Ohio State vs. Ball State Buckeyes Wire staff predictions for Week 1

There's no better time of the year in Columbus, Ohio, than college football season, and after a long wait and a loss by Ohio State to Miami (FL) in the College Football Playoff , the Buckeyes are ready to get back on the field when they host Ball State at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in the 'Shoe.

The oddsmakers -- heck, almost anyone without a Ball State degree (and even most with one) believe this one will be over shortly after scarlet and gray colors step off the bus. The Cardinals are traveling from Indiana to take on the preseason No. 1 team , and there is talent oozing out of all corners of the Ohio State roster.

But the game must be played, and so we'll keep an eye on several things as we get to see this year's Buckeye squad for the first time in 2026. For years now, we like to have our Buckeyes Wire writers take turns predicting the score of each OSU game with a little synopsis of what things will look like, so here we go with Week 1.

Ohio State hasn't lost a season-opening game since it lost to Miami (FL) back in 1999. Consider that streak very safe against a Ball State team that is coming off of a very rough year and just doesn't have the athletes and depth to compete with the talent the Buckeyes have.

There might be a little rust for OSU, but the players and coaches will shake it off early enough and score in bunches on the way to a blowout win. It'll be a great time to get some depth pieces in the game and rest the starters for what's coming next week against Texas .

Score Prediction: Ohio State 52, Ball State 7

The Buckeyes get a tune-up game before heading to Austin. Never overlook an opponent, but Ball State is one of the bottom dwellers of the Mid-American Conference. The forecast is calling for rain, which may be the only thing that can slow down the OSU offensive attack. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, a little weather won't be enough as the Buckeyes roll.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, Ball State 3

Ohio State enters the game on Saturday with sky-high expectations once again as the No. 1 team in the country. Ryan Day may want the Buckeyes to get to a strong and early lead so they can let their younger players get snaps in preparation for the top-5 showdown the following week in Austin.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 49, Ball State 3

It's the start of a new season, and there's a lot of optimism around what this Ohio State team can be. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are the obvious storylines, but this could arguably be one of OSU's most talented rosters top to bottom in the last few years. There are a lot of young and promising stars who will look to build on successful early-season performances. Because of that, and the fact that it's Senior Day, I expect nothing short of a terrific outing from the Buckeyes. Things may take a bit longer to click offensively with new OC Arthur Smith , but the excitement level is there. Slow start into a dominant overall performance. Ohio State rolls.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 56, Ball State 6

Ohio State vs. Ball State prediction summary

Phil Harrison | Ohio State 52, Ball State 7

Mark Russell | Ohio State 42, Ball State 3

Sunny Verma | Ohio State 49, Ball State 3

Alec Lasley | Ohio State 56, Ball State 6

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