Ohio State will host Illinois in Columbus, OH, in Week 4, with both teams looking to get off to a good start in Big Ten conference play in 2026.
The Buckeyes enter as a 27.5-point favorite with the total set at 53.5, and my Illinois vs. Ohio State prediction has the underdog keeping this game more competitive than the market expects.
Read on for my college football picks for Saturday, Sept. 26, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. ET at Ohio Stadium (FOX).
TOP PICK
Who will win Illinois vs Ohio State: Illinois +27.5
Ohio State has outscored unranked opponents 115-6 in two games this year, but neither Ball State nor Kent State are anywhere near as talented as Illinois.
In the lone game that Ohio State has played against a Power Four opponent in 2026, their defense struggled to get off the field against Texas, surrendering 25 first downs. The Longhorns went 9-for-16 on 3rd downs, routinely picking apart Ohio State's defense in key situations.
If not for the Horns committing a few unforced errors in the first half of that game, Texas may have won that game easily.
The biggest concern for the Buckeyes heading into the new season was their defense, which lost Kayden McDonald, Caden Curry, Caleb Downs, and Davison Igbinosun to the NFL draft this past summer.
Allowing 21 points in the 4th quarter to Texas raises significant questions as to how Ohio State's defense will hold up against better offenses in Big Ten conference play.
At +27.5, Illinois is playable to 55%.
COVERS INTEL: Illinois has the 4th-most wins against Power Four schools among Big Ten teams in the last two years, and they are 5-2 ATS on the road against ranked opponents under head coach Bret Bielema.
Illinois vs Ohio State Over/Under pick: Over 53.5
The strength of the Buckeyes' roster is their offense. Against unranked teams this season, Ohio State has scored 56 and 59 points, respectively. They have punted just four times on 26 offensive possessions in those games.
Illinois doesn't have the defense to slow down Ohio State, but it does have a capable scoring unit that will be productive enough to push this total Over. Illinois has recorded 17+ first downs, 332+ yards of total offense, and 27+ points in each of its first three games.
Over 53.5 is playable to 55%.
Illinois vs Ohio State combo
Katin Houser has thrown the ball well to start the season, tossing eight touchdowns against just two interceptions. He will lead Illinois to points against an Ohio State defense that has yet to prove itself against a Power Four opponent in 2026.
In a game script that should feature plenty of second-half passing from the Illini, taking the underdog with the points pairs well with the Over.
Playable to 21%.
Illinois vs Ohio State combo
- Illinois +27.5
- Over 53.5
- Top picks: 2-1, +0.87 units
- Combos: 3-2, +3.16 units
Illinois vs Ohio State odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Illinois +27.5 | Ohio State -27.5
- Over/Under: Over 53.5 (52%) | Under 53.5 (49%)
- Moneyline: Illinois 4% | Ohio State 97%
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Illinois vs Ohio State weather
The temperature is forecast to be 64 degrees at kickoff, with minimal wind and a low chance of rain.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Illinois vs Ohio State trend to know
The Over is 5-0 in the Fighting Illini's last five road games vs. teams with a winning home record. Find more college football betting trends for Illinois vs. Ohio State.
How to watch Illinois vs Ohio State
| Location | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio |
| Date | Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Illinois vs Ohio State latest injuries
Check out our college football injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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