Ball State at Ohio State Predictions & Picks
Ohio State are tipped to cover a huge spread as they make light work of Ball State.
This loaded Buckeyes offense will almost certainly be too hot for the Cardinals to handle, and we do not see this re-tooled defense having many problems shutting down the visitors.
- Ohio State are 38-1 in their last 39 season openers
- Ohio State have won their last 6 meetings with MAC teams by an average of 51.5 points
- Ball State were 2-5-0 ATS on the road last season
- The Over cashed in Ohio State’s only other game as a 50+ point favorite under Ryan Day
Head To Head
- This is the first ever meeting between the two schools
Ball State Form
Ball State enter the 2026 campaign looking to make more of an impact in the MAC conference this time around.
The Cardinals managed just four wins across the 2025 season, while winning just three of their eight conference games.
They kicked off their MAC campaign with a 20-14 win over Ohio, and then rebounded from a 42-0 shutout loss to Western Michigan with a 42-28 success against Akron.
Ball State again failed to build on a victory as they lost 21-7 to Northern Illinois, and although they responded quickly by beating Kent State 17-13, that proved to be their final win of the season.
The Cardinals ended the campaign by losing 24-9 to Eastern Michigan, 38-9 in Toledo and 45-24 at Miami Ohio.
Ohio State Form
Ohio State come into the new season with their sights set on Big Ten and National Championship glory.
The Buckeyes opened last season by knocking off number one-ranked Texas, and that proved to be the start of a 12-game win streak.
They reeled off commanding victory after commanding victory during that tear, and won the latest instalment of their rivalry with Michigan, 27-9, on the road.
However, Ohio State’s momentum – and offense – was brought to a shuddering halt in the Big Ten Championship Game, as they lost 13-10 to Indiana.
The Buckeyes then fell at the first hurdle in the College Football Playoffs, as they were beaten 24-14 by Miami FL in the Cotton Bowl.