Current Ohio State Playoff Chances in 2025-26
Heading into Week 3, the Buckeyes carry strong playoff hopes and the best odds to win the National Championship, though those numbers are likely to shift as the season unfolds.
| ％ Ohio State Playoff Chances: | 88.9% (-800) |
| đź‘Ž Ohio State Chance Miss Playoffs: | 35.7% (+550) |
| 🏆Ohio State Chance to Win Big Ten: | 35.7% (+180) |
| 🎉 Ohio State Chance to Win National Championship: | 15.4% (+550) |
| âś… Last Verified: | September 17, 2025 |
What Are the Latest Ohio State Playoff Odds?
After defeating Texas, the Ohio State Buckeyes boast the best playoff odds in college football at -800. While these numbers could shift as the season progresses, last year’s CFP National Championship win suggests the Buckeyes will remain strong contenders throughout the 2025-26 season.
Can Ohio State Make the Playoffs?
Yes, Ohio State can make the playoffs, as the season is just beginning and every team is still in contention. With last year’s championship under their belt and a 2-0 record, the Buckeyes currently have favorable odds to reach the postseason again.
Is Ohio State in the College Football Playoffs?
No, Ohio State is not in the College Football Playoffs, as teams are not selected until the season ends, the Buckeye's season kicked off on August 30.
Ohio State Schedule
| Date | Game | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | Ohio State vs Texas | W (14-7) |
| Sept. 6 | Ohio State vs Grambling St | W (70-0) |
| Sept. 13 | Ohio State vs Ohio | TBD |
| Sept. 27 | Ohio State at Washington | TBD |
| Oct. 4 | Ohio State vs Minnesota | TBD |
| Oct. 11 | Ohio State at Illinois | TBD |
| Oct. 18 | Ohio State at Wisconsin | TBD |
| Nov. 1 | Ohio State vs Penn state | TBD |
| Nov. 8 | Ohio State at Purdue | TBD |
| Nov. 15 | Ohio State vs UCLA | TBD |
| Nov. 22 | Ohio State vs Rutgers | TBD |
| Nov. 29 | Ohio State vs Michigan | TBD |
| âś… Last Updated: September 17, 2025 | ||
Ohio State Playoff Picture
Where is Ohio State in the Big Ten?
The Buckeyes are off to a 2-0 start this season. Among Big Ten teams, only Northwestern and UCLA lost in Week 1. Ohio State currently has the best odds to win the Big Ten Championship.
Where to Bet on Ohio State Making the College Football Playoffs
Sports betting in Ohio became legal on January 1, 2023, and currently, the state of Ohio allows over 15 sportsbooks to bet on the college football playoff. Ohio has many of the larger sportsbooks like FanDuel, BetMGM, ESPN BET, and DraftKings, and an Ohio-specific sportsbook, betJack. As a bettor in Ohio, there are an abundance of options that all may provide slightly different odds that may be worth checking out and comparing.
All-Time Ohio State College Football Playoff History
Ohio State was the first team to win the National Championship via the college football playoff in 2014, where they defeated Alabama in their semi-final match-up and Oregon 42-20 in their championship match-up to clinch their first title in 12 years. Since then, Ohio State has made the playoffs five additional times. Their six appearances in the playoffs are the third-most appearances behind just Alabama and Clemson.
- 2024 - The Buckeyes become the first team to win a title in the 12-team College Football Playoff era. Ohio State won four playoff games and went on to defeat Notre Dame in the CFP National Championship game.
- 2022 - In one of the best college football games of the last decade, the Buckeyes went toe-for-toe against the eventual national champion Georgia Bulldogs in a 42-41 loss in the Peach Bowl. The Buckeyes took a big lead into the fourth quarter but were outscored 18-3.
- 2020 - Third time is a charm! Again, the Buckeyes faced Clemson in the college football playoff semifinals, but this time, a 49-29 win would put Ohio State back in the national championship game, where they lost to the Alabama Crimson Tide 52-24 and once again came up just short of hoisting up the trophy.
- 2019 - Ohio State once again returned to the Fiesta Bowl to seek revenge against the Clemson Tigers. After taking an early 16-0 lead, Clemson went on a 29-7 run to secure the victory 29-23 and one again stifled the Buckeyes chances to win another national championship.
- 2016 - Ohio State returned to the playoffs as the number three seed and played the number two seed Clemson Tigers in the Fiesta Bowl - a college football playoff semifinal game. The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 31-0.
- 2014 - Ohio State became champions after defeating #1 seed Alabama 42-35 in the semifinal and #2 seed Oregon 42-20 in the CFP National Championship. This game was their first national championship game appearance since losing to LSU during the 2007 season.
Ohio State Playoff Chances FAQs
Yes, the Buckeyes can make the playoffs and their current odds at DraftKings Sportsbook are -800. These numbers will likely change as the season goes on, but we expect Ohio State to remain a strong playoff contender throughout 2025-26.
No, Ohio State has not clinched a playoff spot for the 2025-26 season, as the season has just started. That said, the Buckeyes are expected to be one of the favorites to make the playoffs all season. Their current odds stand at -800.
The Ohio State Buckeyes currently have an 88.9% chance of making the 2025-26 playoffs, based on -800 odds at DraftKings Sportsbooks. While these are early projections, we expect Ohio State to remain a strong playoff contender throughout the season.
Author
Calli is lifelong resident of Arizona and has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.
