort of offense against a defense as good as that of Ohio State. The Buckeyes are elite at stopping both the run and the pass. And with Rutgers struggling on offense on he road for the most part this season, the Scarlet Knights are not expected to do a lot of scoring here.
Quarterback Play
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has been a workhorse, throwing for 2,705 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions this season. He’s completing about 62.3% of his passes, and though he’s taken a lot of hits (he’s been sacked 29 times), he’s managed to stay healthy and lead the Rutgers offense.
Ohio State signal-caller Julian Sayin has put together an efficient campaign. He has thrown for 2,675 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions. His mobility and pocket awareness give the Buckeyes a Heisman-caliber quarterback to go along with their excellent defense.
Betting Trends
- Ohio State is 8–1–1 against the spread this season.
- Rutgers is 5–5 straight up and against the spread this year.
- The under has cashed in 6 of Ohio State’s first 10 games.
- Rutgers has gone over the total in 6 of their 10 games.
Rutgers vs Ohio State Model Projection
Score Projection: Rutgers 10 – Ohio State 45
Win Probability: Ohio State 94%, Rutgers 6%
Final Thoughts
I just don’t think that Rutgers can find a way to generate enough offense to stay close in this game. Ohio State’s defense is the best in the country and I’m not sure it’s particularly close. They will shut down the Scarlet Knights and cover the number as a heavy favorite in Columbus.
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