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Ohio State at Washington Preview
Date & Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 3:30 PM EDT
Location: Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
Broadcast: CBS
Weather Forecast: Partly cloudy, 63°F
This Saturday, at Washington, Ohio State will travel and face the Huskies in their Big Ten opener. The Huskies have been scoring at will to open up their season — 536 yards per game (Top‑10 in the FBS) and averaging 55.7 points per game (2nd in the country). It will be rowdy, and this could be the trap game the Buckeyes can’t overlook.
If Washington can establish Coleman and get the QB runs from Williams, they’ll force OSU to commit more to stopping the run, opening up the pass. Ohio State’s defense has to stay disciplined and tackle well in open space.
To flip sides, Washington has to take care of the football. The last thing you can do at home is turn the ball over, especially vs. Ohio State.
Players to Watch:
Ohio State will rely on quarterback Julian Sayin, who has thrown 8 touchdowns in 3 games. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is also a big threat, already over 300 yards receiving.
For Washington, quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has been excellent, throwing for 778 yards and 6 touchdowns. Running back Jonah Coleman has 9 rushing touchdowns already, which is one of the highest in the nation.
What Ohio State Needs to Do?
Ohio State has to be better in the red zone on offense. This is quarterback Julian Sayin’s first-ever road game. Keep the game simple and give him easy reads — similar to the Texas game but with a more open playbook.
A running back nobody but Ohio State fans are talking about is Bo Jackson. He is electric and great at the second level. He has separated himself from the rest of the running back room. Ohio State knows the run game will be open. Washington has to respect the pass game. Once the run game gets going, we all know how dangerous Ohio State can be.
Can Washington Convert in the Red Zone?
Ohio State has carried the red zone defense from last year’s championship team into this year. They have allowed zero red zone touchdowns so far this year.
Washington cannot settle for 3 more than a few times. There’s too much firepower on Ohio State’s offense to settle for field goals.
Once again, Washington has to establish the run — it’s a must. Ohio State’s secondary has been elite — arguably the best player in college football at safetymCaleb Downs, with talent all around them. The front 7 is the weaker part of this incredible defense. I don’t see Washington passing for more than 200 yards on Saturday.
Game Prediction:
While Washington’s home-field advantage and potent offense make them formidable opponents, Ohio State’s elite defense and balanced attack give them the edge.
Expect a competitive game, but Ohio State is favored to win. I expect 31–14 Ohio State.
Carnell Tate is my impact player of the week. Jeremiah Smith will be the target focus for Washington, obviously. I expect Carnell Tate to be the difference maker. Not saying Jeremiah Smith won’t be, but from what we have seen this year, Carnell is making a statement and is punishing teams for focusing on Jeremiah Smith.
Ohio State is WRU for a reason.
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