The Ohio State football team has one more obstacle before it heads to Ann Arbor for the season finale against — ahem, Michigan. Rutgers comes to Ohio Stadium as a massive underdog for the final home game of the season, where the Buckeyes will honor seniors before the contest.
The Scarlet Knights aren’t at the bottom of the Big Ten, but they’re pretty close. In games such as these, Rutgers’ head coach Greg Schiano has been known to throw every trick and gimmick he can at his opponents. Has it ever worked? Not in recent memory, but it certainly doesn’t mean he won’t try.
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Once again, Ohio State’s biggest opponent is itself. Can the team stay focused on the task at hand before shifting attention to The Team Up North? Ryan Day has been masterful all year long at doing just that.
Time to get ready for the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers vs. Ohio State with our complete preview and prediction.
Ohio State vs. Rutgers Records and Broadcast Information
Records
Ohio State (10-0), Rutgers (5-5)
Broadcast Information
Date: Saturday, November 22
Gametime: Noon ET
Network: Fox
Venue: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio), Capacity: 102,780
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads 10-0
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Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Rutgers 35-16 in 2023
Ohio State potential game plan for victory vs. Rutgers
One final tune-up before heading to Michigan for the game Buckeye fans have been waiting a long time for. Rutgers has never beaten Ohio State, but games have been more competitive since Greg Schiano returned to the sidelines in Piscataway. While the Scarlet Knights have never come closer than 19 points, Schiano always finds a way to make things interesting.
At first glance, you’ll see that Rutgers likes to air it out. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis averages 33 passing attempts per game and has thrown for over 2,700 yards on the season, along with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Three receivers have over 500 yards through the air, led by KJ Duff, who is averaging 17.4 yards per catch for 923 total yards and six touchdowns.
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Ohio State counters the passing attack with a secondary that boasts the No. 8 pass defense in the nation, giving up only 132 yards per game through the air. The cornerbacks and safeties will have their hands full with the most productive receiving group they’ve seen to this point.
But the Scarlet Knights are not one-dimensional. They have a thousand-yard running back in Antwan Raymond, who is averaging five yards per carry and has found the endzone 11 times on the season. Again, the Buckeyes have an answer in a stout defense that is only giving up 81 yards per game on the ground.
Offensively, Ohio State may be without Carnell Tate, who’s missed the past two games, and Jeremiah Smith, who only played two quarters against UCLA, going into halftime with a noticeable limp. Even quarterback Julian Sayin got a little banged up, which may have contributed to some uncharacteristic inaccuracies in the second half.
With a deep receiving unit, other receivers may need to step in and fill the void, but expect a heavy dose of the running game as well. Knitpicking experts had expressed their disappointment with the Buckeyes’ lackluster ground attack. However, that fear has been put to rest after Ohio State demonstrated its ability to run the ball when needed, putting up 222 yards rushing and four scores with three different backs.
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Rutgers may present a greater challenge than it has in the past, but as long as Ohio State stays focused on the Scarlet Knights, the team should be 11-0 heading into The Game.
Ohio State key offensive player vs. Rutgers
Brandon Inniss – Wide Receiver
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) catches a ball in front of UCLA Bruins defensive back Cole Martin (21) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.
With the two best receivers in college football possibly out for the Buckeyes, it will be time for Brandon Inniss to show why he was a five-star pass catcher coming out of high school. Mostly overshadowed by the superstar duo of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, Inniss should have a great opportunity to exhibit his skill against a porous Scarlet Knight defense.
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Ohio State key defensive player vs. Rutgers
Davison Igbinosun – Cornerback
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) defends Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Corey Smith (12) during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. on Nov. 8, 2025.
Davison Igbinosun decided to come back to Columbus for his senior year to improve on his pass defense skills and try to lessen the pass interference penalties. He has been able to do both. While he has no interceptions on the season, he does lead the Buckeye defense with five pass deflections, and teams are just not throwing at him as much. He’ll have plenty of opportunity to make plays against pass-happy Rutgers.
Ohio State vs. Rutgers prediction
Ohio State again goes up against an inferior opponent when it takes on the Scarlet Knights, Saturday in Columbus. One more game before Ryan Day and the Buckeyes can fully turn their attention to the Maize and Blue. Could Rutgers come out and give OSU a battle? Anything can happen on any given day in college football, but that day won’t be this Saturday. Ohio State stays laser-focused on the task at hand, putting Schiano and the Scarlet Knights to bed early on Senior Day. The Buckeyes cruise to an easy victory before heading to Ann Arbor.
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Final score prediction | Ohio State 42, Rutgers 12
Ohio State vs. Rutgers betting odds
Ohio State -31.5
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. Rutgers preview and prediction: Final Michigan tune-up?
