Penn State vs. Ohio State Prediction: Can the Nittany Lions Make a Major Upset in Week 10?

The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions clash in a Big Ten clash lacking some of the preseason hype, as the Penn State vs. Ohio State prediction explains.

No. 1 Ohio State (7-0) hosts Penn State (3-4) in a Big Ten showdown. The Buckeyes are riding high with an undefeated start under head coach Ryan Day, showing no signs of slowing down as they enter Week 10. Heisman hopefuls Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith have emerged as key offensive weapons, helping Ohio State maintain its top national ranking.

Meanwhile, Penn State is navigating a challenging season following a midseason coaching change and key injuries. After James Franklin’s departure, Terry Smith stepped in as interim head coach, and the team lost star quarterback Drew Allar to a season-ending injury.

Ethan Grunkemeyer will make his second career start, while Smith looks to regroup after a loss to Iowa. The Penn State vs. Ohio State prediction sets the stage for a pivotal clash, with both teams bringing unique storylines into this storied rivalry.

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Penn State vs. Ohio State Details

  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
  • Game time: Noon ET
  • Location: Ohio Stadium | Columbus, Ohio
  • Predicted Weather at Kick: 52 degrees
  • How To Watch: FOX

Penn State vs. Ohio State Head-to-Head Record

Saturday’s matchup marks the 40th meeting between Ohio State and Penn State, a rivalry that began on October 30, 1993, when Ohio State claimed its first win in what would become a major Big Ten showdown. The two programs last met on November 2, 2024, with Ohio State prevailing 23–13 in Happy Valley.

Historically, the Buckeyes have dominated the series, winning 26 of the 40 previous games, while the Nittany Lions have claimed 14 victories. Ohio State currently holds an eight-game winning streak against Penn State, dating back to 2016, underscoring their recent dominance in this storied rivalry.

Penn State vs. Ohio State Grades

PFSN College Offense Impact

  • Penn State (79, C+)
  • Ohio State (90.4, A-)

PFSN College Defense Impact

  • Penn State (79.9, C+)
  • Ohio State (97, A)

PFSN College OL Impact

  • Penn State (83.3, B)
  • Ohio State (86, B)

PFSN College QB Impact

  • Penn State, Drew Allar (74.7, C)
  • Ohio State, Julian Sayin (84.7, B)

PFSN College RB Impact

  • Penn State, Kaytron Allen (81.6, B-)
  • Ohio State, Bo Jackson (78.5, C+)

PFSN College WR Impact

  • Penn State, Devonte Ross (76.7, C)
  • Ohio State, Jeremiah Smith (82.9, B-)

PFSN College TE Impact

  • Penn State, Luke Reynolds (75.8, C)
  • Ohio State, Will Kacmarek (78.2, C+)

PFSN College EDGE Impact

  • Penn State, Dani Dennis-Sutton (79, C+)
  • Ohio State, Caden Curry (84.5, B)

PFSN College DT Impact

  • Penn State, Zane Durant (72.1, C-)
  • Ohio State, Kayden McDonald (75.7, C)

PFSN College LB Impact

  • Penn State, Amare Campbell (75.1, C)
  • Ohio State, Sonny Styles (80.2, B-)

PFSN College CB Impact

  • Penn State, Elliot Washington II (83, B-)
  • Ohio State, Davison Igbinosun (87.5, B+)

PFSN College SAF Impact

  • Penn State, Zakee Wheatley (79.7, C+)
  • Ohio State, Leroy Roker III (79.6, C+)

Penn State vs. Ohio State Prediction

Ohio State has looked unstoppable on both sides of the ball, while Penn State continues to battle quarterback instability and the challenges that come with a head coaching change. The Buckeyes’ offense, led by Sayin and Smith, has kept the ball moving and continues to execute plays. Their defense continues to rank No. 1 in total defense and scoring defense.

Penn State’s defense may slow the game down early on. Still, it’s tough to imagine them being able to keep pace with Ohio State’s offense, especially with sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has 49 receptions, 602 yards , and seven touchdowns.

Prediction: Ohio State 41, Penn State 10

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