Buckeyes to Face Tough Non-Conference Opponents in 2025 as Season Opener Approaches..Read more below
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up to face a formidable lineup of non-conference opponents. The schedule is highlighted by a marquee season opener against the Texas Longhorns, setting the stage for a challenging and exciting campaign.
Season Opener: Texas Longhorns
On August 30, 2025, the Buckeyes will kick off their season at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, hosting the Texas Longhorns. This matchup is particularly significant as it features two powerhouse programs with rich histories. The last meeting between these teams was in the Cotton Bowl earlier this year, where Ohio State emerged victorious. The upcoming game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to make a strong statement to start the season.
Historic Matchup: Grambling State Tigers
Following the Texas game, on September 6, 2025, Ohio State will host the Grambling State Tigers. This game marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs and is notable for being Grambling State’s inaugural game against a Big Ten opponent. Grambling State, a storied HBCU program, brings its own legacy and tradition to the field, making this a historic and culturally significant matchup.
In-State Clash: Ohio Bobcats
Continuing their non-conference schedule, the Buckeyes will face the Ohio University Bobcats on September 13, 2025, at Ohio Stadium. This in-state showdown adds an extra layer of excitement, as both teams vie for supremacy within Ohio. The Buckeyes will look to assert their dominance, while the Bobcats aim to make a statement against their higher-profile neighbor.
Non-Conference Schedule Overview
The 2025 non-conference slate presents a diverse array of challenges for Ohio State:
- August 30: vs. Texas
- September 6: vs. Grambling State
- September 13: vs. Ohio
Each of these games offers unique tests, from facing a traditional powerhouse in Texas to engaging in a historic first-time matchup with Grambling State, and finally, an in-state rivalry with Ohio University.
Big Ten Conference Challenges
Following their non-conference games, the Buckeyes will dive into a rigorous Big Ten schedule. Notable matchups include road games against Washington on September 27, Wisconsin on October 18, and the annual rivalry game against Michigan in Ann Arbor on November 29. Home games feature contests against Minnesota, Penn State, UCLA, and Rutgers, each presenting its own set of challenges.
Anticipation and Expectations
As the season approaches, anticipation is building among fans and analysts alike. The Buckeyes are coming off a national championship victory over Notre Dame, securing their ninth title with a 34-23 win on January 20, 2025. Head Coach Ryan Day emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “It’s the reason you get into coaching, to see guys overcome things, learn life lessons and then reach their dreams. This is what happened tonight.”
However, the team faces challenges ahead, notably the departure of star quarterback Will Howard due to graduation. Freshman phenom Julian Sayin is expected to step into the starting role. Sayin saw limited action in four games during the 2024 season, throwing a single touchdown pass. His development and performance will be crucial to the Buckeyes’ success in the upcoming season.
The 2025 schedule is designed to test the Buckeyes early and often, with a blend of high-profile non-conference games and the always demanding Big Ten slate. Fans can look forward to a season filled with compelling matchups and the pursuit of continued excellence on the national stage.
For those interested in attending games, tickets for all home fixtures at Ohio Stadium are available, with prices starting from $62. Notably, the annual showdown with Michigan in Ann Arbor on November 29 has tickets starting at $522, reflecting the high demand and significance of this rivalry.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, the blend of challenging non-conference opponents and a rigorous Big Ten schedule promises an exciting journey for the team and its supporters.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up to face a formidable lineup of non-conference opponents. The schedule is highlighted by a marquee season opener against the Texas Longhorns, setting the stage for a challenging and exciting campaign.
Season Opener: Texas Longhorns
On August 30, 2025, the Buckeyes will kick off their season at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, hosting the Texas Longhorns. This matchup is particularly significant as it features two powerhouse programs with rich histories. The last meeting between these teams was in the Cotton Bowl earlier this year, where Ohio State emerged victorious. The upcoming game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to make a strong statement to start the season.
Historic Matchup: Grambling State Tigers
Following the Texas game, on September 6, 2025, Ohio State will host the Grambling State Tigers. This game marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs and is notable for being Grambling State’s inaugural game against a Big Ten opponent. Grambling State, a storied HBCU program, brings its own legacy and tradition to the field, making this a historic and culturally significant matchup.
In-State Clash: Ohio Bobcats
Continuing their non-conference schedule, the Buckeyes will face the Ohio University Bobcats on September 13, 2025, at Ohio Stadium. This in-state showdown adds an extra layer of excitement, as both teams vie for supremacy within Ohio. The Buckeyes will look to assert their dominance, while the Bobcats aim to make a statement against their higher-profile neighbor.
Non-Conference Schedule Overview
The 2025 non-conference slate presents a diverse array of challenges for Ohio State:
- August 30: vs. Texas
- September 6: vs. Grambling State
- September 13: vs. Ohio
Each of these games offers unique tests, from facing a traditional powerhouse in Texas to engaging in a historic first-time matchup with Grambling State, and finally, an in-state rivalry with Ohio University.
Big Ten Conference Challenges
Following their non-conference games, the Buckeyes will dive into a rigorous Big Ten schedule. Notable matchups include road games against Washington on September 27, Wisconsin on October 18, and the annual rivalry game against Michigan in Ann Arbor on November 29. Home games feature contests against Minnesota, Penn State, UCLA, and Rutgers, each presenting its own set of challenges.
Anticipation and Expectations
As the season approaches, anticipation is building among fans and analysts alike. The Buckeyes are coming off a national championship victory over Notre Dame, securing their ninth title with a 34-23 win on January 20, 2025. Head Coach Ryan Day emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “It’s the reason you get into coaching, to see guys overcome things, learn life lessons and then reach their dreams. This is what happened tonight.”
However, the team faces challenges ahead, notably the departure of star quarterback Will Howard due to graduation. Freshman phenom Julian Sayin is expected to step into the starting role. Sayin saw limited action in four games during the 2024 season, throwing a single touchdown pass. His development and performance will be crucial to the Buckeyes’ success in the upcoming season.
The 2025 schedule is designed to test the Buckeyes early and often, with a blend of high-profile non-conference games and the always demanding Big Ten slate. Fans can look forward to a season filled with compelling matchups and the pursuit of continued excellence on the national stage.
For those interested in attending games, tickets for all home fixtures at Ohio Stadium are available, with prices starting from $62. Notably, the annual showdown with Michigan in Ann Arbor on November 29 has tickets starting at $522, reflecting the high demand and significance of this rivalry.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, the blend of challenging non-conference opponents and a rigorous Big Ten schedule promises an exciting journey for the team and its supporters.
