Game Preview: Ohio State vs Washington

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Through three games, Ohio State has flexed both sides of its identity — the grit and toughness that outlasted then-No. 1 Texas at home, and the explosiveness that poured on points in lopsided wins over Grambling and Ohio. At 3-0, the Buckeyes enter Week 5 ranked No. 1 in both polls, but the tone shifts dramatically this weekend. The bye is over, and Big Ten play begins in one of college football’s most hostile environments: Husky Stadium in Seattle.

The challenge? Facing a Washington team that has started 3-0 behind one of the nation’s most balanced and efficient offenses. The Huskies are scoring nearly 56 points per game, running for more than 250 yards per contest, and boasting a quarterback who hasn’t thrown an interception yet. It’s a different kind of test for Ryan Day’s team — one that will demand poise, precision, and control in a stadium known as the “The Greatest Setting in College Football.”

Ryan Day knows exactly what awaits: “This is a disciplined, confident team. Their quarterback makes great decisions, their backs run hard, and they’ll put stress on you with tempo. We know the crowd will be a factor too, so it’s about execution, communication, and making plays when they matter most.”

Saturday afternoon on the West Coast won’t just be about survival — it’s a chance for Ohio State to prove it can carry the No. 1 mantle on the road in Big Ten play.

Know The Opponent:

Head Coach: Jedd Fisch (2nd Season)
2025 Record: 3-0
Conference: Big Ten
Location: Seattle, WA

Ohio State Preview

Quarterback Julian Sayin has been everything Ryan Day hoped for when he handed him the reins as a true freshman. In three starts, Sayin has thrown for 779 yards on 78.9% passing with 8 touchdowns and just 1 interception. Against Ohio, he looked in complete command, hitting Jeremiah Smith nine times for 153 yards and two scores while adding a 25-yard rushing touchdown himself.

His chemistry with Jeremiah Smith has already become one of the nation’s most feared connections. Smith has 20 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns through three games. Carnell Tate continues to emerge as a dangerous second option, while tight ends Will Kacmarek and Jelani Thurman are carving out roles in the red zone.

On the ground, the Buckeyes are spreading the wealth. Bo Jackson is averaging an absurd 12.1 yards per carry, including a 109-yard game against Ohio. Veterans CJ Donaldson and James Peoples provide steady, physical running that wears defenses down over four quarters.

Defensively, coordinator Matt Patricia has built the nation’s stingiest unit. Ohio State is allowing just 5.3 points per game, hasn’t given up a red-zone score all season, and is holding opponents under 230 total yards per contest. Safety Caleb Downs has anchored the secondary with range and discipline, while linebacker Arvell Reese leads the team in tackles. Edge pressure from Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. has helped control pockets without over-committing.

Washington Preview

The Huskies may no longer have the star-studded passing attack of the Michael Penix Jr. era, but the new version under Jedd Fisch is arguably more balanced. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has been electric — throwing for 778 yards and six touchdowns on 73.5% completions while also rushing for 220 yards and two scores. His ability to extend plays and punish defenses outside the pocket has been the biggest storyline of Washington’s start.

The ground game is punishing. Jonah Coleman leads the way with 347 rushing yards and nine touchdowns already, while also providing versatility as a pass-catcher (150 receiving yards). Williams and Coleman together give Washington a one-two punch that keeps defenses honest.

On the outside, Denzel Boston (16 receptions, 249 yards, three TDs) has emerged as the go-to weapon. At 6’4”, he presents a size and matchup problem for any corner. The offensive line has also been excellent, allowing Washington to convert a nation-best 75% of third downs.

Defensively, Washington has allowed just 18.3 points per game while holding opponents to 62.7 rushing yards per contest. Their front has been disruptive, but their secondary has shown cracks — something Julian Sayin and Ohio State’s receivers will look to exploit if the run game forces them into man coverage.

Buckeye Spotlight

Julian Sayin. The freshman has thrived in the comfort of the Horseshoe, but this is his first true road start. How he handles the noise, adjusts protections, and avoids turnovers will determine whether Ohio State can stay in control or let Washington feed off momentum.

Husky Spotlight

Demond Williams Jr. Washington’s dual-threat quarterback is the most dangerous player on the field for the Huskies. His ability to extend drives with his legs and take shots downfield will test Ohio State’s discipline at every level of the defense.

Water Cooler Stat of the Game

0. Through three games, Ohio State has not allowed a single red-zone score. Washington, on the other hand, has scored touchdowns on 72% of its red-zone trips. Something has to give.

Prediction

This matchup has all the ingredients for a classic — a No. 1 team on the road, a raucous environment, and two quarterbacks at very different stages of their careers trying to control the game. Washington will stress Ohio State early with Williams’ mobility and Coleman’s power running, and the Husky crowd will make things difficult for Sayin and the offensive line in the opening quarter.

But the Buckeyes have too much talent and depth. The combination of Sayin’s efficiency, Smith’s explosiveness, and a defense that has been dominant against both the run and pass should eventually wear Washington down. Expect the Huskies to land some punches and keep it close into the second half, but Ohio State’s ability to finish drives with touchdowns will be the difference.

Ohio State 34 – Washington 20

Photo Credit: The Seattle Times

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