The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a commanding 35-17 victory over Wisconsin, further cementing their College Football Playoff aspirations. Will Howard’s four-touchdown performance highlighted the Buckeyes’ offensive dominance in this critical Big Ten showdown.
With this win, Ohio State strengthens its case as a top CFP contender, maintaining an undefeated record heading into Week 7. The victory showcased their balanced attack, featuring Emeka Egbuka’s explosive plays and a defense that shut down Wisconsin after halftime.
As the expanded 12-team playoff looms, each Buckeyes victory carries heightened significance. Their consistent success against ranked opponents could prove decisive when selection committee deliberations begin.
- Ohio State dominates Wisconsin 35-17, with Will Howard’s four touchdowns leading the charge, strengthening their CFP top-seed case.
- The Buckeyes remain undefeated (6-0), with key performances from Emeka Egbuka and a stifling defense, while Wisconsin drops to 3-3.
- Ohio State is projected as No. 2 in CFP rankings behind Miami, with crucial matchups against Penn State and Michigan looming.
- Freshman standout Jeremiah Smith continues his record-breaking pace with 687 yards and 8 touchdowns through six games.
- Wisconsin’s playoff hopes fade, needing at least three wins in their remaining schedule to secure bowl eligibility.
Ohio State Football Score vs Wisconsin: Dominant 35-17 Win Bolsters CFP Rankings and Playoff Position
Ohio State’s Commanding Victory Over Wisconsin
The No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a statement win against Wisconsin with a 35-17 victory in a crucial Big Ten showdown. Quarterback Will Howard’s four touchdowns and Emeka Egbuka’s electrifying receptions highlighted an offense firing on all cylinders. This dominant performance strengthens Ohio State’s claim as the nation’s top team heading into Week 7 of the 2025 season.
The Buckeyes defense proved equally impressive, holding Wisconsin to just 17 points despite the Badgers’ potent rushing attack. Ohio State’s ability to control both lines of scrimmage demonstrated why they remain undefeated and a serious championship contender.
CFP Rankings Implications After Week 6
With the win, Ohio State strengthens its position in the College Football Playoff conversation. Most projections now have the Buckeyes firmly at No. 2 behind Miami in the CFP rankings. Their resume boasts impressive wins over Texas, Notre Dame, and now Wisconsin – victories that will carry significant weight with the selection committee.
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miami | 6-0 |
| 2 | Ohio State | 6-0 |
| 3 | Georgia | 5-1 |
| 4 | Oregon | 5-1 |
The Miami Factor
The Hurricanes remain Ohio State’s primary competition for the No. 1 overall seed. Miami’s explosive offense has been lighting up scoreboards, creating an interesting debate between the two undefeated powers.
Will Howard’s Heisman Campaign Gains Momentum
The Kansas State transfer continues to impress in his first season at Ohio State. Howard’s 285-yard, 2-touchdown performance against Wisconsin showed why he’s climbing the Heisman Trophy odds. His ability to make plays under pressure and execute Ryan Day’s offense with precision has transformed the Buckeyes’ attack.
Current Heisman odds leaders:
- Cameron Ward (Miami) – 2/1
- Quinn Ewers (Texas) – 3/1
- Will Howard (Ohio State) – 5/1
- TreVeyon Henderson (Georgia) – 8/1
Freshman Phenom Jeremiah Smith Making History
The young receiver continues to rewrite Ohio State’s record books with another stellar performance (7 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD). Through six games, Smith’s numbers are staggering:
- 42 receptions
- 687 receiving yards
- 8 touchdowns
At this pace, Smith could surpass David Boston’s single-season school records for receptions (85) and receiving yards (1,435). His emergence as Howard’s favorite target gives Ohio State an elite weapon as they enter the toughest stretch of their schedule.
What’s Next for Ohio State?
The Buckeyes face Indiana at home in Week 7 before their biggest tests of the season:
- vs Penn State (October 25)
- @ Michigan (November 29)
- Potential Big Ten Championship (December 6)
While Indiana shouldn’t pose much threat, the Buckeyes must avoid looking ahead to their showdown with Penn State. Maintaining focus through the “trap game” portion of the schedule will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
The Big Ten’s Playoff Picture
Ohio State isn’t the only Big Ten team with CFP hopes. Michigan sits at 5-1 after their early loss to Texas, but could re-enter the conversation if they win out. This raises an intriguing question: Could the Big Ten get two teams in the expanded 12-team playoff?
The Buckeyes likely need to remain undefeated to secure a first-round bye in the new format. However, even with one loss, their strong schedule could keep them in the top four. Michigan would need significant help from other conferences to have a shot at an at-large bid.
The Expanded Playoff Landscape
With the new 12-team format, the stakes for every game increase dramatically. Ohio State’s consistency against ranked opponents could prove decisive when the committee makes its final evaluations. The Buckeyes currently have three ranked wins, with opportunities for more against Penn State and Michigan.
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