Illinois vs Ohio State Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 26th, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Updated 09/25/2026, 09:26 PM ET
Western Illinois vs Wisconsin prediction

Illinois vs Ohio State Game Information

The Illinois Fighting Illini will be on the road for the first time this season, facing the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH, at 12:00 PM Saturday. Illinois is 2-1 this year coming into Saturday after a 38-point win a week ago. The Ohio State Buckeyes stay home Saturday, ranked #7 in the nation, 2-1 on the year after a 56-point win last week. Stay in the news with our College Football Picks.

Illinois Preview

Katin Houser leads Illinois this season with 758 yards and 8 touchdowns on 60 completions. Houser has thrown 2 interceptions through 81 attempts while adding 50 yards and 1 score on 10 carries. Ca’Lil Valentine leads the Fighting Illini with 177 yards and 1 touchdown on 38 rushing attempts. Aidan Laughery has contributed 159 yards and 1 score on 22 carries. Collin Dixon leads the receiving corps with 367 yards and 7 touchdowns on 25 catches.

Ohio State Preview

Julian Sayin leads Ohio State this season with 839 yards and 6 touchdowns on 56 completions. Sayin has thrown only 1 interception through 79 attempts. Bo Jackson leads the Buckeyes with 230 yards and 2 touchdowns on 39 carries, while Ja’Kobi Jackson has added 150 yards and 4 scores on 21 attempts. Jeremiah Smith leads the receiving attack with 400 yards and 3 touchdowns on 21 catches. Brandon Inniss has contributed 133 yards and 1 score on 8 receptions.

Illinois vs Ohio State Pick

Ohio State has the defensive talent to make this Houser’s most difficult matchup of the season, but Illinois has shown enough offensive balance to remain within a massive spread. Dixon has been one of the country's most productive receivers and gives the Fighting Illini a legitimate scoring threat. Ohio State should consistently move the ball behind Sayin, Jackson, and Smith, but Illinois can score enough to cover. Take the Fighting Illini plus the points, with both offenses combining to push the matchup over the total.

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  • Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini +27.5
  • Secondary: Over 53.5

Final Score Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes win 42-20.

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