Ohio Football to Open 2025 Season Against Rutgers in Big Ten Network Matchup
ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio Bobcats will kick off their 2025 football season wiht a road contest against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Thursday, August 28th, at SHI Stadium. The game, slated for a 6:00 PM ET start, will be broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network, featuring commentary from Jason Horowitz, Brock Vereen, and Caroline Hendershot.
The matchup marks the fourth meeting between the two programs, with previous contests held in 1937, 2006, and 2011. Ohio secured a 13-0 victory in 1937 under Coach Don Peden, but dropped the subsequent two games during the tenure of Frank Solich. the 2011 game featured standout performances from Bobcats who would go on to set program records, including quarterback Tyler Tettleton – who still holds Ohio’s single-season and career records for passing yards, attempts, completions, and touchdowns – and receivers La’Von Brazill and Donte’ Foster, both ranking among the program’s all-time leading pass catchers.
Rutgers Under Schiano Aiming to Continue Momentum
Rutgers, led by Head Coach Greg Schiano, is preparing for his 17th season with the scarlet Knights, where he’s accumulated a program-best 94 wins. Schiano guided Rutgers to consecutive bowl appearances in 2023 and 2024, a feat not achieved since 2009.
The Scarlet Knights will look to senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis to lead the offense. Kaliakmanis, entering his second season with Rutgers, started all 13 games in 2024, throwing for 2,696 yards with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was the only Big ten quarterback to attempt every passing play for his team last season.Defensively,Rutgers returns key contributors including Jordan Walker,a 2024 sack leader with four sacks and seven tackles for loss,and Dariel Djabome,the team’s leading tackler who earned Third team All-Big Ten honors and a Second Team All-big Ten selection from Phil Steele magazine for 2025.
Additional players recognized by Phil Steele with Preseason All-Big ten selections include offensive lineman Kwabena Asamoah, running back CJ Campbell Jr., wide receiver DT Sheffield, and defensive lineman Eric Oneil – all earning fourth-team honors.
Rutgers concluded the 2024 season with a 7-6 record, falling to Kansas State 44-41 in the Rate Bowl.
Ohio fans can also follow the game and the team throughout the season on the Ohio Sports Network from Learfield, presented by Holzer Health System. Veteran broadcaster Marty Bannister will handle play-by-play duties, alongside color analyst Rob Cornelius, who has been a fixture on Bobcat broadcasts for over two decades.
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