The much-anticipated 2025 Rose Bowl is set to showcase the No. 1 seeded Oregon Ducks (13-0) squaring off against the No. 8 seeded Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2) on January 1st at 5 p.m. ET, held at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. This College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup not only reflects the pinnacle of collegiate competitiveness but also revives historical echoes of past clashes between these two formidable programs.
The road to the Rose Bowl has been as exhilarating as it is intense for both squads. Oregon, having secured its top seed with an undefeated season, enters this contest on the heels of dominating performances, including their recent victory over Penn State with a score of 45-37. Led by their Heisman finalist quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has amassed impressive statistics this season with 28 passing touchdowns and over 3,500 yards, the Ducks have proven to be more than capable of handling high-pressure situations.
Ohio State, on the other hand, bounced back from their disappointing regular season finale loss to Michigan, which marked the only blemish on their record and contributed to their No. 8 ranking. Their recent 42-17 triumph over the Tennessee Volunteers showcased the Buckeyes' explosive offensive capabilities, particularly through the prowess of quarterback Will Howard and freshman sensation wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Howard, who enjoyed ample protection, orchestrated the offense with ease, allowing Smith to contribute significantly with multiple touchdown receptions.
This matchup serves as both a rematch and another chapter between the Ducks and Buckeyes. The teams previously met this season on October 12, where Oregon narrowly edged out Ohio State, winning 32-31. That game was tightly contested, coming down to the wire, with Oregon’s Gabriel throwing for three total touchdowns and connecting with Evan Stewart for key plays throughout. The Buckeyes were left heartbroken as the game clock ran out just before they could set up for what could have been a game-winning field goal attempt.
Historically, Ohio State has had mixed success against Oregon. The Buckeyes tasted victory against the Ducks when they won the Rose Bowl back in 1957, claiming their first national championship under legendary coach Woody Hayes. More recently, the two faced off again for the national championship title during the 2014 season, where Ohio State triumphed decisively 42-20, led by running back Ezekiel Elliott’s dominant 246-yard performance.
Heading to the next Rose Bowl, the stakes are high, with Oregon not only aiming to remain undefeated but also seeking to assert their dominance against the Buckeyes, all the more so after last fall's victory. Betting odds reflect those sentiments, with Ohio State slightly favored by 2.5 points, indicating expectations of a closely contested battle. This nuance sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most thrilling games of the New Year.
With the over/under set at 53.5 points, experts and fans alike are speculating not just who will win, but how each team's defensive strategies will measure up against their rival's dynamic offenses. Ohio State’s defense will need to tighten up against Oregon’s high-octane scoring, which dominated many games this season, including significant wins over ranked competitors like Michigan and Wisconsin.
The anticipation builds as the countdown to kickoff begins. The 2025 Rose Bowl is not just another game; it stands as both a decisive playoff matchup and as part of the rich history between two powerhouse programs. Fans, players, and alumni will converge on Pasadena eager to witness what promises to be another classic duel between the Oregon Ducks and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
