Everything You Need To Know For The Rose Bowl
By 750 THE GAME STAFF
The 2025 Rose Bowl promises to be an epic clash between two college football powerhouses as the undefeated Oregon Ducks face the Ohio State Buckeyes, with a trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship on the line. Scheduled for January 1 at 2:00 p.m. PST at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, this game is primed to be a thrilling showcase of high-powered offenses and elite quarterback play. Ohio State enters the game as a 2.5-point favorite, despite Oregon being the only remaining undefeated team in the nation.
Oregon’s Perfect Season on the Line
Oregon (13-0) has been one of the most dominant teams in college football this season, and they are aiming to cap off a perfect season with a victory in the Rose Bowl. The Ducks’ high-flying offense has been led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, whose playmaking ability has been nothing short of spectacular. In Oregon’s thrilling 32-31 win over Ohio State at Autzen Stadium earlier this season, Gabriel passed for 341 yards and 2 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead the Ducks through intense, high-scoring affairs.
While the Ducks’ season has been flawless, they face a formidable opponent in Ohio State, who will be looking for revenge after the narrow loss earlier in the year.
Ohio State’s Road to Redemption
Ohio State (12-1) enters the Rose Bowl with confidence, following a dominant 45-20 victory over Tennessee in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes’ offense, led by quarterback Will Howard, has been firing on all cylinders, and Howard is determined to avenge his earlier-season loss to Oregon. In that game, Howard threw for 326 yards and 2 touchdowns, but his efforts were narrowly outshone by Gabriel’s explosive performance.
Howard, who has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, will need to continue his exceptional play in the postseason if Ohio State is to advance to the national championship. With a group of talented playmakers, the Buckeyes’ offense can strike quickly and put pressure on opposing defenses.
The First Meeting: A Classic
The first meeting between these two teams in the 2024 regular season was one of the most exciting games of the year, with Oregon narrowly edging Ohio State 32-31 in a nail-biting finish. The game featured an impressive display of offensive fireworks, with Gabriel and Howard both playing at a high level. While Gabriel’s efficiency ultimately gave Oregon the edge, Ohio State’s ability to put up big yardage through the air and keep the game close showed that the Buckeyes are more than capable of winning in a shootout.
This rematch promises to be just as thrilling, with both teams adjusting their strategies based on what they learned in the first matchup. For Oregon, the key will be containing Ohio State’s explosive playmakers and continuing to play with the balance that has defined their season. For Ohio State, improving the defense against Gabriel’s arm and legs, while ensuring they continue to score in bunches, will be critical.
The Road Ahead: National Championship on the Line
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. The winner of the 2025 Rose Bowl will advance to face the winner of the Texas vs. Arizona State game in the College Football Playoff. Both Oregon and Ohio State have national title aspirations, and a victory in this iconic bowl game will be the next step toward securing a championship.
For Oregon, the Rose Bowl represents a chance to finish what has been a historic season and prove that their undefeated record was no fluke. For Ohio State, it’s an opportunity to avenge a painful loss and put themselves back in the hunt for a national title.
Don’t miss the action—tune in to watch these two juggernauts battle for a spot in the national championship on New Year’s Day at 2:00 p.m. PST from Pasadena.