- Matchup: Illinois Fighting Illini vs Ohio State Buckeyes
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Venue: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
- Broadcast: FOX
- Betting Odds: Buckeyes favored by 27.5 points
- Total Points Over/Under: 52.5
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This Saturday, September 26, 2026, Ohio Stadium will be the stage as the Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1) face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-1). The Buckeyes are currently favored by 27.5 points, with the total set at 52.5.
Entering this clash, the Illinois Fighting Illini hold a 2-1 record this season. Their last outing was a decisive 48-10 victory against the Southern Illinois Salukis. In that game, Illinois rushed the ball 28 times, accumulating 198 yards at an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. Overall, they conducted 57 plays for a total of 503 yards. On defense, Illinois allowed 22 completions on 42 attempts for 228 yards, achieving a completion percentage of 52.4%. Against the run, they gave up only 29 yards on 27 attempts, averaging just 1.1 yards per rush.
The Fighting Illini have accumulated a total of 1,217 yards this season. They have recorded 8 touchdown passes and 5 rushing touchdowns while turning the ball over twice. As a team, Illinois achieved 61 first downs, committing 13 penalties for a total of 118 yards. On the ground, they average 153.0 rushing yards per game, placing them 86th in Division 1. The Illini currently average 39.0 points per game.
Defensively, the Fighting Illini have allowed 653 passing yards, putting them at 83rd in college football. They are giving up an average of 217.7 passing yards per game and have a completion percentage against of 57.7%. Overall, they have conceded an average of 348.7 yards per game, ranking 79th in Division 1. They’ve allowed 5 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns this season, permitting opponents 3.6 yards per rush and 131.0 rushing yards per game. In total, they’ve surrendered 393 rushing yards across three games, ranking 65th in points allowed at 21.3 PPG.
The Ohio State Buckeyes also hold a 2-1 record this season. In their latest matchup, they dominated the Kent State Golden Flashes with a score of 59-3. Ohio State averaged 3.8 yards per carry, amassing 145 yards on 38 rushes. The Buckeyes recorded a total of 527 yards with 66 plays, achieving an impressive 8.0 yards per play. In the passing game, their secondary limited opponents to a completion rate of 38.1%, allowing 63 yards on 8 completions out of 21 attempts. On the ground, they permitted 71 yards on 34 carries, averaging just 2.1 yards per rush.
Ohio State’s offense has been remarkable, averaging 523.3 yards per game, ranking 9th in Division 1. However, they have committed 135 yards in penalties across 16 infractions, placing them 100th in D-1. Their rushing attack averages 158.7 yards per game, totaling 476 yards this season. They have thrown 4 interceptions but have not fumbled, while achieving 76 first downs. In scoring, the Buckeyes rank 13th in Division 1 with an average of 46.0 points per game. Their passing game has produced 1,094 yards, averaging 364.7 yards per game, which ranks 4th in college football.
On defense, Ohio State has yielded 257 rushing yards (85.7 yards per game) and 2 rushing touchdowns this season. They’ve allowed 1 passing touchdown and limited opponents to an average of 126.0 passing yards per game, positioning them 10th in D-1. Overall, they have given up 30 points this season, tallying 3 fumbles and 3 interceptions. The Buckeyes’ defense has been on the field for 193 plays, ranking 71st in Division 1, and they are allowing just 10.0 points per game, placing them 11th in college football.
Who will triumph in this Fighting Illini/Buckeyes college football encounter against the spread?
Expert’s Pick: Back the Buckeyes -27.5
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