Big Ten expansion brings a traditional Rose Bowl matchup to the Horseshoe in Columbus as Ohio State takes on UCLA under the lights.
Ohio State continues getting into high gear with a mid-November clash against the up-and-down UCLA Bruins. UCLA will be without starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava due to a concussion. His absence will make life more difficult for the Bruins against an already swarming Ohio State defense.
The Silver Bullets are looking to feast and remain the top defense in the country. Let’s take a look at our team’s predictions on the UCLA edition of TSB Staff Picks:
Dave: Ohio State 34 UCLA 13
Blake: Julian Sayin will have a nice day through the air with his plethora of receivers. However, I expected a big rushing day from the Buckeyes. Bo Jackson will eclipse 100 yards as the offensive line has a much better day. Nico Iamaleava will not play in today’s game, following a midnight report stating he’s in concussion protocol. This game could be competitive earlier, but I expect Ohio State to control the game and win comfortably. Weather permitting, the Buckeyes open it up today. Ohio State 45 UCLA 3
Dan: UCLA’s midseason resurgence has been a nice story this college football season. Interim head coach Tim Skipper has made the Bruins competitive in the conference. With that being said, UCLA isn’t in the same stratosphere as Ohio State. I expected Nico Iamaleava to lead the Bruins to at least one touchdown in his return to Neyland North. However, he has since been ruled out. Sayin and the offense go nuclear on poor UCLA defense. Buckeyes win 45-7.
Cass: It’s the last night game in “The Shoe.” I think the Buckeyes will be jacked up and ready to play. I am predicting a defensive touchdown, and Bo Jackson will break a big run for a TD. Look for Julian Sayin to have 300 yards plus with four or more passing Touchdowns. Buckeyes 52 Bruins 7
Carson H: I could see this game going similarly to that one, with the Buckeyes jumping out to an early lead and coasting the rest of the way as they have been doing for most of the 2025 season. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith will look to build on their Heisman campaigns, and it will be interesting how long Coach Day and Brian Hartline leave them in if the Buckeyes pull away in the early second half. Other things to watch for on offense include Carnell Tate’s lingering issue and how many snaps he will get. The running back snap split is another noteworthy debate to look out for.
On defense, we know what to expect from Matt Patricia’s unit. They are the best in the country and have proven it week after week. The draft stocks of guys like Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs seem to go up every week, but everyone has been contributing. Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., and Kayden McDonald have been powering the defensive line and getting after the quarterback. Davison Igbinosun, Jermaine Matthews Jr., and Jaylen McClain have been holding it down on the back end and have been great in coverage, especially as of late.
This should be another masterclass by the scarlet and gray with just two regular-season games remaining before the big one. The talent gap and depth in this one greatly favors the Buckeyes. Sayin and Smith will do their thing, and hopefully, we will see some big plays from the running backs and other receivers. The defense should limit the Bruins’ offense and will look to get after Iamaleava as they did less than a year ago under the lights at the Shoe. Ohio State capitalizes early and doesn’t look back in what will end up being a comfortable win. Ohio State 41 UCLA 6
TJ: The Buckeyes will come out with a closer first-half score than needed, but turn it on in the second half. Expect them to feed Jeremiah Smith early and often. Julian Sayin will have another great day as well. Arvell Reese will spy most of the game. Those three will be standout performers yet another game as the Buckeyes cruise to a nice win over a much-improved UCLA team. Ohio State 38 UCLA 6
AJ: Ohio State 42 UCLA 0
Alex: Ohio State 38 UCLA 3
