Wisconsin Badgers vs Ohio State Buckeyes Picks and Predictions October 18th 2025

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Ohio State Buckeyes vs Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes aim to stay perfect as they travel to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers in a Big Ten matchup on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET at Camp Randall Stadium, with national coverage on CBS.

Ohio State remains the top-ranked team in the nation at 6-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. The Buckeyes have not allowed more than 16 points in a game all season. Wisconsin, meanwhile, is reeling from a 37-0 home loss to Iowa and seeks its first Big Ten win of the season.

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Ohio State Unstoppable on Both Sides of the Ball

The Buckeyes have looked every bit the No. 1 team in the country. Through six games, they’ve outscored opponents 221-41, averaging 36.8 points per game while allowing just 6.8 — the best scoring defense in the nation.

Quarterback Julian Sayin has led a balanced offensive attack, throwing for 1,479 yards and 15 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Wideout Jeremiah Smith continues to be his favorite target, with 40 receptions for 505 yards and seven scores. On the ground, Bo Jackson leads with 407 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while CJ Donaldson adds six scores in red-zone situations.

Defensively, Ohio State is dominant at every level. The Buckeyes allow just 229 total yards per game, ranking fourth nationally, and have given up only two red-zone touchdowns all year. Their ability to control tempo and field position has been unmatched, especially on the road.

Ohio State’s winning streak against Wisconsin has now reached 10 games, with the last Badgers’ win coming in 2010. The Buckeyes also boast a 15-game Big Ten win streak dating back to 2023.

Stay updated with all college football odds and trends throughout the week.

Wisconsin Searching for Answers

The Wisconsin Badgers enter this matchup struggling to find consistency on offense. Their 37-0 loss to Iowa was their first home shutout in over 40 years. The Badgers managed just 209 total yards and have averaged only 8.5 points over their last four games.

Quarterback instability has hurt Wisconsin all season. With injuries to Billy Edwards Jr. and ineffective play from backup Danny O’Neil, third-stringer Hunter Simmons has taken over but struggled mightily, throwing two interceptions and completing just 38% of his passes last week.

The once-dominant Wisconsin ground game has vanished. Dilin Jones leads the team with 286 rushing yards but is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. As a team, the Badgers are producing only 112 rushing yards per game, a dramatic fall from their historical standard.

Defensively, Wisconsin has battled to stay competitive but is on the field too often due to offensive inefficiency. The Badgers’ defense has allowed 30 or more points in three of their last four games, making this matchup a difficult rebound spot against the best offense they’ve faced all year.

Line Movement and Odds

Current Odds:

  • Ohio State -29.5 (-110)
  • Wisconsin +29.5 (-110)
  • Total: 47.0 (Over -108 / Under -112)

Ohio State is 10-0 straight-up in its last 10 games against Wisconsin and 9-1 against the spread in those contests. The Buckeyes have also covered in five of their last six road matchups.

Top Winners – Yesterday
Sean Kuchman
$540
2. Info Plays
$285
3. James Acker
$217
4. Evan Lewis
$200
5. Tim Michael
$125
Top Winners – This Week
Computer Picks
$1,000
2. Jacob Hoffman
$808
3. Sean Kuchman
$762
4. Bobby Babowski
$735
5. Ryan Davis
$587
Top Winners – This Month
Sas Insider
$2,255
2. Ryan Davis
$1,440
3. Jimmy Boyd
$1,328
4. Rubi Chavez
$1,269
5. Computer Picks
$1,190

Matchup Breakdown

Ohio State Buckeyes Outlook

Ohio State’s offense blends efficiency and explosiveness. Sayin’s accuracy and poise allow the Buckeyes to stay on schedule, while their depth in the backfield keeps defenses guessing. The offensive line, led by All-American tackle Josh Simmons, has allowed just four sacks all season.

On defense, the Buckeyes swarm to the ball and control the line of scrimmage. Edge rushers JT Tuimoloau and Caden Curry lead a unit that ranks top five nationally in both total defense and points allowed. Against Wisconsin’s struggling offense, Ohio State’s pressure could create multiple turnovers.

Wisconsin Badgers Outlook

Wisconsin’s only chance lies in controlling time of possession and limiting mistakes. The offensive line must improve after giving up 12 sacks in the last three games. If the Badgers can generate consistent rushing yards early and shorten the game, they might slow the Buckeyes’ rhythm.

Defensively, Wisconsin’s front seven will be tested by Ohio State’s balance. The secondary must tighten coverage against a deep group of receivers led by Smith and Emeka Egbuka.

Key Edge

The Buckeyes’ defense remains the deciding factor. Wisconsin has averaged just 209 yards over its last two games, while Ohio State hasn’t allowed more than 250 yards since Week 2. The mismatch in efficiency, quarterback play, and depth makes this one-sided on paper.

Betting Trends

  • Ohio State is 6-0 straight-up this season.
  • Ohio State is 5-1 ATS in 2025.
  • Wisconsin is 0-4 ATS in its last four Big Ten games.
  • The total has gone under in six of Ohio State’s last eight games.
  • Wisconsin has hit the under in seven of its last nine home games.

Best Bets and Prediction

Ohio State continues to look elite on both sides of the ball, while Wisconsin’s offense remains stagnant. The Buckeyes should control this game from the opening snap and extend their dominance in the series.

Projected Score: Ohio State 42, Wisconsin 6
Best Bet: Ohio State -29.5
Secondary Lean: Under 47

For more Big Ten previews and college football predictions, visit ScoresAndStats.com.