The Ohio State Buckeyes are roaring through the 2025 college football season with a perfect 7-0 record, but the real drama is just beginning as they prepare for a brutal November slate that could define their championship hopes. With marquee matchups against Penn State, UCLA, and archrival Michigan looming, Buckeye Nation is bracing for a month that will test every ounce of grit and talent on this roster.
Dominant Start Sets the Stage
Ohio State opened the season with a statement win over No. 1 Texas, edging out the Longhorns 14-7 in a defensive battle that instantly silenced doubters. The Buckeyes then steamrolled Grambling (70-0) and Ohio (37-9), showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive dominance. Road wins at Washington (24-6), Illinois (34-16), and Wisconsin (34-0) proved this team can win anywhere, under any conditions.
But as any seasoned fan knows, the Big Ten schedule is a gauntlet, and Ohio State’s toughest tests are still ahead.
November: The Gauntlet Begins
The Buckeyes’ November schedule reads like a playoff bracket:
| Date | Opponent | Location | TV | Ticket Price (Starting) |
|--------------|--------------|--------------------|---------|-------------------------|
| Nov 1 | Penn State | Ohio Stadium | FOX |
$113.33 |
| Nov 8 | Purdue | Ross-Ade Stadium | TBA |
$64.84 |
| Nov 15 | UCLA | Ohio Stadium | TBA |
$63.19 |
| Nov 22 | Rutgers | Ohio Stadium | TBA |
$42.00 |
| Nov 29 | Michigan | Michigan Stadium | FOX |
$160.00 |
Penn State arrives in Columbus on November 1 for a noon kickoff on FOX—a game that could decide the Big Ten East and set the tone for the playoff race. The Nittany Lions are always a tough out, and this year is no exception.
After a trip to Purdue, the Buckeyes host
UCLA, a program on the rise under Chip Kelly, followed by a home game against
Rutgers. But all eyes are on the season finale:
The Game against Michigan in Ann Arbor on November 29, also on FOX. The Wolverines, ranked No. 25, are hungry to reclaim bragging rights after recent struggles in the rivalry.
What’s at Stake
With a 7-0 start, Ohio State is firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation, but the margin for error is razor-thin. A single loss in November could derail their national title aspirations, especially with other contenders like Texas, Georgia, and Alabama also jockeying for position.
The Buckeyes’ defense has been the story so far, allowing just 7 points to Texas and shutting out both Grambling and Wisconsin. But the offense, while explosive at times, will need to find another gear against elite competition.
Expert Insight
“Ohio State’s schedule is backloaded for drama,” says a veteran college football analyst. “They’ve handled business so far, but Penn State and Michigan are playoff-caliber teams. How they perform in these games will tell us if this is a championship team or just a very good one.”
Fans are advised to stay tuned to official sources like the Ohio State Buckeyes website and major sports networks for last-minute updates, as kickoff times and TV info for some games are still being finalized.
The Road Ahead
For Ohio State, the path to the playoff is clear: win out, and they’re in. Stumble in November, and the season could end in heartbreak. With a young roster gaining confidence each week, the Buckeyes have the talent—but do they have the toughness to survive the grind?
One thing’s for sure: the next month will be must-watch television for college football fans everywhere.
Sources
1.
Ohio State Buckeyes Schedule 2025-26 - CBS Sports2.
Ohio State Football: Game Day Schedule & How To Watch3.
Ohio State Buckeyes 2025 Regular Season NCAAF Schedule - ESPN4.
2025 Football Schedule - Ohio State Buckeyes (Official)5.
2025 Football Schedule - Penn State Athletics
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2. Ohio State Football: Game Day Schedule & How To Watch
3. 2025 Football Schedule - Ohio University
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5. Ohio State Buckeyes 2025 Regular Season NCAAF Schedule - ESPN
6. Column: A special game will kick off Ohio State's football schedule ...
7. 2025 Football Schedule - Ohio State Buckeyes
8. 3 things to know about Ohio State QB Air Noland before 2024 season
9. 2025 Football Schedule - Penn State Athletics
10. [PDF] Bjork Reflects On First Year As Ohio State AD
11. 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes football team - Wikipedia
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13. 2025 Football Schedule - Albany State University Athletics
14. How much is Chip Kelly's salary? What the Ohio State football OC ...
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