The Illinois football program looks to change the course of the series against Ohio State and, therefore, change the course of the 2026 season.
Right now, the Illini are in a weird spot. We don’t have a bad record, but the feeling around the team isn’t great. A victory, or even at least a close game, against Ohio State would instantly add energy to the program.
This will be the toughest test of the season for the Illini. Ohio State has talent up and down the roster that is better than ours. They also have a few Heisman Trophy candidates, and if their running game wasn’t scary enough, they have a running back named Bo Jackson. Just the name is terrifying.
Illinois will have to play some incredible football on Saturday. Hopefully, we can see a good game.
How to watch Illinois football at Ohio State in week 4
Date: 11:00 a.m. CT/12:00 p.m. ET in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, September 26, 2026
Venue: Ohio Stadium
How to Watch (TV): FOX, FuboTV
Illinois record: 2-1
Ohio State record: 2-1
Opening betting odds for Illinois football at Ohio State
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread: Ohio State -27.5 (-105), Illinois +27.5 (-115)
Over/Under: 53.5 points (-110)
Moneyline: Ohio State -4500, Illinois +1600
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Injury report for Illinois football and Ohio State
- Illinois
LB Daniel Brown - Probable
WR Jayshon Platt - Doubtful
OG Brandon Henderson - Out
TE Grant Smith – Out for Season
TE Tanner Hollinger – Out for Season
TE BJ Thurman – Out for Season
WR Alex Perry – Out for Season
OG TJ McMillen – Out for Season
- Ohio State
RB Legend By – Questionable
WR Devin McCuin – Questionable
DT James Smith - Doubtful
DE Zion Grady - Out
Who are the announcers for Illinois football at Ohio State?
This massive Big Ten matchup is going to be broadcast by Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft.
What is the projected weather for the Illinois football at Ohio State game?
You are looking at a great fall day on Saturday. The temperature at kickoff should be around 73 degrees, with winds of 5 to 10 miles per hour and plenty of sun shining through.
Illinois football at Ohio State series history
The history between Illinois and Ohio State has not been pretty for the Orange and Blue. As of this moment, the Buckeyes lead the overall series 70-30-4.
This lopsided record includes Ohio State winning the last 10 matchups. The last time Illinois knocked off the Buckeyes was the game. Yeah, you know that game. Illinois upset No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus.
Illinois hasn’t just failed to beat Ohio State since that victory in 2007, but we haven’t even come within single digits. The last 10 games have been losses by at least 10 points.
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