The Week 8 Big Ten clash between No. 1 Ohio State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) and Wisconsin (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten) at Camp Randall Stadium carries very different stakes for each program. The Buckeyes enter undefeated, riding a dominant stretch that includes decisive wins over Illinois, Minnesota, and Washington. Their defense has been the nation’s most suffocating, allowing fewer than a touchdown per game, while freshman quarterback Julian Sayin has shown poise and efficiency in Ryan Day’s balanced attack.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, is reeling. The Badgers have dropped four straight, including a 37-0 shutout loss to Iowa, and pressure is mounting on head coach Luke Fickell, a former Ohio State assistant. With bowl eligibility slipping away, Wisconsin desperately needs a spark to salvage its season. The historical series leans heavily toward Ohio State, which has won 10 straight meetings, but Camp Randall’s atmosphere has produced upsets before. This matchup doubles as a test of Wisconsin’s resilience and Ohio State’s ability to maintain its march toward the College Football Playoff.
How to Watch: Date, Time, Venue, TV
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Kickoff time: 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT local time)
- Venue: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
- TV: CBS
- Streaming options: Paramount+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV
- UK/International broadcast: Check local listings
Game Analysis, Preview and Predictions
Ohio State’s offense has been efficient rather than explosive, leaning on Sayin’s accuracy (over 70% completion rate) and a deep receiving corps led by freshman standout Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes’ run game, while not overwhelming, has been steady enough to keep defenses honest, with Bo Jackson providing balance. Wisconsin’s offense, by contrast, has sputtered. Quarterback play has been inconsistent, and the Badgers’ once-vaunted rushing attack has struggled to generate chunk plays behind an offensive line that has been pushed around in Big Ten play.
Defensively, Ohio State has been elite across the board. Their front seven ranks among the nation’s best against the run, and their secondary has limited explosive passing plays with disciplined zone coverage. Wisconsin’s defense, while still solid against the run, has been worn down by short fields and extended time on the field due to offensive inefficiency. The Badgers’ pass rush will need to disrupt Sayin early, but Ohio State’s offensive line has protected well, allowing the Buckeyes to dictate tempo.
Coaching tendencies also favor Ohio State. Ryan Day has leaned on aggressive first-half scripts and timely fourth-down decisions, while Fickell’s conservative approach has backfired in recent weeks. With Ohio State traveling for a second straight road game, fatigue could be a factor, but their depth and discipline should mitigate it.
Ultimately, the matchup tilts heavily toward the Buckeyes. Unless Wisconsin can rediscover its offensive identity and control possession, Ohio State’s balance and defensive dominance should carry the day. Expect the Buckeyes to extend their winning streak over the Badgers with a decisive, methodical victory in Madison.