Illinois football vs. #3 Ohio State Buckeyes – Saturday, October 11 (No time set)
I don’t think they have made the schedule out this far, but don’t be shocked if ESPN’s College Gameday is in Champaign for a matchup that features, potentially, No. 1 Ohio State vs a top 10 Illinois program.
You know how I said the Indiana game was one of the biggest regular season games in the history of Illinois football? Well, this game could very well say, “hold my beer.”
Ohio State had an okay season in 2024, finishing at 10-2 overall but still falling to Michigan. They made it to the College Football Playoff and unleashed fury, winning four games against top 10 teams to win the national championship.
Will Howard, who threw for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, is now in the NFL. Former five-star and best quarterback in his recruiting class, Julian Sayin, has been named the starter. He was with Alabama in 2023 and then transferred to Ohio State last season. He threw for 84 yards and a touchdown with the Buckeyes in 2024.
This is going to be such a tough game for Illinois. Ohio State doesn’t rebuild, they reload. They were No. 2 in the country in both pass and rush defense last season, too.
I think for the Illini, just make this game close. Let’s give Ohio State a scare, and if this thing can get into the fourth quarter as a one-score game, then who knows what will happen.
The College Football Playoff selection committee will be watching. Honestly, a single-digit loss might be as good as a win in their eyes against the top team in the country.
Luke Altmyer is probably going to struggle against some nasty Ohio State defensive backs. This will also be a massive challenge for a patchwork Illini defensive line. We can’t let the Buckeyes run wild.
Final score: Illinois 17 – Ohio State 27