SEATTLE — The Ohio State football team has its first road test of the season today as it plays Washington in Seattle. The contest will be the Big Ten opener for both teams.
The Huskies have a program-best 22-game home winning streak on the line. The Buckeyes enter the game as the nation’s No. 1-ranked team again this week.
Both teams are 3-0.
Latest Ohio State Buckeyes news
Previewing Ohio State football’s game against Washington: Buckeye Talk podcast
Will Ohio State football get Brandon Inniss involved or find a receiver to take his spot? Hey, Stefan!
Where will one of Ohio State’s X-factors on defense play vs. Washington?
Ohio State vs. Washington score predictions: Can the Buckeyes snap the Huskies’ home winning streak?
Huskies running back Jonah Coleman has nine rushing TDs, which is tops in the nation. Denzel Boston is the top receiver.
“We’ve built a lot over the offseason,” Boston told reporters this week. “There’s a lot to look forward to. We still have a lot to build on. We know we have a tough defense coming in and being able to put together an offense and go against them will be fun.”
More information on the game:
No. 1 Ohio State (3-0) at Washington (3-0)
Kickoff: Today, 3:30 p.m. EDT, Huskie Stadium, Seattle.
TV: CBS
Odds: OSU was listed as an eight-point favorite by major sports books on Friday. The over/under was listed at 51.5.
Fast stat: Ohio State has not allowed a rushing TD this season. Washington’s defense is also strong, and giving up just 62.7 yards per game. That’s in the top 10 nationally.
Here’s a look at some highlights from cleveland.com’s coverage leading up to the game:
The Brandon Inniss situation: Stefan Krajisnik reports that Ohio State is unlikely to replace Brandon Inniss in their receiving lineup despite his modest early-season performance. The team remains committed to Inniss, believing he has been open and potentially underutilized by quarterback Julian Sayin. Krajisnik highlights that Inniss has caught five passes for 37 yards and has been somewhat inconsistent in the punt return game. However, the reporter suggests Inniss could have a breakout game against Washington, indicating the coaching staff’s continued confidence in his potential. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/will-ohio-state-football-get-brandon-inniss-involved-or-find-a-receiver-to-take-his-spot-hey-stefan.html
Jermaine Mathews Jr.’s role: Andrew Gillis writes about Ohio State cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr.’s potential expanded role in the upcoming game against Washington. With Lorenzo Styles Jr. returning from injury, the team is considering a defensive alignment that could see Mathews playing more in the slot position. Gillis notes that Mathews has been preparing for versatile defensive assignments, playing both slot and outside corner positions. The reporter highlights Mathews’ confidence and readiness to adapt, suggesting he could be a key defensive player in the game against Washington. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/where-will-one-of-ohio-states-x-factors-on-defense-play-vs-washington.html
Score redictions: Stephen Means compiles predictions from Cleveland.com staff about the upcoming Ohio State-Washington football game. The predictions unanimously favor Ohio State, with scores ranging from 31-20 to 41-13 in Ohio State’s favor. Stefan Krajisnik highlights the potential challenges of the game, including the tough Husky Stadium environment and Washington’s explosive offensive potential. The reporters collectively suggest that while Washington might start strong, Ohio State’s superior talent and depth will likely lead to a comfortable victory. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/ohio-state-vs-ohio-score-predictions-can-the-buckeyes-snap-the-huskies-home-winning-streak.html
Injury concern: Washington might be without top cornerback Tacario Davis. Gillis highlights that Davis, a 2024 second-team All-Big 12 member and potential early-round NFL Draft pick, has been questionable for the game after missing the previous week’s match against Washington State. The article also notes that Ohio State has offered a scholarship to Rahsjon Duncan, a 2026 cornerback currently committed to Washington, who will be on campus for the game. With Davis potentially sidelined, Washington coach Jedd Fisch indicated that Leroy Bryant, Rahshawn Clark, or Dylan Robinson could start in his place. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/washington-could-be-without-top-corner-vs-ohio-state-buckeye-breakfast.html
Heisman campaign? Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin could potentially launch his Heisman Trophy campaign during the upcoming game against Washington. Means writes that Sayin, who has already impressed with a 78.9% pass completion rate and eight touchdowns, is poised to make a significant statement in his first Big Ten road game. Coach Ryan Day emphasizes a measured approach, advising Sayin to “take care of the football and just take it one play at a time.” The game presents a crucial opportunity for Sayin to introduce himself to the national college football audience and potentially position himself as a serious Heisman contender. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/ohio-states-game-against-washington-could-birth-a-heisman-trophy-campaign-stephen-means.html
OSU injury update: Ohio State’s defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr. will be available to play in the upcoming game against Washington after being injured during the team’s win against Ohio. Reporter Krajisnik highlights that Styles, a graduate student in his third season with the Buckeyes, has started every game this season. Coach Ryan Day confirmed Styles is “ready to go” and had a great week of practice. The Buckeyes return to action Saturday for their first Big Ten game of the season, with Styles serving primarily as the nickel back. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/ohio-state-football-injury-update-what-ryan-day-said-about-a-starters-status-vs-washington.html
Next up: Ohio State football has defied offseason skepticism about its roster turnover, proving that returning production isn’t always a reliable predictor of team performance. Reporter Stefan Krajisnik highlights how the Buckeyes, ranked 92nd in returning production, have nonetheless maintained their top-ranked status. The article explores how teams like Ohio State, with low returning production rankings, have successfully navigated roster changes through strong recruiting and player development. Coach Ryan Day emphasizes the importance of having “the next guy up ready to go” and maintaining consistent performance. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/this-stat-was-used-to-question-ohio-state-football-in-the-offseason-now-its-irrelevant.html
Ohio State vs. Washington Announcers: CBS will broadcast the upcoming Ohio State-Washington football game, with Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson, and Jenny Dell calling the action from Husky Stadium. Gillis details that the game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time, marking Ohio State’s first road game of the season. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/who-are-the-announcers-for-ohio-state-vs-washington.html
Houston seeks consistency: Ohio State is experiencing a developmental challenge with five-star recruit Eddrick Houston, who has yet to fully establish himself on the defensive line. Means explores Coach Ryan Day’s perspective on Houston’s performance and the need for consistency. Day emphasized the importance of building trust and maintaining consistent performance, noting that Houston is still young and developing. Despite not starting in the recent game against Ohio, the coaching staff remains optimistic about Houston’s potential and his ability to contribute to the team’s defensive success. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/ohio-state-recently-benched-a-five-star-recruit-and-his-coach-has-a-clear-message-for-why.html
Coaching vs. alma mater: Scottie Graham, a former Ohio State football player and captain, is set to coach against his alma mater as Washington’s running backs coach. Krajisnik highlights Graham’s unique position, noting his deep connection to Ohio State where he earned two degrees and played from 1988-1991. Graham, who rushed for 1,704 yards during his college career and later played in the NFL, will lead Washington’s running backs in their first Big Ten game against Ohio State. His personal connection to the university adds an intriguing narrative to the upcoming matchup. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/former-ohio-state-football-captain-set-to-coach-against-his-alma-mater-buckeye-breakfast.html
Preview in a podcast: The Buckeye Talk podcast featuring Means, Krajisnik, and Gillis delves into the game, focusing on quarterback Julian Sands’ potential performance and the team’s defensive challenges. The hosts discuss the expectations and potential strategies for Sands in his first road game. The podcast explores various aspects of the upcoming matchup, including Sands’ potential stat line, the team’s offensive approach, and the significance of performing well in a hostile environment. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/buckeye-talk-podcast/2025/09/ohio-states-potential-defensive-flaw-and-a-statement-it-can-make-against-washington-buckeye-talk-podcast.html
Travel stragety: Krajisnik reports on Ohio State’s unique approach to the game. The Buckeyes will depart Columbus a day earlier than usual, a decision made after careful consultation with NFL travel experts and previous game experiences. Krajisnik highlights coach Ryan Day’s reasoning, noting that the team hopes to better acclimate to the west coast time zone and improve their performance in a challenging road environment. The strategy reflects Ohio State’s commitment to continuous improvement and learning from past experiences, particularly their previous road loss to Oregon. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/why-ohio-state-football-is-tweaking-its-travel-schedule-for-this-weeks-game-at-washington.html
Day’s press conference insights: Gillis details Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s comprehensive press conference. Day discussed various aspects of the upcoming game, including quarterback Julian Sayin’s preparation for a challenging road environment and the team’s approach to the matchup. Gillis captures Day’s thoughts on multiple topics, from defensive tackle rotations to the importance of executing their game plan. The coach emphasized the significance of the game, calling it “an absolute battle,” and highlighted the unique challenges of playing in Washington’s stadium. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/everything-ohio-state-coach-ryan-day-said-at-his-press-conference-before-big-ten-opener.html
Game preview: Means highlights the importance of sustaining their early-season momentum, particularly as they face three of their first four conference games on the road. The game represents an opportunity for Ohio State to prove their mettle against a new Big Ten opponent. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/2-big-things-ohio-state-football-needs-to-achieve-against-washington.html
NFL-worthy Matchups: Means breaks down the potential NFL-caliber individual matchups. He focuses on key players like quarterback Demond Williams Jr., running back Jonah Coleman, and wide receiver Denzel Boston who could attract NFL scouts’ attention. Means highlights the unique skills of these players, discussing their statistical performances and potential impact on the game. The article provides an in-depth look at the individual talents that could make this game a showcase of future professional football prospects. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/ohio-states-first-big-ten-game-features-a-few-matchups-the-nfl-should-keep-its-eyes-on.html
LB recruitment: Gillis reports on Ohio State’s ongoing linebacker recruitment for the 2026 class. The Buckeyes have offered Ja’Dyn Williams, an in-state linebacker currently committed to Indiana, potentially expanding their linebacker options. Gillis details the recruitment landscape, noting that Ohio State already has two linebackers committed and is actively seeking a third. The article also highlights a recent achievement by Ohio State receiver commit Brock Boyd, who has set a school receiving record. https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/ohio-state-offers-2026-in-state-linebacker-who-is-committed-to-another-big-ten-school-buckeye-breakfast.html
Big Ten Power Rankings: The Big Ten Conference’s early season dynamics are taking shape, with Indiana making a significant statement by defeating Illinois 63-10 in a surprising blowout. Means details the updated power rankings, which show Ohio State maintaining its top spot and other teams like Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State jockeying for position. The power rankings highlight key upcoming matchups, including Penn State versus Oregon and Ohio State’s game against Washington. Notable performances and team developments are analyzed, with particular attention to emerging quarterback talents and team trajectories in the conference. Find the full story at https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2025/09/big-ten-power-rankings-2025-3-games-that-could-impact-the-college-football-playoff.html