When tradition meets ambition, sparks fly — and this Saturday, November 15, 2025, all eyes will be on the Rose Bowl as the Ohio State Buckeyes travel west to face the UCLA Bruins in what could be one of the most defining matchups of the college football season.

With Ohio State fighting to keep its playoff dreams alive and UCLA seeking redemption in front of its home crowd, this clash under the California sun promises everything fans crave — passion, precision, and plenty of playoff implications.

📺 How to Watch

Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT

Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California

TV Broadcast: ABC (National)

Streaming: ESPN+, FuboTV, Hulu Live, and the ABC app (with valid cable login)

Radio: 97.1 The Fan (Columbus) / AM 570 LA Sports

For fans on the go, live updates and commentary will also be available on the official Ohio State Football X (formerly Twitter) account, along with post-game interviews and highlights uploaded to the team’s YouTube channel immediately following the final whistle.

🌟 The Stakes: Playoff Pressure vs. Pac-12 Pride

For Ohio State, this isn’t just another game — it’s a statement. Sitting at 9–1 and coming off a gritty win over Illinois, the Buckeyes are in must-win territory to keep pace in the College Football Playoff rankings. A loss here could derail what has been a meticulously built season under head coach Ryan Day, who knows the road to the playoff runs through November discipline.

UCLA, meanwhile, enters the game at 7–3, fueled by a mix of youthful energy and veteran leadership. Under head coach Chip Kelly, the Bruins’ offense has found its rhythm late in the season, averaging over 34 points in their last four outings. With bowl eligibility secured, they now turn their sights on something bigger: toppling a national powerhouse in front of 90,000 screaming fans at home.

“This game is about pride,” Kelly said during Tuesday’s media session. “We know who we are, and we know who they are. It’s time to prove that West Coast football still hits hard.”

🏈 Key Storylines to Watch

1. Julian Sayin’s composure under pressure

The Ohio State freshman phenom has already become one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football. With over 2,900 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions, Sayin has exceeded expectations in his first full season as a starter.

Facing UCLA’s aggressive front seven, led by linebacker Laiatu Latu, will test both his accuracy and his nerves. Sayin’s ability to handle blitz packages and maintain poise in the pocket could determine whether Ohio State’s offense thrives or stumbles.

“Julian plays with maturity beyond his years,” Ryan Day said this week. “But this atmosphere will be different — loud, emotional, and unpredictable. That’s where great quarterbacks separate themselves.”

2. The battle in the trenches

UCLA’s defensive line ranks top-10 nationally in sacks, while Ohio State’s offensive line — anchored by left tackle Josh Simmons — has allowed the fewest quarterback hits in the Big Ten. Whoever controls the line of scrimmage will likely control the game’s tempo.

Expect to see Day mix in quick slants, screens, and RPOs early to neutralize UCLA’s pass rush, while running back TreVeyon Henderson looks to break through a defense that has occasionally struggled against explosive runs.

3. Bruins’ dual-threat quarterback challenge

UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers has quietly pieced together an impressive season — particularly with his mobility. Garbers has thrown for over 2,100 yards and rushed for another 400, making him one of the Pac-12’s most versatile playmakers.

Ohio State’s linebackers, led by Tommy Eichenberg, will need to maintain disciplined containment and avoid over-pursuing, a mistake that Garbers has punished repeatedly this season.

🔥 Players to Watch

• Julian Sayin (QB, Ohio State) – Freshman sensation with elite accuracy, capable of turning broken plays into touchdowns.

• Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State) – The Buckeyes’ deep-threat specialist, known for clutch catches in tight coverage.

• TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State) – A powerful runner who adds balance to an otherwise pass-heavy offense.

• Laiatu Latu (LB, UCLA) – The Bruins’ defensive leader, with 9.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss this season.

• Carson Steele (RB, UCLA) – A bruising back who thrives in short-yardage situations and keeps the chains moving.

🧠 Strategic Breakdown

Ohio State Offense vs. UCLA Defense:

Expect Ohio State to lean on tempo and quick reads to wear down UCLA’s front. The Bruins’ 3-4 defense is aggressive but occasionally vulnerable to misdirection plays. Sayin’s timing with Egbuka and tight end Cade Stover could exploit mismatches in the secondary.

UCLA Offense vs. Ohio State Defense:

Chip Kelly will aim to stretch the field horizontally with jet sweeps and motion before attacking the middle with play-action passes. The Buckeyes’ secondary, led by cornerback Denzel Burke, has been excellent all year, allowing fewer than 170 passing yards per game.

If Garbers can scramble effectively and keep Ohio State’s defense guessing, UCLA could make this game far closer than many expect.

💬 What They’re Saying

Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach:

“We respect UCLA. They play physical football and they don’t back down. But our focus is execution — every drive, every snap.”

Chip Kelly, UCLA head coach:

“People keep talking about their playoff run. We’re just talking about Saturday. That’s all that matters to us — 60 minutes to shock the world.”

Julian Sayin, Ohio State quarterback:

“I grew up watching games in the Rose Bowl. To play there wearing the Buckeye uniform — it’s something you dream about. But dreams don’t mean much if you don’t finish strong.”

📊 Prediction and Analysis

On paper, Ohio State has the advantage in depth, talent, and momentum. Their defense is top-five nationally in points allowed, and their offense has shown remarkable consistency under pressure. UCLA, though, holds the element of surprise and home-field advantage — two things that have historically rattled even elite programs.

If UCLA can force turnovers and turn the game into a shootout, the Rose Bowl could witness a thriller. But if Ohio State’s offensive line holds and Sayin finds his rhythm early, it’s hard to see the Buckeyes faltering.

Predicted Final Score:

Ohio State 34 – UCLA 24

🏆 Why This Game Matters

For the Buckeyes, this is about keeping the College Football Playoff dream alive — and proving that their young quarterback can lead under pressure. For UCLA, it’s about reclaiming pride and proving the Pac-12 still has a voice in national contention.

Win or lose, this Saturday’s showdown symbolizes everything fans love about college football: the noise, the nerves, the narratives — and the undeniable belief that on any given Saturday, anything can happen.

So grab your scarlet and gray — or your blue and gold — and get ready.

Because when Ohio State and UCLA collide under the California lights, it won’t just be a game.

It’ll be a story worth watching.