No. 1 Ohio State travels to face undefeated Washington in marquee nonconference showdown
Washington aims to pull off upset as underdog against the defending champions in a high-profile clash
Washington hosts No. 1 Ohio State in a marquee nonconference game Saturday, as undefeated Washington looks to add a signature win to its 3-0 start. Ohio State rolled Texas 14-7 in Week 1, but has not faced a stiff opponent since. Washington counters with a dynamic offense led by sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who has thrown for 778 yards with a 73.5% completion rate and added 220 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns. OSU's defense enters this game rated among the nation's best, ranking second in SP+ overall, which will challenge Washington across every drive. Williams' combination of accuracy and mobility could test the Buckeyes' secondary and force adjustments on multiple plays.
On offense, Ohio State has shown bursts from freshman Bo Jackson in the backfield and a mixed outing from Julian Sayin, the true freshman quarterback. Sayin produced a strong performance against Grambling and a solid effort against Texas, but he also had some uneven moments in a later outing. The Buckeyes may lean into a more run-heavy approach to keep the clock moving and control the tempo, especially against a Washington defense that ranks as the 33rd-best unit in SP+ overall. If OSU can establish the ground game and protect the ball, it can blunt Williams' tempo; if not, Washington could win more time of possession and create explosive plays through Williams and his receivers. The betting market has Washington as an underdog for the matchup, with Washington +8.5 on the spread at FanDuel.
In a broader context, Washington is 3-0 but not widely respected in the national rankings, as its early-season wins over Colorado State, UC Davis and Washington State haven't produced the marquee resume many observers want to see. An upset of the defending national champions would fuel a renewed conversation about the Huskies' trajectory, reviving discussions about their 2023 form and whether they are back among the top programs in the country. The game's location in a charged atmosphere—likely a hostile environment for the Buckeyes—adds another variable to the contest.
From Ohio State's perspective, the defense's strength provides a baseline, but questions remain about the offense's consistency against high-level competition. If Sayin can limit mistakes and find rhythm with explosive plays from his receiving corps, the Buckeyes will be hard to slow. Washington's own schedule through three games has built confidence, but the team will need to sustain drives and avoid turnovers to keep Ohio State's offense off the field. This clash of styles and tempo is the centerpiece of the early college football season, with implications for perception and potential playoff positioning depending on the result.
