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Buckeyes and Nittany Lions Primed for Pivotal Big Ten Showdown
6 Aug
Summary
- Ohio State and Penn State ranked 2nd and 3rd in latest coaches poll
- Highly anticipated Week 8 matchup in Columbus could decide Big Ten supremacy
- Penn State seeking to end decade-long drought against the Buckeyes
The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be an exciting one, especially in the Big Ten, where the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions are poised for a showdown.
According to the latest US LBM coaches poll, Ohio State sits at No. 2, while Penn State is right behind them at No. 3. Both teams could have made a case for the coveted top spot, but their Week 8 matchup in Columbus is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of the season. If Texas falters, the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions could very well be the top two teams in the country when they face off.
For Penn State, this game represents a chance to finally break through against their Big Ten rivals. The Nittany Lions' last win over Ohio State was in 2016, the last time they won a conference title. Last year's close call at home was their best opportunity in recent memory, but they ultimately came up short. This year, however, Penn State enters the season with one of the most accomplished rosters in the sport and potentially as the Big Ten favorite.
Meanwhile, Ohio State will have a new face leading their offense in Julian Sayin, who has reportedly struggled in spring practices. However, the Buckeyes still boast the best receiving tandem in the country and an experienced, talented defense. Sayin will be tested early against Texas, but the Penn State matchup is the one that truly matters for Ohio State's playoff aspirations.
