Ohio St. Buckeyes vs Iowa Hawkeyes Predictions October 3, 2026
Ohio State will beat Iowa, with a projected score of Ohio State 31, Iowa 17. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith's passing production against Illinois gives the Buckeyes the stronger offensive case. Neither Ohio State -14 (-108) nor the total of 44.5 offers a convincing betting edge once Iowa's defensive history and uneven offensive output enter the calculation. The official recommendation is Pass.
Ohio St. Buckeyes vs Iowa Hawkeyes prediction and best bet
Ohio State gets the pick because its latest offensive performance offers the clearest route to sustained scoring. The Buckeyes beat Illinois 42-19 on September 26, producing 518 yards. Iowa won 20-19 at Michigan that day, but finished with 285 yards and needed a touchdown on the final play. Those performances favor Ohio State, although they came against different opponents.
The best betting decision is Pass. Iowa's comeback gives the Hawkeyes a credible way to threaten a two-touchdown margin, while their limited rushing production complicates an Over bet. Ohio State 31, Iowa 17 is the forecast; neither the spread nor total earns an official wager.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Kickoff: Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET and 2:30 p.m. CT. This is a 2026 college football matchup.
Venue: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa. Broadcast: CBS.
Records: Ohio State is 3-1; Iowa is 4-0 overall and 1-0 in Big Ten play following September 26.
SportsJaw moneyline: Ohio State -625; Iowa +475.
SportsJaw spread: Ohio State -14 (-108); Iowa +14 (-110).
SportsJaw total: Over 44.5 (-110); Under 44.5 (-110). Ohio State makes its first Big Ten road appearance of the season.