Ohio State at Wisconsin Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 18, 2025
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The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (6–0, 3–0 Big Ten) head to Madison to take on the Wisconsin Badgers (2–4, 0–3 Big Ten) at Camp Randall Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET and the game will be televised on CBS. Get in on the action with our free college football picks.
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Ohio State Buckeyes Analysis
Ohio State continues to roll, combining efficiency on offense with dominant defense, making them one of the more complete teams in college football so far.
Key Player Stats & Team Metrics
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Julian Sayin (QB) has thrown for 1,479 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
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Bo Jackson (RB) leads the ground attack with 407 rushing yards on 58 carries and 2 rushing touchdowns.
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Jeremiah Smith (WR) is the top receiver so far: 40 catches, 505 yards, and 7 receiving TDs.
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Defensively, Ohio State is elite: 229.0 yards allowed per game (4th in FBS), including 145 passing and 84 rushing allowed.
Wisconsin Badgers Analysis
Wisconsin is having a tough season, especially offensively. However, they may try to rally at home and lean on defense to slow down OSU.
Key Player Stats & Team Metrics
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Danny O’Neil (QB): so far, 640 passing yards, 5 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
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Dilin Jones (RB): ~ 286 rushing yards on 68 carries and 2 rushing TDs.
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Vinny Anthony (WR): 24 receptions, 274 yards, 1 receiving TD.
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On defense, Wisconsin gives up 317 yards per game (34th overall), 219.5 passing (66th), and 97.5 rushing (18th). They allow 22.7 points per game (58th).
Wisconsin’s best paths into this game: try to slow the tempo, force OSU mistakes, and punch through occasional drives with Jones or short passing. But their offensive inconsistencies and turnover issues make it an uphill climb.
Standout Players and Key Notes
Ohio State:
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Julian Sayin: must be sharp, avoid turnovers, and exploit Wisconsin’s weaker secondary.
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Bo Jackson: if the run game opens even moderately, it frees up passing and keeps Wisconsin guessing.
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Jeremiah Smith: his matchup vs UW’s secondary is a key battle; he must win separation and make big plays.
Wisconsin:
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Danny O’Neil: needs to limit mistakes, protect the football, and make accurate passes under pressure.
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Dilin Jones: the run game needs to produce enough to prevent OSU from stacking boxes.
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Vinny Anthony: should be a reliable target on third downs and against zone in the red zone.
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Wisconsin’s defensive front will need to pressure Sayin and disrupt OSU’s rhythm early.
Wisconsin’s historical struggles vs. OSU and OSU’s dominance (10–0 head-to-head) give further pause to taking a shot on the Badgers.
Ohio State vs Wisconsin Prediction Reasoning
This is expected to be a one-sided affair. Ohio State’s balance, defensive prowess, and ability to force mistakes make them an overwhelming favorite. Wisconsin's offensive limitations and turnover problems make it difficult to sustain drives or keep pace.
Unless Wisconsin finds a way to surprise early (e.g. forced turnover early, long drive), OSU should dominate time of possession, scoring opportunities, and wear down the Badgers progressively.
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Final Score Projection: Ohio State 38, Wisconsin 10
Best Picks
- Ohio State -27.5
- Over 41.5 total points
