Ohio State vs Oregon Prediction 1/8/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks meet Thursday in college basketball action from Matthew Knight Center in Eugene. Here’s an Ohio State vs Oregon prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Ohio State vs Oregon pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview

The Buckeyes started out the year great, winning each of their first six outings. Ohio State would go 2-3 over the next five games however, taking losses to Pittsburgh, Illinois and North Carolina in some tough matchups. After wins over Grambling and Rutgers in the next pair, the Buckeyes fell into the loss column again versus Nebraska, giving the team a 10-4 overall record in 14 games this year.

In the Nebraska game on Monday, the Buckeyes entered the second half with a 38-31 deficit. Ohio State managed to hit a 38-34 advantage from there but it wasn’t enough in a tough home loss 72-69. John Mobley was the top team scorer with 22 points and two rebounds while Bruce Thornton had 16 points with seven assists and five rebounds. Devin Royal added 14 points with six rebounds as well.

Oregon Ducks Betting Preview

Over on the Oregon side, they won their first four games this year then hit the skids versus Auburn, San Diego State, Creighton, USC and UCLA in the next five. The Ducks won four of their next five over UC Davis, Portland, Omaha and Maryland (with a loss to Gonzaga mixed in) before taking another defeat versus Rutgers. In 15 games that gives the Ducks an 8-7 overall record.

Matched up against Rutgers on Monday, the Ducks were in the locker room looking up at a 45-37 advantage. Oregon gave away the lead in the second half and eventually lost in overtime 88-85. Nate Bittle was tops on the team with 28 points and eight baords. Lin Wei added 23 points and five assists while Kwame Evans added a double-double on 14 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.

Ohio State Buckeyes @ Oregon Ducks Betting Trends: January 8, 2026

Why the Oregon Ducks will win

• Oregon has won each of its last 11 games at Matthew Knight Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Ohio State has lost three of its last four night games against the Big Ten Conference.
• Ohio State has lost the first half in each of its last five night games.

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

• Ohio State has won seven of its last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Oregon has lost four of its last five games against the Big Ten Conference.

Ohio State vs Oregon Prediction

I’ll stick with Ohio State but it’s a coin flip. The Buckeyes posted a valiant effort at home against an undefeated Nebraska team in their last outing, hitting 45.6 percent from the field with just eight turnovers. Ohio State missed a few free throws however (8-of-13 for 61.5 percent) and got out-rebounded 35-28 along the way. The Buckeyes failed to reach 70 points (69) for the first time since November 28 (a 67-66 loss to Pitt) and just the third time this year overall.

As for Oregon, they probably should have beaten Rutgers in their last game. The Ducks shot 45.5 percent from the field and 40.6 percent (13-of-32) from outside along with a 41-30 advantage on the boards and a 32-26 edge on points in the paint. The 17 turnovers really hurt Oregon’s cause, though. Still, the Ducks have won four of their last six games and hit 80 or more points in five of those. This should be a fun one to watch, and a competitive game overall.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes +2.5