The Penn State Nittany Lions will try to end a six-game losing streak when they visit the Ohio State Buckeyes tonight.
The Nittany Lions may be getting a boatload of points tonight, but it’s not enough for me to bet against the Buckeyes in my Penn State vs. Ohio State predictions.
Read on to see my full thoughts on tonight’s matchup in my free college basketball picks for Monday, January 26.
Penn State vs Ohio State prediction
Penn State vs Ohio State best bet: Ohio State -11.5 (-110)
Penn State is still searching for its first Big Ten win after eight consecutive conference losses, and it’s far from clear when that victory might come.
There have been some close calls along the way, but this team is fundamentally lacking in talent on both sides of the ball compared to the rest of the conference.
Even as the Nittany Lions played three schools they should be competitive against in their last three games, they lost each by double digits.
While Penn State lacks imposing scoring threats — Kayden Mingo leads the way at 14.6 ppg — their real issues come on the defensive end.
The Nittany Lions allow opponents to shoot 48.5% from the floor and 37.8% from 3-point range, both among the very worst numbers in the country. Even accounting for the strength of schedule, KenPom rates this defense outside the Top 200.
Ohio State isn’t elite, but the Buckeyes are a tournament-level team that is far better across the board. At home, even this spread seems far too small given the gap between these two programs right now.
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Penn State vs Ohio State same-game parlay
While I expect Ohio State to win this game with ease, this shouldn’t be a shootout. These teams both play at relatively slow paces and neither has a clear trend to either side of the total, so I’m taking the Under tonight.
John Mobley has hit at least four 3-pointers in each of his last three games and six of his last eight outings overall.
Penn State vs Ohio State SGP
- Ohio State -11.5
- Under 153
- John Mobley Over 3.5 threes
Penn State vs Ohio State odds
- Spread: Penn State +11.5 | Ohio State -11.5
- Moneyline: Penn State +550 | Ohio State -800
- Over/Under: Over 153 | Under 153
Penn State vs Ohio State betting trend to know
Ohio State is 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall. Find more college basketball betting trends for Penn State vs. Ohio State.
How to watch Penn State vs Ohio State
| Location | Value City Arena, Columbus, OH |
| Date | Monday, January 26, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Penn State vs Ohio State key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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