Big Ten Championship 2025: Ohio State vs Indiana Odds, Preview, Prediction

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Big Ten Championship 2025: Ohio State vs Indiana Odds, Preview, Prediction

The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes face the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers in a historic Big Ten Championship clash on December 6, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, both entering undefeated at 12-0 overall and 9-0 in conference play. Ohio State opens as a 6.5-point favorite with a moneyline around -225, while the total sits at 48.5 points, setting up a playoff preview with massive implications for the top seed. This first-ever No. 1 vs. No. 2 Big Ten title game could decide the conference crown and national playoff positioning.​

Game Details and Broadcast

Kickoff occurs Saturday, December 6, at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast live on FOX from the neutral-site Lucas Oil Stadium. Both teams punched their tickets with dominant wins last week: Ohio State topped Michigan 27-9, while Indiana crushed Purdue 56-3 to cap a perfect regular season. Ohio State seeks its seventh Big Ten title game win, holding a 5-1 all-time record in the event, while Indiana makes its debut appearance.​

Fans can bet via top sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel, where early lines favor the Buckeyes despite the Hoosiers' home-state advantage. Check live odds for shifts as the week progresses.​

Team Season Overviews

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State boasts the nation's top defense, allowing just 203 yards per game overall, 121.3 passing, and 81.7 rushing, while scoring a league-best 7.8 points against. Offensively, they average 37.0 points and 438.5 yards per game, ranking high in total offense at 6.85 yards per play. The Buckeyes went 12-0, including wins over ranked Texas, Illinois, and Michigan, with a perfect 9-0 Big Ten mark.​

They excel in time of possession (33:53 per game, 3rd nationally) and third-down defense (27.3% opponent conversion, 2nd in FBS). Ohio State is 9-2 against the spread this season, the best cover rate in college football.​

Indiana Hoosiers

Under coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana exploded offensively, leading the Big Ten with 44.3 points per game and 483.8 total yards, including 229.8 rushing (9th nationally). Their defense ranks 4th in yards allowed (251.8 per game) and 2nd in points (10.9), with the top run defense at 79.3 yards permitted. Key wins included a 30-20 upset of No. 3 Oregon and a 63-10 rout of No. 9 Illinois.​

The Hoosiers lead FBS in turnover margin (+17) and rank 3rd in fewest penalty yards (26.8 per game). They sit 7-5 ATS, showing solid betting value as underdogs.​

Head-to-Head History

Ohio State dominates the all-time series with 31 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie against Indiana since 1989, including a 30-game winning streak. Last year, the Buckeyes won 38-15, ending Indiana's perfect season bid. Recent margins have been lopsided: 54-7 in 2021 and 56-14 in 2022. This neutral-site matchup gives Indiana a shot at revenge, but history heavily favors OSU.​

Star Players to Watch

Quarterback Battle: Sayin vs. Mendoza

Ohio State's Julian Sayin has thrown for over 3,000 yards, 30+ TDs, and just 5 INTs at a 78.9% completion rate, anchoring the pass game with 267 yards per contest. He's a Heisman contender with multiple 300-yard, no-pick games.​

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman favorite, posted 2,758-3,049 yards, 32-37 TDs, and 5 INTs at 71.88-72% completion, adding rushing prowess. His efficiency shines against top defenses, like 5 TDs vs. Illinois.​

Key Skill Positions

• Ohio State: RB Bo Jackson (952 yards, 5 TDs), WR Jeremiah Smith (942 yards, 11 TDs), WR Carnell Tate (active in Michigan win with 82 yards, 1 TD).​

• Indiana: RB Roman Hemby (866 yards, 6 TDs, 152 yards vs. Purdue), WR Omar Cooper Jr. (828 yards, 11 TDs), WR Davion Chandler (65-yard TD last game).​

Both defenses thrive on third downs (OSU 2nd, IU 4th nationally), setting up a low-scoring chess match.​

Big Ten Championship Legacy

Since 2011, Ohio State ties for most appearances (6) and holds strong success. Recent winners: Oregon over Penn State (2024, 45-37), Michigan multiple times. Indiana's first trip marks program history, only their second perfect regular season since 1980. A Buckeyes win repeats as champs; Hoosiers victory stuns the sport.​

Year	Winner	Loser	Score
2024	Oregon	Penn State	45-37 ​
2023	Michigan	Iowa	26-0 ​
2022	Michigan	Purdue	43-22 ​
2021	Michigan	Iowa	42-3 ​
2020	Ohio State	Northwestern	22-10 ​

Betting Odds Breakdown

Bet Type	Ohio State	Indiana
Spread	-6.5 (-105) ​	+6.5 (-115) ​
Moneyline	-225 ​	+184 ​
Total	O 48.5 (-105) ​	U 48.5 (-115) ​

Lines opened at 5.5-6.5, reflecting OSU's defense and history. Indiana's +184 ML offers upset value near home.​

Prediction and Pick

Ohio State's elite defense (1st in yards allowed at 203 per game) should stifle Indiana's attack, mirroring their stingy 7.8 points allowed. While the Hoosiers' offense hums (44.3 PPG), OSU's 9-1-1 ATS edge and series dominance tip the scales. Pick: Ohio State -6.5. Expect a 28-17 Buckeyes win, securing the No. 1 playoff seed.​