Ohio State Buckeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction and Picks – October 11th, 2025
Use Code SSWC A pair of ranked Big Ten sides clash on Saturday at noon and we’re breaking down both teams before we drop out Ohio State vs. Illinois predictions for you. The top-ranked Buckeyes (5-0 SU, 4-0-1 ATS) left Minnesota in the dust last weekend, winning 42-3 at home as -23.5 favorites. The No. 17 Fighting Illini (5-1 SU, 5-1 ATS) won big at Purdue last Saturday, 43-27, as -9.5 favorites. Kickoff from Memorial Stadium is Champaign is scheduled for Noon EST and be sure to try all of our NCAAF Betting Picks and have yourself a big Saturday against the books.
Ohio State stays defensive and undefeated
The Buckeyes remained undefeated on the season and moved to 2-0 SU in Big Ten play with their blowout win over Minnesota. The nation’s top team went for 341 yards of offense, 21 first downs and were 7-10 on third down chances. Defensively, they held their opponent to just 162 yards and 11 first downs.
Through five games, top-ranked Ohio State's offense is averaging 37.4 points per game, eighth in the Big Ten. Their 451.4 total yards per game is fourth best in the conference, with the passing game producing 279.8 yards per game. Julian Sayin went 23-27 for 326 yards and three touchdowns versus Minnesota. The sophomore QB has connected on 80.2% of his passes, has 13 TDs and has been sacked only two times. His top target has been Jeremiah Smith, who has 35 catches for 463 yards and 6 TDs. The Buckeyes’ run game produces 171.6 yards per game behind Bo Jackson, who has accumulated 360 rushing yards and averages 7.5 yards per carry.
On defense, no team in the country is as good as the Buckeyes, who are giving up a paltry five points per game. They are allowing 215.8 total yards per game, the third-best mark in the nation. Opponents are only gaining 91.4 rushing yards against them each week, and versus the pass, Ohio State is allowing 124.4 yards per game, with two interceptions and 14 sacks. Six different Buckeyes have recorded more than 20 tackles thus far. Cadey Curry and Arvell Reese lead the team with 29 tackles apiece. Curry also leads the team with five sacks.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Game notes
- The team is 14-0 SU when Curry records a tackle for loss.
- Carnell Tate is fourth in the Big Ten with 435 receiving yards and tied for sixth with 4 TDs.
- The Buckeyes rank 12th in the nation with a .542 third-down conversion percentage.
- Defense has allowed 61 first downs, fthe ourth fewest in the country.
Illinois has big opportunity ahead
The 17th-ranked Fighting Illini have responded to their blowout loss against No. 19 Indiana by winning back-to-back games to improve to 2-1 SU in conference play. Last weekend, the offense had a 27-point second quarter and finished the game with 507 yards and 22 first downs. The defense forced two turnovers, which allowed them to overcome the 453 yards and 25 first downs allowed.
The Illinois offense is one spot below Ohio State in the Big Ten in terms of scoring, with an average of 37 points per game. They average 397.8 total yards with 267.2 yards coming via their passing game. Luke Altmyer enjoyed his best passing game versus Purdue, hitting 86.4% of his passes for 390 yards and a touchdown. The senior has a 73.6% completion percentage and 1,573 yards with 12 touchdowns. He has been sacked 19 times but has not thrown an interception. Hank Beatty has 32 catches, and his 569 receiving yards are the fifth most in the country. The Illini rush game averages 130.7 yards per game with Ca’Lil Valentine (323 yards) and Kaden Feagin (316 yards) presenting a two-headed beast in the backfield.
Defensively, the Fighting Illini are giving up 24 points per game, 14th in the Big Ten. They are giving up 387.8 total yards per game, including 135.5 on the ground. They have the worst passing defense in the conference, allowing 253.3 yards per game. They’ve recorded 15 sacks and picked off two passes. Matthew Bailey and Miles Scott each have a team-high 31 tackles. Gabe Lucas has 19 tackles and leads the team with four sacks.
On the injury front, center Josh Kreutz and running back Aidan Laughery could return from injury.
Game notes
- Beatty is the only player in the nation with a passing, rushing, receiving and punt return touchdown this season.
- Team is second in the nation with seven forced fumbles
- David Olano has hit ten straight field goal attempts.
- Averaging 18.89 yards per punt return, the eighth-best average in the country.
Ohio State vs. Illinois Picks
Spread Pick for Ohio State vs. Illinois
- Ohio State -14 (5 units)
Ohio State owns a 68-30-4 SU advantage and has won six straight games in the head-to-head series between the schools. Surprisingly, they have not met since 2017. A win here for the Illini would catapult them into the CFB conversation and they have a favorable schedule after this one. Unfortunately, they do not have the defense to handle business. They are also up against the best defense in the land, so as much as I can see them putting up a valiant effort, they’ll have problems keeping pace with everything that Ohio State does. Sayin should have a field day picking apart the Illini pass defense, and that should allow them to run the ball late and kill the clock. The Buckeyes have won in 11 straight trips to Champaign. They also have a margin of victory of 32.4 points per game this season.
Take Ohio State giving the points.
Over/Under Pick for Ohio State vs. Illinois
- Over 49.5 (5 units)
These two teams are in the middle of the Big Ten pack in terms of scoring offense, though they are still well above the median across the country. Combined, they average 74.4 points per game. With that in mind, this doesn’t seem like such a high total. I am expecting the Ohio State passing game to have a big day against the Illini’s terrible pass defense, so the top-ranked Buckeyes should be in position to score plenty. Illinois is not going to have such luxuries, but they do have plenty enough talent to break through and get set up for points. Between the two teams, the over is 6-5 this season.
Take the over.
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
