The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Ohio State Buckeyes meet Saturday in college football action from Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Here’s an Ohio State vs Illinois prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Ohio State vs Illinois pick.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Fighting Illini opened up the 2026 campaign with a comfortable home matchup versus UAB. Illinois didn’t have a ton of issues in that one (but did give up points in every quarter) along the way to a 42-23 victory. Game two against Duke was another story, however. Illinois was outscored 10-3 in the second half, ultimately leading to a 31-27 loss at home.
In their third game of the year versus Southern Illinois, the Illini put on a show in the first half, building a 31-10 lead by the break. Things were quiet until the fourth quarter and 17 more points on the way to a 48-10 win. QB Katin Houser was 23-of-29 for 305 yards, two scores and a pick. Aidan Laughery had four carries for 93 yards and a score to lead the rushing attack.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview
Over on the Ohio State side, they kicked off the season with a matchup versus Ball State. Ohio State scored exactly 14 points in four straight quarters on the way to a 56-3 victory. Game two was a tough road game versus Texas. Ohio State was up 23-3 by the end of the third quarter, then got stunned with 21 straight unanswered points, ultimately losing a tough one 24-23.
Matched up against Kent State last weekend, the Buckeyes didn’t have too much trouble. Ohio State built up a 35-0 lead by halftime, then cruised on 24 more points during a 59-3 blowout victory. Julian Sayin was 18-of-22 for 241 yards and a pair of scores. Bo Jackson logged 11 carries for 73 yards and a TD while Jeremiah Smith had five catches for 85 yards.
Illinois Fighting Illini @ Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends: Week 4
Ohio State Buckeyes Player Prop Facts
- Jeremiah Smith has recorded 75+ receiving yards in five consecutive games – equal-longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 4.
Illinois Fighting Illini Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 4, Collin Dixon ranks 1st amongst FBS players for receiving touchdowns (7) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Ohio State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Ohio State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Illinois ranks T14th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (12.7).
- Illinois ranks 124th among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (26:06).
Ohio State vs Illinois Prediction
I’ll stick with Ohio State, even though four touchdowns is a lot of points to give. The Buckeyes are coming off an easy game against Kent State, giving up just 134 total yards, 2.4 yards per play and six first downs alongside three takeaways. Ohio State’s offense accounted for 527 yards, 8.0 yards per play and 25 first downs, but did go just 1-of-8 on third downs with a couple of interceptions.
As for Illinois, they looked good last weekend against the Salukis thanks to 503 total yards, 8.8 yards per play and 21 first downs. The Illini defense was solid as well with 257 yards (29 rushing), 18 first downs and 3-of-15 on third-down tries allowed. Needless to say, the competition is going to ramp up significantly this weekend. I don’t think Illinois will be able to keep a cover pace in that hostile environment.