Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction and Picks - November 16, 2025
It's the ACC vs the Big 10 in Sunday afternoon college basketball action, and we have a Notre Dame vs Ohio State prediction ready to rock and roll. The Fighting Irish enter this contest off a 78-58 home win over Eastern Illinois to move to 3-0 on the year. The Buckeyes are also 3-0 to start the year, and they are off a 75-53 home win over Appalachian State. These teams last met back in 2020 and Ohio State won that game on the road by a score of 90-85. Read on to see our Notre Dame vs Ohio State prediction.
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The Irish Are Looking To Surprise This Year
Notre Dame has opened the season with confidence, starting 3-0 and showing steady improvement with each outing. Their most recent win, a 78-58 victory over Eastern Illinois, highlighted the balance that coach Micah Shrewsberry has been working to instill. Markus Burton led the way with 21 points, continuing his role as the offensive engine, while Braeden Shrewsberry knocked down six threes to finish with 18 points. Jalen Haralson added 17, giving the Irish three double-digit scorers and proving that this group can spread the floor and attack from multiple angles. The second half was decisive, as Notre Dame outscored Eastern Illinois 47-30, pulling away with strong rebounding and efficient shooting.
The Irish have leaned heavily on Burton’s scoring and playmaking, but the supporting cast has stepped up early. Carson Towt has been a force on the glass, providing toughness inside and helping Notre Dame control possessions, while Haralson’s versatility has given them another weapon who can defend multiple positions and contribute offensively. The team has averaged over 78 points per game through its first three contests, but the real test comes now against a Big Ten opponent with size and athleticism that far exceeds what they’ve faced so far. Their perimeter shooting has been sharp, but sustaining that against Ohio State’s defense will be a challenge, and turnovers could become a deciding factor if they aren’t careful.
For Shrewsberry, this matchup is more than just another early-season game — it’s a measuring stick for where his program stands in year two. Notre Dame was picked 10th in the ACC preseason poll, so expectations were modest, but the Irish have a chance to prove they can punch above their weight. Burton and Shrewsberry will need to carry the scoring load, but Towt’s rebounding and Haralson’s two-way play could swing momentum. If Notre Dame can keep the pace under control and avoid being overwhelmed physically, they’ll have a chance to make a statement in Columbus and show they belong in the conversation as a team on the rise.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Rob Vincilleti | +896.00 |
| 2 |  David Hess | +427.00 |
| 3 |  Pro Sports Picks | +257.00 |
| 4 |  David Delano | +200.00 |
| 5 |  Michael Briggs | +165.00 |
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Buckeyes Crush App State To Move To 3-0
Ohio State has also started 3-0, most recently handling Appalachian State 75-53 in a game that showcased their depth and offensive efficiency. Brandon Noel posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while freshman John Mobley Jr. added 16 points, giving the Buckeyes multiple scoring options beyond their star guard Bruce Thornton. Thornton, a preseason All-Big Ten selection, has been sensational through the first three games, averaging over 25 points per contest and setting the tone with his ability to control tempo and create offense. The Buckeyes closed the first half against Appalachian State on a 15-0 run, then blew the game open in the second half, showing how quickly they can overwhelm opponents when they find rhythm.
Coach Jake Diebler’s squad has looked sharp offensively, ranking among the nation’s leaders in efficiency. They’ve shot over 40% from three and lead the country in two-point field goal percentage, thanks to Thornton’s playmaking and Noel’s presence inside. The defense has also held firm, limiting Appalachian State to 35% shooting, though rebounding remains an area Diebler continues to emphasize. The Buckeyes have cruised through their opening slate of mid-major opponents, but like Notre Dame, this game represents their first high-major test. It’s an opportunity to prove their early-season numbers aren’t inflated by weaker competition and to show they can sustain their offensive pace against a team with legitimate ACC talent.
Thornton will once again be the focal point, but Noel’s rebounding and Mobley’s scoring provide critical support. Freshman Amare Bynum has flashed potential off the bench, while transfers Christoph Tilly and Noel have added size and versatility to the rotation. With Devin Royal sidelined by injury, Diebler has experimented with different lineups, but the offense hasn’t missed a beat. Facing Notre Dame gives Ohio State a chance to showcase its depth and adaptability, and Value City Arena should provide a strong home-court edge. If the Buckeyes can control the boards and keep their shooting efficiency intact, they’ll be well-positioned to continue their unbeaten start and solidify themselves as one of the Big Ten’s early-season standouts.
Notre Dame vs Ohio State Pick
Notre Dame vs Ohio State Spread Pick
- Notre Dame +8.5 (2 Units)
Taking Notre Dame at +8.5 feels like a smart position given how they’ve opened the season and the way this matchup sets up. The Irish have shown balance through their first three games, with Markus Burton emerging as a reliable scorer and Braeden Shrewsberry providing perimeter shooting that can stretch defenses. Carson Towt’s rebounding presence gives them a chance to limit second-chance opportunities, and Jalen Haralson adds versatility on both ends. While Ohio State is clearly the more talented roster on paper, Notre Dame’s ability to spread the floor and knock down shots makes them dangerous enough to keep this game within reach. Getting more than two possessions on the line gives the Irish room to cover even if the Buckeyes control stretches of play.
On the other side, Ohio State has looked dominant against mid-major competition, but this is their first high-major test, and Notre Dame’s offense is capable of exploiting lapses. The Buckeyes lean heavily on Bruce Thornton, who has been outstanding, but if Notre Dame can force the ball out of his hands and make others beat them, the game could tighten quickly. The Irish have averaged nearly 80 points per game, and if they maintain that pace while keeping turnovers down, they can stay inside the number. With Burton’s scoring, Shrewsberry’s shooting, and Towt’s rebounding, Notre Dame has enough pieces to hang around, making +8.5 a valuable cushion in what should be a competitive early-season matchup.
Notre Dame vs Ohio State Over/Under Pick
- Under 152.5 (1 Unit)
The Under 152.5 looks appealing because both Notre Dame and Ohio State have leaned on defense and controlled pace early in the season. The Irish have averaged around 78 points per game, but that came against mid-major competition, and facing a Big Ten roster will likely slow their offensive rhythm. Ohio State has been efficient offensively, yet they’ve also held opponents under 60 points in two of their first three games, showing a commitment to limiting possessions and forcing tough shots. With both teams stepping into their first high-major test, the tempo should tighten, and the defensive intensity is likely to rise, making a total in the 150s feel inflated for this matchup.
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