Predictions: Ohio State Wins First Big Ten Championship In Five Years

Ohio State is looking for its first Big Ten championship in five years, while Indiana is making its first trip to the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday. It’s the No. 1 Buckeyes going up against the No. 2 Hoosiers, with the winner very likely getting the top spot in the College Football Playoff and a spot in the Rose Bowl.

Here’s how the BSB staff sees this game going:

Sam Cipriani: Steady Approach From OSU Brings Bucks First B1G Chip Since 2019

In a matchup between arguably the two best and most talented teams in the country, Ohio State will head out of Indianapolis as the nation’s final undefeated team. Ohio State and Indiana are quite similar on paper, with two Heisman contending quarterbacks, elite receivers and strong defenses, the Buckeyes and Hoosiers matchup well.

Despite boasting the nation’s second-ranked scoring offense (44.3) and defense (10.9), unlike Ohio State, Indiana doesn’t have the luxury of being one of the nation’s most historically dominant programs. In other words, Ohio State’s talent-gap is going to shine, particularly on its top-ranked defense that allows just 7.8 points per game. Indiana’s offense should give Ohio State the most defensive challenges of its season all season, but I simply don’t feel it’ll be able to keep up with the Buckeyes offensive attack, one that I feel finally found its stride in the run game during their win over Michigan.

Overall, the 2025 Indiana Hoosiers are significantly better than when they last entered Ohio Stadium in November 2024, but so is Ohio State, who will be well on its way to its first Big Ten championship since 2020.

Ohio State 34, Indiana 23

Bobby Gorbett: OSU Handles IU To Claim First Big Ten Crown Since 2020

The Hoosiers may be the No. 2-ranked team in the country, but I don’t see them outdueling Ohio State for the Big Ten crown on Saturday. Indiana has been incredibly impressive on both sides of the ball this year and rank in the top-2 nationally in scoring offense and scoring defense and will get to play somewhat close to home in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.

However, the Buckeyes have looked like the best team in the country all year, and I expect that to continue in the postseason. Going against one of the best rushing defenses in the country, I don’t see Ohio State simply overpowering Indiana with its run game. I think the Buckeyes will have some success running the ball, but ultimately will be at their best with their high-powered passing attack.

Ohio State’s defense has been arguably the best unit in the country this season, allowing under 8 points per game so far this season, but that unit will likely face its stiffest competition of the season. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been one of the best players in the country this year, but he hasn’t faced a secondary as talented as Ohio State’s. I expect Indiana to move the ball, but it will ultimately not be able to go for more than a few scoring drives.

Ohio State 27, Indiana 14

Greg Wilson: Buckeyes Prove They Are A Cut Above The Rest

Both teams are going to be tested in this game more so than they have been all year to this point. Indiana has a strong offense and a strong defense. The Buckeyes are great at stopping the run, which has been where the Hoosiers offensive attack has begun this year.

Going up against top rush defenses, the Hoosiers haven’t had nearly as much success as they have the rest of the season with the ground game, and in those games, quarterback Fernando Mendoza has had times where he has struggled. If this Ohio State defense is for real, and there’s no reason to believe that it isn’t at this point, I believe that will be the difference.

Julian Sayin and the offense have played well every single time Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are on the field as one of the most efficient units in the country. I expect that to continue. This could be the day where we find out if Ohio State really is just that much better than everyone else. It’s entirely possible that is the case.

Ohio State 30, Indiana 20