The next chapter of the Buckeyes' 2025 season takes No. 1 Ohio State on the road against No. 17 Illinois — and it could be revealing for both programs.
For the Buckeyes, Saturday’s noon kickoff in Champaign will show whether Ryan Day’s methodical, defense-first approach is the plan moving forward or simply a cautious way to ease freshman quarterback Julian Sayin into the season. For Illinois, it’s a chance to prove it belongs among the Big Ten’s contenders — not the team that lost 63–10 to Indiana.
Ohio State’s defense has looked dominant through six games, suffocating quarterbacks and powering wins over Texas and Washington. That strength, paired with an efficient offense, has kept the Buckeyes unbeaten. But against an Illinois defense that ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten, Sayin and Ohio State’s receivers could have chances to open things up downfield.
The Illini have lived through the arm of quarterback Luke Altmyer, who’s averaging over 10 yards per attempt without an interception, but he’s also been sacked more than three times per game. That’s bad news against a relentless Ohio State front featuring Caden Curry, Kayden McDonald and Arvell Reese. With little help from a struggling run game, Illinois’ protection could decide the day.
Even with the nation’s top ranking and a defense drawing incredible praise, Day isn’t letting his team get comfortable. He’s warned players all week about rat poison, reminding them that hype means nothing in October. The Buckeyes have won nine straight over Illinois, but Saturday’s Illibuck matchup will show whether Ohio State can stay sharp, and whether Illinois can make things interesting.
In the Ohio State vs. Illinois Live Hub, Eleven Warriors has you covered with live updates, key moments, and all the sights and sounds from before, during and after the game in Champaign.
Jeremiah Smith Pulls Ohio State Away
The Buckeyes' brightest star, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, found nothing but open space on a 2-yard touchdown catch to stick a likely dagger in Illinois as Ohio State went up 34-10.
It was only a matter of time until Jeremiah Smith scored @OhioStateFB is running away with it in Champaign pic.twitter.com/XIq9RHB6A5
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
Ohio State Defense Creates a Third Turnover
Make it two fumble recoveries and an interception for three total takeaways by the Ohio State defense as defensive back Jermaine Mathews Jr. came on a blitz to strip the ball from Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer, which defensive end Caden Curry to set the Buckeyes up at the Illinois 24-yard line.
ANOTHER FUMBLE AND OHIO STATE HAS IT AGAIN@OhioStateFB continues to be unstoppable on defense pic.twitter.com/Fi1hUANGcx
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
CJ Donaldson Punches in Second Touchdown After Three Tries
After plowing his way to the Illinois 1-yard line on a first-and-goal for Ohio State, CJ Donaldson lost half a yard on 2nd-and-goal before finally falling into the end zone on 3rd-and-goal to give the Buckeyes a 27-10 lead at Illinois. It was Donaldson's second short-yardage rushing score of the game.
CJ DONALDSON DOES IT AGAIN @OhioStateFB adds on another TD in the second half pic.twitter.com/fmDkQYcWun
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
Jeremiah Smith Takes Awkward Fall, Meets with Trainers
Ohio State star receiver Jeremiah Smith landed awkwardly on a 6-yard run in the third quarter. He went to the sideline and visited with the Buckeyes' trainers, appearing to be in significant pain. He returned to the field later in the drive.
Jeremiah Smith is being looked at after going down awkwardly on this play pic.twitter.com/e5hk0PK4Ix
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
Ohio State Makes Another Goal Line Stand
Nobody can score inside the 10-yard line on Ohio State this year. Literally. In nine red zone trips by opposing offenses, none have resulted in a touchdown, with four field goals and five drives that resulted in no points. Illinois became the latest victim on its penultimate drive of the first half, settling for a field goal after fantastic defensive plays by Tywone Malone Jr., Caden Curry and Davison Igbinosun.
A brief reminder that we have a Goal Line Stand University T-shirt for those interested.
STOPPED ON 3RD & GOAL
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
What a goal-line stand by the @OhioStateFB defense pic.twitter.com/CK9KS6LxnT
Bo Jackson Takes a Checkdown to the House
Freshman running back Bo Jackson took a 2nd-and-12 checkdown 17 yards to the end zone to make it a 20-0 lead for Ohio State in the first half, capitalizing on a short field. Tight end Max Klare escorted him to the touchdown with a nice block.
Bo knows TDs
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
Bo Jackson dives for the @OhioStateFB touchdown pic.twitter.com/3qglSsYzSc
Kayden McDonald Strips a Possession Back to Ohio State
Ohio State nose guard Kayden McDonald continued his monster 2025 season, stripping the ball from Illinois running back Ca'Lil Valentine to give the Buckeyes the ball back at the Illini 26-yard line.
The ball is out and the Buckeyes have it! @OhioStateFB makes another big play on defense pic.twitter.com/laCWFA6hfC
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
Carnell Tate Toe-Taps Again
Star Buckeye wide receiver Carnell Tate made the latest in a long line of spectacular toe-tapping sideline catches this season to convert on 3rd-and-8 for Ohio State.
These replays of that Carnell Tate @OhioStateFB grab
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) October 11, 2025
: FOX pic.twitter.com/Nt7YpNzmwS
CJ Donaldson Scores Game's First Touchdown
A 1-yard plunge on 3rd-and-goal from CJ Donaldson put Ohio State up 10-0 in the first quarter with the contest's first touchdown.
The Buckeyes strike first in Champaign
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
CJ Donaldson Jr. punches it in for @OhioStateFB @wendys pic.twitter.com/U00jfGfaYz
Payton Pierce Intercepts First Career Interception on Jermaine Mathews Jr. Tip
Ohio State executed a gorgeous tip drill on defense to set up its first touchdowns against the Illini, with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. batting a third-down pass up that linebacker Payton Pierce was in perfect position to intercept and return to the Illinois 35-yard line. It was the first interception of Pierce's career and of Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer's season.
LUKE ALTMYER IS PICKED OFF
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
The @OhioStateFB defense forces Luke Altmyer's first INT of the season @ATTBusiness pic.twitter.com/q3hCaa4Pt0
OCT. 11, 2025
Devin Sanchez Makes First Career Start
Five-star freshman Devin Sanchez made his first career start at Illinois, with Jermaine Mathews Jr. sliding inside to nickel in place of the injured Lorenzo Styles Jr.
OCT. 11, 2025
Ohio State's Illinois Travel Roster
Ohio State's travel roster does not include C.J. Hicks or Malik Hartford but features five new players: Inky Jones, Brennen Schramm, Sam Dixon, Epi Sitanilei and Jordyn Woods.
OCT. 11, 2025
Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Eddrick Houston Out vs. Illinois
Starting nickel Lorenzo Styles Jr. and rotational defensive tackle Eddrick Houston are both out for Ohio State against Illinois on Saturday.
OCT. 11, 2025
Two NFL GMs, Seven Teams Scouting Ohio State/Illinois
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort are among the NFL representatives at Memorial Stadium for the game. The Bears have four representatives attending the game while the Cardinals have three.
Baltimore Ravens vice president of player personnel George Kokinis is also in attendance along with scouts from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings.
OCT. 10, 2025
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. Available vs. Illinois
Ohio State will have starting defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. back in action at Illinois after he suffered a first-quarter injury last week against Minnesota.
OCT. 10, 2025
Ohio State vs. Illnois Preview
If Ohio State stops the Illinois passing attack led by Luke Altmyer and Hank Beatty, Buckeye domination could ensue in Champaign.
OCT. 10, 2025
Last Call: Illinois
We break down the biggest questions, pick the top players to watch and make some predictions for what we’ll see unfold as Ohio State faces Illinois in a battle of top-20 teams.
OCT. 9, 2025
Illinois Game Trailer
Day by day, practice by practice, game by game — Ohio State is fighting to be the most desperate and hungry team in college football while chasing excellence.
OCT. 9, 2025
Eleven Warriors Trivia: Illinois
Are you ready to test your college football knowledge? Look no further! Our weekly trivia game puts your Buckeye knowledge to the test before every Ohio State game.
OCT. 8, 2025
Illinois Q&A with Bob Asmussen
Longtime Illinois beat writer Bob Asmussen breaks down the Illini and says Saturday’s game vs. Ohio State might be the biggest game Illinois has hosted in over 100 years.
OCT. 8, 2025
Your Illinois Game Poster
Long live the Illibuck! In this week's Illinois Game Poster, Brutus tames a Godzilla-sized Illibuck and rides into Champaign.
OCT 6, 2025
Five Things to Know About Illinois
Illinois boasts one of the better passing attacks in the Big Ten, but deficiencies on defense and on the offensive line give Ohio State clear areas to attack.
