THE PERTINENT INFO
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
TV: 7:30 PM ET // NBC
Announcers: TBA
This will be the 55th* meeting between Ohio State and Minnesota. The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 47–7 (no ties).
Last week: Ohio State beat Washington 24–6 on the road.
Minnesota edged Rutgers 31–28 in Minneapolis.
*Series count varies depending on whether vacated games are included.
THE LAST TIME…
- Sept. 2, 2021 — at Minnesota: Ohio State opened the season with a 45–31 win. It was C.J. Stroud’s first career start (294 yards, 4 TDs). TreVeyon Henderson caught a 70-yard TD, and Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave also scored.
- Oct. 14, 2000 — in Columbus: Minnesota’s last win over the Buckeyes, 29–17. QB Travis Cole and RB Tellis Redmon led the Gophers, while OSU QB Steve Bellisari threw 3 interceptions. It remains Minnesota’s only victory in Columbus since 1959.
- Last Minnesota home win: 1981. The Buckeyes have since won 10 straight in Minneapolis.
Series streak: Ohio State has won 12 straight overall and 28 of the last 29 meetings dating back to 1982.
ON THE HORIZON
- A win would extend Ohio State’s streak to 13 straight over Minnesota and 29 of the last 30.
- Julian Sayin leads the nation in completion percentage (78.8%). Another efficient outing would keep him on pace for an OSU single-season record.
- J. Smith enters with 396 receiving yards; another 104 would push him past the 500 mark through five games.
- B. Jackson’s 8.5 yards per carry may help him get more running plays as the year progresses.
- Ohio State has held opponents under 10 points in each of its first four games for the first time since 1973.
- A win would give OSU its 983rd all-time victory.
LET’S GO STREAKING
- Ohio State has held all four opponents under 10 points this season — first time the Buckeyes have done so to open a season since 1973.
- The Buckeyes have won 12 straight against Minnesota.
- Ohio State has been ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll 111 times
- Since 2012 (excluding 2020), Ohio State has won 11 or more games every season.
GET TO KNOW THE GOPHERS
- Located in Minneapolis; founded in 1851
- Big Ten member since 1896
- Claim seven national championships over program history
- Have won 18 Big Ten titles, the last in 1967
- Play at Huntington Bank Stadium (since 2009)
- Famous alumni: Tony Dungy, Bud Grant, Bronko Nagurski, Brock Lesnar
TODAY’S TRIVIA
- Which Big Ten program was placed on probation in 2012 after players were found trading memorabilia for tattoos?
- What former Baylor coach was fired in 2016 after a massive sexual assault scandal?
- Which SEC school was forced to vacate wins from 2010–2016 due to booster Luther Davis?
- Which Heisman winner was suspended for the 1st half of a 2014 game after yelling an obscene phrase?
- Which NFL team lost draft picks after “Deflategate” (2015 AFC Championship)?
MATT GUTRIDGE’S LITTLE KNOWN FACTS CORNER
0 … rushing TDs allowed by OSU defense (through 4 games)
1 … OSU’s national rank in scoring D (5.5 PPG allowed)
2 … turnover margin for OSU
5 … sacks by C. Curry, team leader
12 … straight wins vs. Minnesota
25.6% … opponent 3rd-down conversions vs. OSU
36.3 … points per game by OSU offense
74–10 … Ryan Day’s record entering this game
TODAY’S TRIVIA ANSWERS
- Ohio State (Tattoo-gate)
- Art Briles
- Alabama
- Jameis Winston
- New England Patriots
EDGE
Offense: Ohio State — deeper skill corps, more balanced QB play
Defense: Ohio State — #1 in scoring defense; Minnesota elite vs. run but weak in red zone
Special Teams: Ohio State — stronger punting and punt returns; Minnesota more effective on kickoff returns
Coaching: Day (74–10) vs. Fleck (58–39)
Overall Edge: Ohio State
Prediction:
OHIO STATE 38
MINNESOTA 3
