Data projections are loving the Buckeyes: Expert predictions and DraftKings odds for Ohio State vs. Illinois

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin throws a pass against Kent State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)AP Photo/Jay LaPreteBy Michael Rochman | Advance LocalThe Ohio State Buckeyes are back on track following a 59-3 thrashing of Kent State in Week 3. Now, the attention shifts to this Saturday, September 26, 2026 when the team opens Big Ten play hosting the Illinois Fighting Illini. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. EST and the game is set to air on FOX.Illinois is beginning their conference slate as well. The Fighting Illini are 2-1 on the year, but have plenty of firepower on both sides of the football to make this an intriguing matchup this weekend.As kickoff draws closer, we’ve received more updates regarding the injury status of both teams. Illinois’ primary contributors are healthy, but Tywan Cox is probable. Ohio State is expected to be mostly healthy ahead of kickoff, but awaiting the official status of Phillip Daniels and Zion Grady. As a result, the data analysts at Dimers updated their Illinois-Ohio State score prediction after conducting new simulations that took into account every element of matchup data.The results of Dimers’ simulations were compared to updated sportsbook odds to compile the data-driven Illinois-Ohio State preview below.Illinois vs. Ohio State betting previewExplore the interactive widget below to discover the current spread, over/under, and moneyline betting odds and probabilities for the Illinois-Ohio State matchup at Ohio Stadium.This prediction and best bet for Saturday’s CFB matchup between the Fighting Illini and Buckeyes is from Dimers.com, a dependable source for sports betting predictions.Check out all the important details on tonight’s game, as well as the best odds sourced from the top sportsbooks in the country.Game detailsKey information on this Illinois-Ohio State matchup, including where the game is and what time it kicks off.Teams: Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Ohio State BuckeyesDate: Saturday, September 26, 2026Time: 12:00 p.m. ESTLocation: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)NCAAF Standings: Check the latest updates to the official CFB standings.CFB Saturday OddsDraftKings is one of the best platforms to wager on ahead of kickoff. Here is the currently outlook of key markets for the Fighting Illini-Buckeyes CFB Game.Spread: Illinois +27.5 (-115), Ohio State -27.5 (-105)Moneyline: Illinois (+1600), Ohio State (-4000)Total: Over/Under 53.5 (-115/-105)Win probabilityTeamExpert %Illinois Fighting Illini2.9%Ohio State Buckeyes97.1%Expert prediction: Illinois vs. Ohio StateUsing trusted data analysis and machine learning, the experts at Dimers have performed 10,000 simulations of Saturday’s Illinois vs. Ohio State matchup.According to Dimers’ popular predictive analytics model, Ohio State is more likely to beat Illinois at Ohio Stadium. This prediction is based on the model giving the Buckeyes a 97.1% chance of winning the game.Furthermore, Dimers predicts that Ohio State at -27.5 has a 46.4% chance of covering the spread. The over/under total of 53.5 points leans 51.4% toward the over.As always, these predictions and probabilities are accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change.Illinois vs. Ohio State best betOur top pick for Saturday’s game is to bet on Over 53.5 points (-115). With around a 51.4% probability, it offers good confidence to capitalize on ahead of the showdown.This betting advice is formulated through world-class modeling and valuable betting intelligence, designed to help you make more informed investments.Win prediction for Fighting Illini vs.BuckeyesDimers’ predicted final score for the Ohio State vs. Illinois game on Saturday has the Buckeyes winning 40-14.This expert prediction is based on each team’s average outcome following 10,000 game simulations, offering a glimpse into the potential outcome.CFB Saturday: Buckeyes vs. Fighting IlliniGet ready for Saturday’s Week 4 CFB clash between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium, kicking off at 12:00 PM EST. This matchup is the first of the Buckeyes nine-game conference slate. While the team is heavily favored, this is a good first test to help establish momentum in the Big Ten.Illinois is 2-1 this season with a loss to Duke and wins against UAB and Souther Illinois. Headlining the team is the QB-WR duo of Katin Houser and Collin Dixon who have combined for 367 yards and seven touchdowns this year.CFB picks and prediction market props add an enjoyable dimension to the biggest weekend on the American sports calendar.All CFB predictions in this article are derived from 10,000 data-driven simulations of the Buckeyes vs. Fighting Illini matchup and are accurate at the time of publishing. It is important to gamble responsibly and seek trustworthy sources for the latest and most accurate information when making online betting choices.CFB Prediction market sign-up bonusesFighting Illini and Buckeyes fans across the US can use prediction markets to trade on the CFB opener as an alternative to standard betting. Here are the top options and available promo codes for new users:PlatformCFB Eligible?August Sign-Up BonusVerified Promo CodesPolymarketYes$20CUSE, MASS, OREGON, SILIVEKalshiYes$25SYRACUSE, OREGONLIVE1, MASSLIVE1, SILIVEPolymarket is a prediction market platform, not a sportsbook. Users trade positions on event outcomes using real funds. Must be 18+ and eligible under applicable law. Trading involves risk. Prices reflect the market at time of writing and are subject to change. All times listed are EDT.New Polymarket promo code “CLEVE” updates $50 referral promo in time for Falcons vs. Packers TNF tonightKalshi extends $55 promo code “CLEVELAND55” for Guardians-Red Sox, MLB ThursdayExperts release updated Browns vs. Panthers predictions after Tampa Bay upsetPolymarket, Kalshi and Novig update “sign-up codes” for Thursday Night FootballNovig announces new $25 promo code “CLEVELAND” for SeptemberLearn more about our gaming editorial staff.If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. 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