Ohio State Buckeyes vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/02/26

Ohio State enters this Big Ten matchup 9-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play, boasting one of the league’s top offenses at around 86.3 points per game. The Buckeyes are led by sharpshooter Bruce Thorton (21.0 PPG), who shoots over 44% from three while contributing inside scoring, supported by John Mobley Jr. (14.3 PPG) and Devin Royal (14.0 PPG) for balanced production across positions. While Ohio State can score in transition and via perimeter shooting, inconsistent contributions from role players and occasional cold stretches from deep can cap its offensive output. Defensively, the Buckeyes allow around 71 points per game, leaving room for competitive, lower scoring matchups when they face methodical opponents.

Rutgers comes in at 7-6 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play with a slow, controlled style that limits scoring but emphasizes rebounding and ball control. The Scarlet Knights average about 68.7 PPG, led by Dylan Grant (14.4 PPG) and Tariq Francis (13.6 PPG), and rely on half-court execution to manage possessions. While Rutgers’ defense is solid, it hasn’t forced opponents into high-paced scoring consistently, and its offense tends to stall if perimeter shots aren’t falling. Historical meetings suggest Rutgers can keep games competitive but rarely turns them into high scoring affairs.

Ohio State vs Rutgers Prediction: Under 150.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to that number

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