No. 25 BYU tips off the season with a tantalizing matchup against Ohio State at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City for the Bad Boy Mowers Series.
My Ohio State vs. BYU prediction is buying the hype with the Cougars, and my college basketball picks see points being scored in bunches.
Tune into this contest on FS1 at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 2.
TOP PICK
Who will win Ohio State vs BYU: BYU -3.5
There's significant buzz surrounding BYU's hoops prospects this season, so I'm backing them up to -4.5.
Head coach Kevin Young has steadily built momentum for a program pouring resources into fielding a top-notch team, and that'll show through on the court.
It all starts with Robert Wright III, one of the best point guards in America and looking to top his 18.2 ppg from a year ago as an All-American candidate. With several high-level freshmen — and Young has a great record of nailing the recruiting process — and Collin Chandler surrounding him, this is a potent squad.
The addition of Jaxon Kohler makes this an elite offensive unit, and they'll pop off in the opener against Ohio State.
COVERS INTEL: Ohio State's leading returning scorer, John Mobley Jr, is at less than 100% after rolling his ankle in a preseason exhibition and has yet to return to the court as of Oct. 28.
Ohio State vs BYU Over/Under pick
I fully expect BYU to have one of the most efficient offenses in the country, and this should be a strong start for the production to pile up at Delta Center.
While Mobley's status looms large given his 15.7 ppg while hitting 41% of his attempts from downtown, he was featured on the school's promotional graphics this morning, and therefore likely gives it a go. Even at less than 100%, he's still a dead-eye shooter, and the Buckeyes have firepower with Justin Pippen (14.2 points, 4.6 assists per game with California) and five-star freshman Anthony Thompson around.
The Cougars check in as a top-10 offense in KenPom's preseason rankings, while the Buckeyes aren't far behind at 17th. Expect fireworks in Salt Lake City.
Ohio State vs BYU combo
Both teams are forecast to derive their identity on the offensive side of things, creating an environment ripe for points. That should be apparent from the opening tip, especially with a veteran ball handler like Wright pushing the tempo for BYU.
The Cougars hit the Over in the first half in seven of their final eight games last year. Here's to more high-scoring starts.
Ohio State vs BYU combo
- Over 75.5 1H
- Over 160.5
- BYU -3.5
Ohio State vs BYU odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Ohio State +3.5 | BYU -3.5
- Over/Under: Over 160.5 | Under 160.5
- Moneyline: Ohio State 41% | BYU 61%
For the full slate of college basketball matchups, check out our college basketball odds board!
Ohio State vs BYU trend
BYU has covered the spread in four of its last five games. Find more college basketball betting trends.
How to watch Ohio State vs BYU
| Location | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT |
| Date | Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 |
| Tip off | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Ohio State vs BYU latest injuries
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