Nebraska vs. Ohio State Football 2025: Latest News and What to Expect
Nebraska vs. Ohio State Football 2025: Latest News and What to Expect
The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for what promises to be a blockbuster clash in the 2025 college football season. While the exact date for this Big Ten showdown remains under wraps as of March 5, 2025, the buzz around this matchup is already heating up. With Ohio State coming off a national championship in 2024 and Nebraska showing signs of a resurgence under Matt Rhule, the latest news offers plenty to chew on as we look ahead to their next meeting. Here’s the rundown on where both teams stand and what’s at stake.
Ohio State’s Championship Hangover and Spring Shakeup
Fresh off their 2024 College Football Playoff title win over Notre Dame on January 20, 2025, the Buckeyes are riding high—but not without challenges. As reported by The Athletic on March 4, Ohio State is preparing for a national title defense with a revamped roster and coaching staff. The departure of key players to the NFL Draft—names like quarterback Will Howard and several defensive standouts—has left gaps, but the Buckeyes’ recruiting prowess under Ryan Day ensures they’ll reload with talent. Five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair headlines a 2025 class ranked No. 1 nationally, signaling a bright future.
A major curveball? Ohio State has scrapped its traditional spring game, joining Nebraska, USC, and Texas in this growing trend, per CBS Sports (February 24, 2025). The decision, driven by a condensed spring schedule post-championship and concerns over transfer portal tampering, means fans won’t get an early look at the 2025 squad until their opener against Texas on August 30. Coach Day cited the need to “protect our depth chart,” hinting at a cautious approach as new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia settles in. How this affects their preparation for Nebraska—likely a late October or early November clash—remains to be seen, but expect a battle-tested Ohio State aiming to repeat.
Nebraska’s Leap Forward Under Rhule
On the other side, Nebraska is generating optimism for 2025. Sports Illustrated (February 24, 2025) outlined three reasons the Cornhuskers could take a “Year 3 leap” under Matt Rhule: a maturing Dylan Raiola at quarterback, an improving offensive line, and a stingy defense that ranked 11th nationally in 2024 (allowing 19.2 points per game). After a 7-6 finish in 2024, capped by a Pinstripe Bowl loss to Boston College, Nebraska is poised to climb the Big Ten ladder.
Like Ohio State, Nebraska has ditched its spring game, a move announced by Rhule in January to curb tampering and focus on development, per Yahoo Sports (February 21, 2025). Athletic director Troy Dannen promised an alternative fan event on April 26, though details are sparse. Raiola, who threw for 2,595 yards as a freshman, has been a focal point, with his halftime dunk contest antics during a January 30 basketball game against Illinois (noted by FOX Sports) showcasing his growing presence. Analysts like Kirk Herbstreit have bought into Nebraska’s stock, predicting a 7-0 start before facing Ohio State, a sentiment he doubled down on in September 2024 on X.
Historical Context and 2024 Recap
Ohio State leads the all-time series 10-1, with Nebraska’s lone win coming in 2011 (34-27). Their most recent clash on November 16, 2024, at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum (as a neutral-site quirk due to scheduling) saw Ohio State edge out a 28-21 victory in a primetime thriller. Raiola threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns, but Ohio State’s late-game execution—bolstered by a Caleb Downs interception—sealed it. That loss dropped Nebraska to 5-5 before they rallied to bowl eligibility, while Ohio State surged to the title.
Latest Developments as of March 5, 2025
- Ohio State’s Coaching Transition: Matt Patricia’s arrival as defensive coordinator brings a new scheme, with spring practice kicking off March 17 (The Athletic). Safety Caleb Downs, a 2024 star, remains a chess piece to watch against Nebraska’s offense.
- Nebraska’s Offensive Evolution: The addition of Dana Holgorsen as offensive coordinator in late 2024 has fans hopeful for a more dynamic attack. Raiola’s chemistry with returning receivers like Isaiah Neyor could test Ohio State’s secondary.
- No Spring Games, New Strategies: Both teams’ decisions to skip spring games signal a shift in college football’s offseason landscape. Nebraska’s focus on internal scrimmages and Ohio State’s condensed prep could mean fresher legs—and hidden cards—come fall.
What to Watch For
- Raiola vs. OSU’s Defense: Can Nebraska’s young QB exploit a retooled Buckeyes secondary, or will Downs and Patricia’s scheme stifle him again?
- Ohio State’s QB Battle: With Howard gone, St. Clair or returning backups like Devin Brown could take the reins. Their performance against Nebraska’s stout defense (7.8 tackles for loss per game in 2024) will be telling.
- Big Ten Stakes: Ohio State aims for another CFP run, while Nebraska eyes a 9+ win season to crash the expanded 12-team playoff. This game could be a pivot point.
Early Prediction
Too early for a score, but Ohio State’s talent edge and home-field advantage (assuming it’s in Columbus) give them a slight nod. Nebraska’s physicality and Raiola’s growth, though, suggest a closer contest than their 2024 margin. Think a 31-24 Buckeyes win—unless the Huskers’ defense turns it into a slugfest.
Final Thoughts
The Nebraska vs. Ohio State matchup in 2025 is shaping up as a clash of trajectories: a reigning champ reloading versus a hungry program ascending. With no spring games to preview, the intrigue deepens—will Ohio State’s depth prevail, or can Nebraska pull off a statement upset? As March unfolds, both teams are laying the groundwork for a fall showdown that could ripple through the Big Ten and beyond. Who’s your pick? Sound off below!
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