Ohio State vs Michigan Prediction 1/23/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes will meet on Friday night in a Big Ten matchup at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview

The Michigan Wolverines enter Friday evening’s contest with a 17–1 win‑loss record, including a 7-1 mark in conference play and an 8-1 record at home. Michigan has posted wins over Oakland, Wake Forest, TCU, Maryland, Rutgers, Middle Tennessee and San Diego State, while losing to the Wisconsin Badgers. More recently, in the Michigan Wolverines 81–71 victory over the Oregon Ducks five days ago, Michigan guard Nimari Burnett tallied 15 points (6 of 10 shooting from the field), 12 rebounds, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block illustrating his ability to lead the Wolverines backcourt.

The Wolverines are averaging 92.7 points (3rd in country) on 51.7 percent shooting from the field (2nd in nation) per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Wolverines are allowing opponents 69 points per contest.

Sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. averages 13.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. Junior guard Elliot Cadeau contributes 10.5 points and 2.9 assists per game, while senior guard Roddy Gayle Jr. adds 9.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.1 steals per contest. Center Aday Mara provides interior scoring, rebounding and rim protection for the Wolverines. Mara is averaging 10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes enter Friday night’s contest with a 13–5 win‑loss record, including a 5–3 mark in conference play and a 3-2 record on the road. The Buckeyes have compiled wins over IU Indianapolis, Purdue Fort Wayne, Appalachian State, Notre Dame, Western Michigan, Mount St. Mary’s, and Northwestern, while dropping one game to the Pittsburgh Panthers. In the Ohio State Buckeyes 86–82 win over the Northwestern Wildcats earlier this month, Ohio State forward Brandon Noel tallied 29 points on 13 of 15 shooting from the field. Noel also grabbed 7 rebounds in the game.

The Ohio State Buckeyes average 83.2 points (50th in the nation) on 49.8 percent shooting from the field (18th in the country) and 34 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. The Buckeyes are allowing opponents 72.2 points per contest.

Senior guard Bruce Thornton leads the Ohio State Buckeyes backcourt averaging 20.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Senior forward Brandon Noel adds 7.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1 assist per game, while freshman guard John Mobley Jr. contributes 15.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest.

Why the Michigan Wolverines will win

•            Michigan center Aday Mara has been solid in the paint. Mara is averaging 10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

•            Quality offensive basketball. The Wolverines are averaging 92.7 points (3rd in country) on 51.7 percent shooting from the field (2nd in nation) per game.

•            Home court edge. The Michigan Wolverines are 8–1 at home this season.

•            Balanced scoring. Michigan has three players averaging over 10 points per game.

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

•             Quality offense. Through 18 games played this season, the Ohio State Buckeyes average 83.2 points per game which ranks 50th in the nation.

•             Balanced roster. Thornton, Noel, and Mobley Jr. provide scoring, rebounding, and playmaking ability.

•             Elite guard play. Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr. combine for over 35 points per game.

Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction

This matchup features Michigan’s elite offensive efficiency, quality defense and home court dominance against an Ohio State team that relies heavily on Bruce Thornton’s shot creation and transition scoring. Michigan’s overall team depth, scoring balance and defensive consistency present a difficult matchup for a Buckeyes team that has struggled to string together wins on the road in 2025. With that said, I am backing the Michigan Wolverines to pull away late and win this game rather easily.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Michigan -15.5