Northwestern Wildcats at Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Big Ten football takes center stage Saturday afternoon when Northwestern travels to Columbus to face Ohio State at Ohio Stadium.

Both teams enter at 6-3 following consecutive losses, making this an important opportunity to regain momentum.

Ohio State suffered a 41-28 defeat against Oregon, while Northwestern fell 24-10 to Iowa.

The biggest storyline involves injuries at quarterback. Ohio State will be without Julian Sayin, while Northwestern will miss Aidan Chiles.

With both teams attempting to strengthen their postseason résumés, Saturday’s matchup carries considerable significance.

Game Information

• Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats at Ohio State Buckeyes
• Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
• Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET
• TV: FOX
• Venue: Ohio Stadium — Columbus, Ohio
• Tickets: As low as $31
• Records: Northwestern 6-3 (3-3 Big Ten) | Ohio State 6-3 (4-2 Big Ten)
• Point Spread: Ohio State -14
• Over/Under: 44.5

Ohio State must win by at least 15 points to cover the 14-point spread. A victory by exactly 14 results in a push.

Northwestern +14 covers with an outright victory or a loss by 13 points or fewer.

The 44.5 total requires at least 45 combined points for the over to win.

Northwestern: Wildcats Looking to Rebound

Northwestern enters Saturday attempting to recover from consecutive defeats against Oregon and Iowa.

Quarterback Aidan Chiles has thrown for 1,898 yards and 13 touchdowns, but an upper-body injury will keep him sidelined.

Replacement Nicco Marchiol completed 24 of 32 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown against Iowa. He also rushed for 52 yards.

Running back Caleb Komolafe leads Northwestern with 643 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Receiver Griffin Wilde provides the Wildcats’ biggest receiving threat, accumulating 813 yards and five touchdowns.

Northwestern averages 421.2 total yards and 31 points per game.

Defensively, the Wildcats allow 19.3 points and 365.4 yards per contest.

Northwestern must establish its rushing attack, protect Marchiol and prevent Ohio State from creating explosive passing opportunities.

Ohio State: Buckeyes Desperate for Victory

Ohio State enters Saturday facing unusual adversity following consecutive defeats against USC and Oregon.

Quarterback Julian Sayin has thrown for 2,007 yards and 19 touchdowns but remains unavailable with an elbow injury.

Freshman Luke Fahey takes over after throwing for 360 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon.

Running back Bo Jackson leads Ohio State with 685 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Receiver Jeremiah Smith remains the Buckeyes’ most dangerous offensive weapon, accumulating 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.

Ohio State averages 467.9 total yards and 35.7 points per game.

Defensively, the Buckeyes surrender just 18.3 points and 287 yards per contest.

However, recent defensive breakdowns have become concerning, particularly against explosive offenses.

Ohio State must establish Jackson, protect Fahey and prevent Northwestern from controlling possession.

Four Prop Bets to Consider

These are suggested betting targets rather than verified sportsbook player-prop lines. College player props vary by sportsbook and jurisdiction.

Prop Bet #1: Jeremiah Smith Over 99.5 Receiving Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Smith Over 99.5 Receiving Yards

• 1,200 Receiving Yards
• 14 Touchdowns
• 133.3 Yards Per Game

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Smith has been one of college football’s most productive receivers, averaging more than 133 yards per contest.

He recorded seven receptions for 133 yards against Oregon.

Northwestern allows approximately 216 passing yards per game, creating opportunities for Smith to generate explosive plays.

Expect Fahey to target Smith frequently.

Prediction: Jeremiah Smith — 118 receiving yards

Prop Bet #2: Bo Jackson Over 69.5 Rushing Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Jackson Over 69.5 Rushing Yards

• 685 Rushing Yards
• 6 Touchdowns
• Northwestern Allows 149 Rushing Yards Per Game

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Jackson could play an increasingly important role with Sayin unavailable.

Northwestern allows approximately 149 rushing yards per contest, presenting a favorable matchup.

Ohio State should emphasize establishing Jackson early to create manageable passing situations for Fahey.

Prediction: Bo Jackson — 86 rushing yards

Prop Bet #3: Griffin Wilde Under 69.5 Receiving Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Wilde Under 69.5 Receiving Yards

• 813 Receiving Yards
• 5 Touchdowns
• Ohio State Allows 189.9 Passing Yards Per Game

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Wilde remains Northwestern’s leading receiver, but Ohio State possesses an outstanding pass defense.

The Buckeyes surrender fewer than 190 passing yards per contest.

With Marchiol replacing Chiles, Northwestern may struggle to generate consistent downfield opportunities.

Prediction: Griffin Wilde — 58 receiving yards

Prop Bet #4: Luke Fahey Over 219.5 Passing Yards

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Fahey Over 219.5 Passing Yards

• 360 Yards Against Oregon
• 5 Season Passing Touchdowns
• Smith as Primary Target

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Fahey demonstrated impressive passing ability against Oregon despite Ohio State’s defeat.

Northwestern’s secondary presents opportunities for the freshman to establish offensive rhythm.

With Smith providing an elite receiving weapon, Fahey could surpass this projected threshold.

Prediction: Luke Fahey — 244 passing yards

Players to Watch

Jeremiah Smith — Ohio State: His explosive receiving ability represents the Buckeyes’ biggest offensive advantage.

Bo Jackson — Ohio State: Establishing the rushing attack will help alleviate pressure on Fahey.

Caleb Komolafe — Northwestern: His production will determine Northwestern’s ability to control possession.

Nicco Marchiol — Northwestern: His decision-making and ability to avoid turnovers will be critical.

Keys to the Game

Ohio State must establish Jackson, protect Fahey and generate explosive opportunities for Smith.

Defensively, the Buckeyes must contain Komolafe and pressure Marchiol into difficult passing situations.

Northwestern must control possession, establish its rushing attack and prevent Ohio State from building an early lead.

Turnovers, third-down conversions and red-zone execution could determine the outcome.

Betting Prediction

Ohio State -14 presents an attractive opportunity considering the Buckeyes’ superior talent, home-field advantage and defensive strength.

However, Northwestern’s disciplined defense could keep the contest competitive.

The 44.5 total offers another interesting decision.

Both teams are missing their starting quarterbacks, potentially limiting offensive efficiency.

Ohio State’s defense should contain Northwestern’s rushing attack while forcing Marchiol into difficult situations.

Best Bet: Ohio State -14

Total Prediction: Under 44.5

The Verdict

Northwestern possesses enough defensive talent to challenge Ohio State early.

However, the Buckeyes’ offensive weapons and home-field advantage should eventually prove decisive.

Expect Jackson to establish the rushing attack while Fahey connects with Smith for several important completions.

Northwestern struggles to generate consistent offense against Ohio State’s defensive front.

The Buckeyes end their losing streak with a convincing home victory.

Final Score Prediction

Ohio State Buckeyes 30, Northwestern Wildcats 10

Picks Summary

Betting Category Pick Best Bet Ohio State -14 Against the Spread Ohio State -14 Moneyline Ohio State Over/Under Under 44.5

Prop #1 Jeremiah Smith Over 99.5 Receiving Yards

Prop #2 Bo Jackson Over 69.5 Rushing Yards

Prop #3 Griffin Wilde Under 69.5 Receiving Yards

Prop #4 Luke Fahey Over 219.5 Passing Yards

Final Prediction: Ohio State 30, Northwestern 10

Ohio State wins by 20 points, covering the 14-point spread. The projected 40 combined points finish under the 44.5 total.

The Buckeyes improve to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in Big Ten play, while Northwestern falls to 6-4.

Ohio State strengthens its postseason résumé with a much-needed victory at Ohio Stadium.