Illinois vs Ohio State Prediction 9/26/2026 Today’s College Football Picks
Chris Ruffolo
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) calls out a play against Kent State Golden Flashes in the first quarter of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 19, 2026.
MATCHUP
Illinois Fighting Illini
Ohio State Buckeyes
Team Records
2-1
2-1
Spread
+27.5 -115
-27.5 -105
Moneyline
+1600
-4000
Total
Over 53.5 (-115)
Under 53.5 (-105)
Where
Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
When
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time
12:00 PM EDT
TV
FOX
The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Ohio State Buckeyes meet in week 4 college football action from Ohio Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction.
Illinois Fighting Illini Recap
The Illinois Fighting Illini come into this game looking to add on to a 48-10 win over Southern Illinois last time out to sit at 2-1 this season. After this game, Illinois will head home for a matchup against Purdue.
Illini Looking To String Wins Together
Katin Houser has thrown for 758 yards, 8 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 74.1% passing while Ca’Lil Valentine leads Illinois in rushing with 177 rushing yards and 1 touchdown so far this season. Aidan Laughery sits behind Valentine on the ground with 159 yards and 1 TD. Collin Dixon leads the Fighting Illini in receiving with 367 yards on 25 catches along with 7 touchdowns, while Hudson Clement trails with 140 yards on 12 catches. On defense, Ismael Kante has a team-high 15 total tackles, while Will Holmes and Ian Rhea each lead the team with 1 sack. Matthew Bailey and Ismael Kante have each recorded 1 interception. Illinois’s defense as a whole has combined for 3 sacks and 2 interceptions so far this season.
Ohio State Buckeyes Recap
The Ohio State Buckeyes come into this game looking to build on their 59-3 win over Kent State last time out to sit at 2-1 on the year. After this game, Ohio State will head on the road for a game against Iowa.
Buckeyes Looking To Stay Unbeaten At Home
Julian Sayin has thrown for 839 yards, 6 touchdowns and 1 interception on 70.9% passing while Bo Jackson leads Ohio State in rushing with 230 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns so far this season. Ja’Kobi Jackson sits behind Bo Jackson on the ground with 150 yards and 4 TDs. Jeremiah Smith leads the Buckeyes in receiving with 400 yards on 21 catches along with 3 touchdowns, while Brandon Inniss trails with 133 yards on 8 catches along with 1 touchdown. On defense, Earl Little Jr. has a team-high 17 total tackles, while Riley Pettijohn, Caden Curry (labeled as Kenyatta Jackson Jr. / Jordan Thomas), and Jason Moore share the sacks, with Pettijohn, Jaylen McClain, and Tarvos Alford each recording 1 interception. Ohio State’s defense as a whole has combined for 5 sacks and 4 interceptions so far this season.
Ohio State has won each of its last 35 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Illinois has lost 36 of its last 43 games against AP-ranked teams.
Ohio State has covered the spread in each of its last six games at Ohio Stadium.
Illinois has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six road openers as an underdog.
Ohio State has won the first half in each of its last 23 September home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Ohio State has won the first quarter in each of its last 12 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
Illinois has won four of its last five games.
Illinois has covered the spread in four of its last five road games against top-10 AP-ranked teams.
Ohio State has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games against teams from Illinois.
Illinois has won the first half in seven of its last eight games.
Illinois has won the first quarter in each of its last three games.
Total Points Facts
Each of Illinois’ last eight games against top-15 AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Each of Ohio State’s last four games against teams from Illinois have gone UNDER the total points line.
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 131st among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (26:02).
Illinois ranks T14th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (12.7).
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction
I’m on the Buckeyes laying the points in this one. It’s a big number for a conference tilt, but the Buckeyes are still the far superior team in this matchup and I just don’t trust the quarterback play of Illinois right now. I think Houser was a fine quarterback at East Carolina, but making the transition to the Big Ten is quite the jump and I don’t think Illinois has the horses to hang here. I make this one 45-10 Ohio State so give me the Buckeyes.
