Five Bold Predictions For Ohio State vs. Illinois

Bold predictions are a fun way to keep attention on a game that could otherwise be incredibly boring. For some, actually betting on random props helps them. For us, let’s just stick to writing about them here for Last Word. Last week, we weren’t able to get the bold predictions for Ohio State vs. Kent State out due to how hectic life has been (full-time stay-at-home dad to a two-year-old, renovating a house, managing Last Word on NFL, calling five high school soccer games in four days for radio, etc., etc., etc.), but we did utilize the old Tweet machine.

As a result, we finally got one right. Our season total looks a lot like this author’s batting stats in his senior year of high school. But we keep chugging on!

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Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Jake Cook celebrates a touchdown by running back Bo Jackson (25) during the NCAA football game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 19, 2026.

With how the Ohio State offensive line has played through the first three games – fine; not horrible, but not elite – not allowing a sack in any game would certainly qualify as a bold prediction. Against Ball State, Julian Sayin was sacked twice. Against Texas, he was sacked twice. Last week, that number was just one sack, but five sacks through three games (two of which against two of the worst MAC programs) is not ideal.

As of the Thursday evening availability report, starting right tackle Phillip Daniels is still questionable to appear in this matchup. As a result, the Buckeyes will likely go with Austin Siereveld at right tackle again, with Gabe VanSickle at right guard.

Last year, the Illini pass rush was one guy. That one guy is in the NFL. In Illinois’s three games, it has recorded just three sacks, with one coming in each game. Only amassing one sack against Duke is what it is; only getting one sack against Southern Illinois (FCS) should be concerning for the Illini.

In the matchup last season, Sayin was not sacked on 27 pass attempts.

The ground game in Columbus has fallen short of expectations to this point. Bo Jackson leads the rushing attack with 230 yards and two touchdowns on 39 attempts. Oddly enough, Ja’Kobi Jackson has taken over that goal-line sniper role and leads the team with four touchdowns. Of course, he also leads the room with 7.1 yards per carry.

Jackson has not gone over 100 yards yet this year. This is mostly due to the fact that he has only one run for 18 yards or more. Against Ball State, he took off for a 65-yard touchdown. Against Texas, his longest run was 11 yards. Last week, that long was just 17 yards.

Naturally, the fanbase has been nostalgic for the times of TreVeyon Henderson, J.K. Dobbins, and Ezekiel Elliott, who could score from anywhere on the field. At the same time, the Fringe™ has been clamoring for Legend Bey (who has two snaps over the last two games).

Jackson still doesn’t have that track star speed, but he was able to make it work with his vision and ability to make guys miss. That hasn’t been the case as much this year. He needs a big game at some point, so why not this week?

Over the first two weeks, we predicted Jay Timmons would get an interception. We went oh-for-two. However, in the wake of that, two linebackers secured interceptions. TJ Alford made the play in Week 1, while Riley Pettijohn came down with an interception last week.

This week, it’ll be more of the same. Katin Houser is going to have to throw the ball, both because Ohio State should be in control of the game and because the Buckeyes’ run defense has been quite good. As a result, there will be plenty of opportunities for Alford, Pettijohn, Payton Pierce, and Christian Alliegro.

At the same time, Devin Sanchez has another solid test this week in the form of Collin Dixon. The Illini leading receiver leads the nation with seven receiving touchdowns, so the script will focus on him. If Sanchez is able to step up, that means Houser will have to check down and look in the middle of the field for his second and third options. That opens things up for the linebackers.

This prediction is bold on a number of fronts. First, Qua Russaw hasn’t done anything with the Buckeyes just yet. Second, Ohio State has only forced two fumbles, and neither was a fumble by the quarterback. Third, the Buckeye defense has only recorded four sacks (two from the defensive line). Why not try to buck all of those trends?

Russaw was a big name the Buckeyes nabbed in the transfer portal. At Alabama, Russaw saw a moderate amount of time, and transferred to Ohio State with two sacks under his belt. He was held out of the Week 1 win, but over the last two weeks, he’s earned 59 snaps. With those 59 snaps, Russaw has managed three tackles and one tackle for loss. That’s not exactly the level of contributions the Buckeyes are looking for at that position.

We’ve mentioned this before, but the defensive end/EDGE group needs someone to step up. Gone are the days of Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Joey Bosa. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is the leader of the group, with his one sack thus far, and Epi Sitanilei has the other. That’s it.

Russaw is a solid player, and he may not have been 100% against Texas and/or Kent State. Against Illinois, he has a great opportunity to make an impact.

The Illinois defense isn’t the best that Ohio State will face, but it’s not awful. The Illini will likely get a stop or two on the day. Now, whether that is due to them making the play or because Ohio State can’t get out of its own way on third or fourth down is another question. However, that means if a drive stalls, Ryan Day will turn to his kicker to get some points.

Last year, Ohio State attempted two field goals and made both (41 yards and 26 yards). Of course, one of the drives that ended in a punt stalled at the Illinois 41-yard line. Jayden Fielding didn’t have that kind of leg; Connor Hawkins does. He could make a 56-yard field goal if asked.

Last year, as a member of the Baylor Bears’ program, Hawkins hit three of his four 50+ yard attempts. His long on the year was from 54, so trying to hit a 56-yarder would be a stretch.

Either way, unless the Buckeyes are able to fix those third-down issues, Hawkins should have a couple of opportunities to make an impact. Maybe it’ll get the Ohio State fans off his back after missing one of his four kicks against Texas.

Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
History: Ohio State 69-30-4 Illinois (2010 win vacated)
Last Matchup: Ohio State won, 34-16, in 2025
Last Illinois Win: 28-21 in 2007
Date and Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: FOX
Spread: Ohio State -27.5; O/U 54.5 (via FanDuel)

Prediction: Kicking off the Big Ten slate with a bang has to be on the minds of Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. A four-touchdown spread is impressive, but Ohio State is 3-0 ATS at this point (barely). Vegas knows what the Buckeyes are. Let’s go with Ohio State winning this one and retaining the famed Illibuck, 45-10.

Main Image: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images