UCLA vs Ohio State Spread, Prediction & Best Bets

Published: November 15, 2025 at 3:07 pm EST

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) celebrates in the second half of the college football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio State is a whopping 33.5-point favorite to defeat UCLA in Big Ten action Saturday night on NBC
The Buckeyes and Bruins face each other for the first time since September 22nd, 2001.
See below for my UCLA vs Ohio State spread picks, prediction, and best primetime bets for Saturday night.

Yes, we have another Big Ten clash on Saturday, featuring the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0, 7-1-1 ATS) taking on the unranked UCLA Bruins (3-6, 3-6 ATS) in this prime NBC-televised matchup.

The books trust the Buckeyes will take care of business easily and get to 10 wins. That would hand the Bruins a third straight defeat, making Ohio State overwhelming favorites in the College Football odds.

This primetime contest is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET from Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, with NBC providing the coverage.

UCLA vs Ohio State Spread

Teams	Spread	Moneyline	Total
UCLA Bruins	+33.5 (-105)	+2000	O 46.5 (-115)
Ohio State Buckeyes	-33.5 (-115)	-6500	U 46.5 (-105)

Ohio State is now a 33.5-point favorite on the spread for Saturday night CFB, with an updated listed total of 46.5 points. The Buckeyes are commanding -6500 favorites on the moneyline, with UCLA coming back as +2000 underdogs.

A $6500 wager on the favorites would pay out $100, while a $100 bet on the underdogs returns $2000 should they prevail. For the best primetime bets, consider Ohio State to cover the spread as they have mostly rolled against the spread all season (7-1-1 ATS).

As for the National Championship odds, Ohio State is the favorite at +200, while UCLA is off the board. Bluntly, this is the first of two tune-ups for Ohio State as they prepare to face Michigan in two weeks.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 11:00 a.m. ET on Nov. 15. Read our DraftKings Review before wagering on Saturday CFB.

Our SBD model’s initial prediction pointed to the favorites covering the spread and the under points total hitting in the College Football lines. That was when the opening game total stood at 52.5 points.

UCLA vs Ohio State Prediction

Best Bet 1: Ohio State -33.5 (-115)

My UCLA vs Ohio State prediction has the Buckeyes covering the spread, something they have done quite a few times this season as the offense has been starting to roll at the right time.

The Buckeyes’ top-ranked defense (in the Big Ten) will get to face a quarterback taking his first snaps of the season. Ohio State holds opponents to a mere 211.6 yards per game, including 82.9 rushing yards per contest.

Quarterback Luke Duncan in line to get the start for UCLA at Ohio State. https://t.co/ENLb7EDZMC
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) November 15, 2025

QB Julian Sayin has figured out the connection to WR Jeremiah Smith. They have hooked up for ten touchdowns this season. Sayin leads the Big 10 in competition percentage (80.9) and yards per attempt (9.9).

Carnell Tate leads the Big 10 in yards per catch at 18.2. RB Bo Jackson tops the rushing yards at 613 while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Expect the Buckeyes to gouge UCLA through the air and on the ground.

UCLA lost to Indiana by a score of 56-6 recently. Without Nico Iamaleeva, a similar score is very possible on Saturday night.

More UCLA vs Ohio State Best Bets

Ohio State first drive outcome: offensive TD (+120 on FanDuel)
Ohio State -7.5 first quarter spread (+120 on FanDuel)

There are plenty of options and targets for Saturday night in Columbus. Jeremiah Smith to score 2+ touchdowns is +175 right now. Smith and Sayin have been quite the connection, and UCLA’s defense gave up two touchdowns to E.J. Williams. Smith will get open often and potentially wide open.

The Buckeyes’ offensive attack is more than likely to make a statement early. Do not be surprised if the defense tries to get in on the act early. It is a longer shot, but the defense to cause some turnover or stop on downs/safety is +435.

Bettors probably expected the first quarter spread to be a little higher, but 7.5 is a solid number. It is worth the risk. Again, Indiana put up 14 points against UCLA three weeks ago. A similar result is more likely than not. Ohio State is off the board to make the college football playoff, by the way. The Buckeyes should make a statement and send a little message to Michigan.

Quick UCLA vs Ohio State Stat Analysis

With no recent matchups, here are a few more numbers to consider that we may not have mentioned already.

Key Offensive & Defensive Stats (Out of 18 Big Ten Teams)

Category	Ohio State (Rank)	UCLA (Rank)
Total Offense	441.4 YPG (4th)	344.6 YPG (14th)
Passing Offense	286.3 YPG (2nd)	184.3 YPG (15th)
Rushing Offense	155.1 YPG (9th)	160.2 YPG (8th)
Scoring Offense	36.3 PPG (4th)	20.4 PPG (17th)
Total Defense	211.6 YPG (1st)	376.7 YPG (15th)
Passing Defense	128.7 YPG (2nd)	185.6 YPG (8th)
Rushing Defense	82.9 YPG (1st)	191.1 YPG (17th)
Scoring Defense	7.2 PPG (1st)	30.7 PPG (17th)

This pretty much is what most bettors and pundits would expect. Ohio State figures to get win number 10 in the most emphatic way possible on Saturday night based on the numbers and trends.

Chris Wassel

Sports Writer

A journalist veteran for over two decades, Chris has taught the gamut of fantasy hockey sports online from injuries to news to prospects, and more. He has bet on several sports and written sports betting articles about the NBA, MLB, NCAA football, the NFL, and NHL for USA Today.

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