UCLA Bruins vs. Ohio State Buckeyes, Prediction, Picks, Odds and Preview, Saturday, November 15, 2025
Use Code SSWC Turning our focus to the Big Ten and the top team in the nation, we have UCLA vs. Ohio State predictions for Saturday night. The Bruins (3-6 SU, 3-6 ATS) lost against Nebraska at home last weekend, 28-21, as -2 favorites. The No.1 ranked Buckeyes (9-0 SU, 7-1-1 ATS) went to Purdue and won 34-10 as -28.5 favorites last weekend. Kickoff from “The Horseshoe” in Columbus is scheduled for 7:30 EST. Looking to win big down the stretch? We have the best College Football Picks to help you out!
UCLA still even in conference
It’s been a series of streaks for the Bruins this season, who have now lost two straight games in the wake of their three-game winning streak. They are still 3-3 SU in Big Ten play with three games to play, though two are away versus ranked opponents, including this one.
The UCLA offense averaged 15.7 points over their last three games and this season they are putting up 20.4 points per game, 17th in the Big Ten. The team ranks 14th in total offense, averaging 344.6 yards per game. Their passing attack is producing 184.3 yards a game. 15th in the conference. Nico Iamaleava has accounted for 16 TDs, 4 via the run where he leads the team with 474 yards. The sophomore QB has completed 63.7% of his passes for 1,659 yards and 7 INTs. Kwazi Gilmer leads the team with 33 receptions for 395 yards, with 2 TDs. On the ground, the Bruins are averaging 160.2 yards per game, and they have four players with over 230 rushing yards.
Like their offense, UCLA’s defense ranks 17th in the Big Ten, allowing an average of 30.7 points per game. Two games ago they gave up a season-high 56 points against No. 2 Indiana. The Bruins’ total defense is averaging 376.7 yards per game, 15th in the Big Ten. Versus the pass they are yielding 185.6 yards and against the run, 191.1 yards per game. Their 3 interceptions are tied for second fewest in the conference and their 6 sacks are fewest in the nation. Four players have at least 50 tackles, with JonJon Vaughns leading the team with 88, third most in the Big Ten.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Team notes
- Iamaleava leads the Bruins with nine plays of 20-or-more yards, all of his being rushes.
- Gilmer has recorded a catch in 19 straight games.
- Vaughns is 12th in the country with 9.8 tackles per game.
- The Bruins lead the Big Ten and are fifth in the FBS in redzone efficiency, scoring in 25 of 26 trips.
Ohio State stands tall on nation’s best defense
The Buckeyes are one of only three undefeated teams remaining in the FBS. Winners of 13 straight dating back to the College Football Playoffs last season, they play their next two games at home before finishing their regular season in the belly of the beast versus No. 18 Michigan.
The Ohio State defense leads the nation in every major statistical category, including points allowed (7.2 per game), total yards allowed (211.6 yards per game), passing yards allowed (128.7 yards per game) and rushing yards allowed (82.9 yards per game). They gave up a combined 24 points over their last three games and have only allowed double-digit points in three games this season. The Buckeyes have 25 sacks and 6 interceptions to their credit. Caden Curry is third in the Big Ten with 7 sacks and Arvell Reese is tied for fourth with 6.5 as part of his team-best 55 tackles. Caleb Downs has 2 interceptions and 43 tackles.
Against Purdue, the Buckeyes scored exactly 34 points for the third time in their last four games. Their scoring offense ranks fourth in the conference with an average of 36.3 points per game. They average 441.4 total yards and 286.4 passing yards per game. They’ve been led by redshirt freshman Julian Sayin who is third in the Big Ten with 2,491 passing yards and first in the nation with an 80.9% completion percentage. He is tied for fourth in the country with 24 TDs and has been intercepted four times. Jeremiah Smith ranks sixth in the country with 65 catches and 862 receiving yards. Bo Jackson is 11th in the conference with 631 rushing yards on 95 carries.
Team notes
- Downs, Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith were all named semifinalists for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.
- Smith had a career-high 10 receptions in the win over Purdue.
- Ohio State has committed 40 penalties this season, tied for 10th fewest in the country.
- This is the 19th time that the Buckeyes have started a season at 9-0 SU.
UCLA vs Ohio State Picks
Spread Pick for UCLA vs. Ohio State
- Ohio State -31.5 (5 units)
The head-to-head series between these two teams is even at 4-4-1 SU, but the last meeting came in 2001. The Bruins have not fared well on the road this season, going 1-3 SU and 2-2 ATS. They lost by 50 points at No. 2 Indiana just three weeks ago and this is likely to be another one of those affairs. Though temps aren’t going to be too bad, the forecast is calling for rain and low-60s. The Buckeyes have been rolling better teams than UCLA. They have won four of their games this season by at least 32 points, including two of their last three. At home this season, Ohio State is giving up just 6.6 points per game. The Bruins are bringing one of the worst offenses in the conference to Columbus. Ohio State is one of the better teams at not looking ahead so I expect them to take care of business here.
Take the Buckeyes giving the points at home.
Over/Under Pick for UCLA vs. Ohio State
- Under 47.5 (5 units)
This matchup features a top-five offense in the Big Ten against a bottom-two scoring team. More importantly, it features the top defense in the country, and this will be the ultimate decider. Ohio State has shut out two opponents this season, including Wisconsin, which is the only Big Ten team scoring less than UCLA. Six times this season, the Buckeyes have kept their opponents under 10 points and four of those times were in Columbus. The Bruins scored just 6 points in their last road game, and that came versus No. 2 Indiana. Ohio State’s offense is content with doing enough without going overboard. They’ve scored 38 points or less in five of their six conference games and have only once scored more than 48 points. So, if it came down to the Buckeyes carrying the load on their own, they’re okay with letting their defense talk for them.
Take the under.
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
