Ohio State hosts Illinois in Columbus, Ohio today as the comfortable 27.5-point favorite on the spread with a total of 53.5.
Kickoff at Ohio Stadium will be at noon ET and available to watch on FOX. My Illinois vs. Ohio State prediction has the underdog keeping this game more competitive than the market expects as part of our college football picks for Saturday, Sept. 26.
TOP PICK
Who will win Illinois vs Ohio State today? Pick: 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
Illinois vs Ohio State prop: Ohio State 1H team total Over 21.5 points
The Buckeyes are averaging 27.7 first-half points through three games, while Illinois' defense has been at its most vulnerable before halftime this season.
Ohio State should be able to move the ball consistently in Week 4 from the jump, especially with Illinois playing on the road for the first time this year.
- Top picks: 2-1, +0.87 units
- Combos: 3-2, +3.16 units
Illinois vs Ohio State odds today
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 | Noon 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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