BREAKING NEWS: 2025 Ohio State Football Schedule Flips the Shakeup in Non-Conference Opponents
BREAKING NEWS: 2025 Ohio State Football Schedule Flips the Shakeup in Non-Conference Opponents
COLUMBUS, OH — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Ohio State University has announced a significant shakeup to its 2025 football schedule, particularly in the non-conference portion of their slate. The Buckeyes, who have long been known for their high-profile matchups against major programs, have altered their schedule in a way that promises both excitement and challenge for their fans and players alike.
In a groundbreaking announcement this morning, Ohio State revealed that they have finalized a series of new non-conference opponents, flipping some of their traditional matchups in favor of more diverse, high-profile games. The most notable change involves the cancellation of their longstanding rivalry game with Oregon, which had been scheduled for Week 2 of the 2025 season, and the addition of a thrilling home-and-home series with the University of Miami.
The move to schedule Miami, a program that has seen a resurgence in recent years under head coach Mario Cristobal, is being hailed as a bold step for the Buckeyes as they look to enhance their national profile and increase their strength of schedule. The two teams, both of whom boast championship pedigrees, will face off in Columbus in 2025 before traveling to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for the return game in 2026.
“We are always looking for ways to challenge ourselves and provide our fans with the best possible matchups,” said Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith in a statement. “Adding Miami to our schedule is a great opportunity to showcase our program against another storied football institution, and it’s a game that will energize both our players and our fanbase.”
In addition to the Miami series, Ohio State also confirmed that they will be facing the University of Washington in a neutral-site game at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Huskies, led by rising star quarterback Michael Penix Jr., are expected to be one of the top teams in the Pac-12, adding another marquee game to Ohio State’s challenging non-conference slate.
“We want to play the best, and Washington is one of the premier teams in the country right now,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “This game will be a great test for us early in the season, and we’re excited to take on a top program in a great city like Atlanta.”
The changes to Ohio State’s non-conference schedule have been met with mixed reactions from fans. While many are excited about the prospect of facing off against Miami and Washington, others are disappointed to see the cancellation of their matchup with Oregon, which had become a thrilling part of their recent schedule. Oregon, one of the Pac-12’s top programs, had been a regular fixture in the Buckeyes’ schedule for the past several years, and their absence will leave a void for some fans.
Ohio State has also shuffled other parts of their 2025 schedule, including a change in their annual season opener. The Buckeyes will now face an early-season test against the University of Texas in Week 1, as part of a growing trend among college football powerhouses to schedule challenging opening games. Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has been steadily improving and is expected to be one of the top teams in the Big 12 heading into the 2025 season.
As Ohio State prepares for what promises to be one of the most difficult schedules in the nation, all eyes will be on their ability to navigate a lineup filled with high-caliber opponents. With the shakeup in their non-conference schedule, the Buckeyes are setting themselves up for a challenging and thrilling 2025 campaign, and fans will be eagerly awaiting each new chapter in this bold, high-stakes season.
