Ohio State vs. Illinois primer: players to watch and what the Buckeyes must fix for Big Ten opener

Ohio State opens Big Ten play at home against Illinois with conference momentum on the line. The Buckeyes enter the matchup coming off a notable loss to Texas that included blowing a 20-point fourth-quarter lead, which reduces their margin for error. The schedule doesn't get easier: a trip to Iowa and games with Indiana and USC loom, so focus in this game matters.

• Collin Dixon (WR): Through three games Dixon has 25 catches for 367 yards and seven touchdowns. He is leading college football in touchdown catches at this point and is close to tying Illinois' single-season receiving touchdown record if he adds three more scores. Stopping Dixon is central to limiting Illinois' offense.

• Matthew Bailey (DB): The defensive captain and veteran tackle leader returns with a track record of production. Bailey made 169 tackles across 2024–25, is second on Illinois this year with 14 tackles, and recently returned an interception 88 yards for a touchdown. He has five career interceptions and four forced fumbles and is on national defensive award watch lists.

• Don't look ahead: Ohio State has several significant games coming. The coaching staff warns against overlooking Illinois, who are well coached and can make a game competitive if the Buckeyes aren't sharp.

• Solve short-yardage struggles: Since early last year, Ohio State has struggled to convert short-yardage situations. Quarterback Julian Sayin tends to get stopped or stumble when asked to push for the final yard, and running backs have sometimes failed to gain those one-to-two yards. The offensive line push or better running-back vision and decisiveness are possible areas to clean up.

If Ohio State wins the trench battle and applies consistent pressure, Illinois' scoring will likely depend on Dixon. If the Buckeyes fail to convert short-yardage chances or look past Illinois, the game could tighten despite talent disparities. Illinois' approach will probably lean on Houser's accuracy getting the ball to Dixon and relying on Bailey on defense to create turnovers.

This game matters beyond just the record. Ohio State needs a clean performance to steady the season after the Texas loss and before tougher opponents arrive. For Illinois, success will hinge on exploiting Ohio State's short-yardage shortcomings and protecting Houser long enough for Dixon to impact the game.