The Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines have the greatest football rivalry in sports. But what fans and gamblers overlook is that the basketball version of this rivalry is heated, intense, and often played for high stakes. Michigan is ahead of Ohio State in the Big Ten standings. But the Buckeyes are showing college basketball betting odds improvement under second-year head coach Jake Diebler.
On Friday night, the Buckeyes and Wolverines are the showcase game on FOX. Nothing would be a bigger statement about Ohio State’s return to Big Ten basketball prominence than an upset win over the Wolverines. Of great concern to gamblers is the status of Michigan’s top player, Yazel Lendeborg. Lendeborg is trying to play through a bruised calf and is a game-time decision. Certainly, beating Michigan will be a tall order for Ohio State, but covering the big number is possible.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Wolverines NCAAB Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Friday, January 23, 2026, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Ohio State at Michigan Betting Odds Analysis
The Buckeyes will be an enhanced value given Michigan’s megabrand and its well-publicized success. In turn, Michigan has lost betting value recently due to excessive notoriety and attention from the casual sector.
Ohio State Buckeyes Team Overview
The Ohio State Buckeyes are 13-5 straight up, 8-10 against the spread, and 9-9 over/under the online betting total. Late on, Ohio State has covered three out of its last four games. The Buckeyes have gone under the total in three of their previous five matchups.
Overall, Ohio State ranks 101st in scoring offense, 21st in field goal percentage, 178th in 3-point field goal percentage, 4th in free throw percentage, and 228th in offensive rebounding. On defense, the Buckeyes rank 99th in scoring defense, 72nd in field goal percentage allowed, 39th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 29th in defensive rebounding.
Michigan Wolverines Team Overview
The Michigan Wolverines are 17-1 straight up, 9-9 against the spread, and 7-11 over/under the college basketball total. Late on, Michigan has covered one out of its last six games. The Wolverines have gone under the total in five of its previous six matchups.
In sum, Michigan ranks 7th in scoring offense, 8th in field goal percentage, 105th in 3-point field goal percentage, 155th in free throw percentage, and 12th in offensive rebounding. On defense, the Buckeyes rank 40th in scoring defense, 2nd in field goal percentage allowed, 42nd in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 60th in defensive rebounding.
Ohio State at Michigan Betting Trends
Specifically, Michigan covered the spread in eight of its last 12 home games against Ohio State. The Buckeyes and Wolverines have gone under the total in six of their last eight games at Michigan. Michigan covered the spread in four of its last five games overall against Ohio State. And then only one of the last five meetings between the Buckeyes and Wolverines went under the total.
Ohio State covered the spread in only three of its last ten away games. Ohio State went under the total in four of its last six away games. Late on, Michigan covered the spread in five of its last six home games. The Wolverines went under the total in three of their last five home games.
Ohio State at Michigan SBG Free Picks
Michigan has the better, deeper team, with superior metrics. It is true that the Michigan price is high, but justified based on the matchup. Ohio State is not in Michigan’s class. Finally, Michigan has controlled the payout window in home games with Ohio State.
Ohio State at Michigan SBG Best Bet: Michigan Wolverines.