Ohio State Football Faces New Challenge: Grambling State Joins 2025 Schedule
In a significant scheduling update, Ohio State has replaced its previously scheduled game against the University of Connecticut (UConn) with a matchup against Grambling State University for the 2025 football season. This change introduces a new challenge for the Buckeyes as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Schedule Update: UConn Out, Grambling State In
Originally, Ohio State was set to host UConn on October 18, 2025. However, both institutions mutually agreed to cancel this game. In its place, the Buckeyes have added a home game against Grambling State on September 6, 2025. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Grambling State: A Historic Opponent
Grambling State, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and competes at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. The Tigers are one of the most storied programs in HBCU football history, boasting 27 SWAC championships and 16 Black College National Championships. This matchup will be Grambling State’s first game against a Big Ten opponent, marking a historic occasion for both teams.
Ohio State’s 2025 Non-Conference Schedule
With the addition of Grambling State, Ohio State’s non-conference schedule for the 2025 season is as follows:
- August 30: vs. Texas
- September 6: vs. Grambling State
- September 13: vs. Ohio
This schedule provides the Buckeyes with a diverse set of opponents, including a high-profile game against Texas to open the season. The inclusion of Grambling State adds a unique matchup, highlighting Ohio State’s commitment to broadening its football horizons and engaging with programs from various backgrounds.
Implications for Ohio State
The change in schedule presents both opportunities and challenges for Ohio State. The game against Grambling State offers a chance to showcase the program’s national reach and commitment to diversity in its scheduling. Additionally, the cancellation of the UConn game could provide the Buckeyes with a bye week during the Big Ten conference slate, potentially offering a strategic advantage as they navigate the rigors of conference play.
As Ohio State prepares for the 2025 season, the addition of Grambling State to the schedule underscores the program’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach to scheduling, ensuring that each season brings new and exciting challenges to the gridiron.
