Yesterday, we ranked Ohio State’s games in order or importance to the 2024 season. Today, we are going to take a look and rank the toughest games for the Buckeyes in terms of win percentage as well as other intangibles that could prevent them from going undefeated in the regular season. The matchup predictor is based on the ESPN analytics as of August 21, 2024.

12 – Akron – August 31 | Week 1

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 98.7%
The Buckeyes should not have any issues handling their in-state opponent in the season opener. The talent discrepancy between these two teams is a mismatch, and the Buckeyes should make easy work of the Zips.

11 – Western Michigan – September 7 | Week 2

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 98.2%
For the second straight week, the Buckeyes will host a MAC team, and for the second straight week, this should not be a competition. Ohio State should be able to play its second and third string in the second half.

10 – Marshall – September 21 | Week 4

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 96.4%
The Thundering Herd will present more of a challenge the Ohio State’s first two opponents, but there is a reason why a lot of people consider these games the “preseason” games. No disrespect to the non-conference opponents, but they are there to help Ohio State work through their new system and quarterback, while getting opportunities to play its depth.

9 – Purdue – November 9 | Week 11

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 96.4%
The Boilermakers should be a bit more formidable than they were last year against the Buckeyes, but Ohio State should be able to still play the backups later in the game, and maintain some level of rest the week after they play Penn State.

8 – Northwestern – November 16 | Week 12

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 87.8%
Northwestern is coming off of a decent season last year, but wont have the horsepower to keep up with Ohio State. Additionally, the weather in Chicago and a a different playing field experience might be enough to present its own challenge.

7 – Indiana – November 23 | Week 13

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 94.6%
It is hard to know what Indiana will look like with a new head coach, but this game is played right before The Game, so the Buckeyes will be focused to make sure they dont stumble beforehand.

6 – Nebraska – September 28 | Week 5

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 91.4%
This will be the first time since 2021 where the Buckeyes will  get a chance to play the Cornhuskers, and face against Dylan Raiola. 

5 – Michigan State – September 28 | Week 5

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 91.5%
The first road game of the season comes at a time where Ohio State is getting through its non-conference plate, and travel to a Michigan State team with a new head coach and looking to flip the script on last season. Michigan State has some good players returning that can make this interesting.

4 – Iowa – October 5 | Week 6

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 87.0%
The biggest test for the Buckeyes is facing against arguably the best defense they will play all season outside of Michigan, and their own in practice. The biggest pressure will be this is the last warm up game before Oregon, and staying healthy.

3 – Michigan – November 30 | Week 14

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 74.2%
The Buckeyes have been the favorite againt the Wolverines two of the last three seasons, and arguably had the better team every year, but fell short every year. They return 4 starters from last years National Championship team, so there is more unknowns but we know the Wolverines will give the Bucks their best shot.

2 – Penn State – November 2 | Week 10

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Ohio State 50.8%
Every year, these two teams are always in a clash of very close games. With Ohio State traveling to Penn State we know that the crowd is going to be behind the home team and give everything they can to try and spoil the Buckeyes perfect season.

1 – Oregon – October 12 | Week 7

ESPN Matchup Predictor – Oregon 65.5%
Mark this game on your calendars as a must watch game. These are two the best teams in the Big Ten this season and Oregon is warning to make sure they leave a mark and earn a top victory to start the season. This is the only game all year that Ohio State is not favored in the projections so they will need to bring everything they can to beat the Ducks at their home.

Photo Credit: Emilee Chinn | Getty Images