The Nebraska Cornhuskers take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.
Ohio State is favored by 3 points on the spread with a moneyline of -160. The total is set at 156 points.
Here are my Nebraska vs. Ohio State predictions and college basketball picks for January 5, 2026.
Nebraska vs Ohio State Prediction
My Pick: Ohio State ML -140
My Nebraska vs Ohio State best bet is on the Buckeyes to win outright. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Nebraska vs. Ohio State Odds, Spread
| Nebraska Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 156 -110o / -110u | +135 |
| Ohio State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 156 -110o / -110u | -160 |
- Nebraska vs Ohio State spread: Ohio State -3
- Nebraska vs Ohio State over/under: 156 points
- Nebraska vs Ohio State moneyline: Nebraska +135, Ohio State -160
Nebraska vs Ohio State NCAAB Betting Preview
Nebraska Basketball
The situational angle is where this really comes together. Nebraska just played its biggest game of the season and won it at home, with all the energy and emotion that comes with knocking off a top-10 opponent.
Now the Huskers have to travel, reset mentally and play an Ohio State team that’s been quietly efficient on both ends.
That’s a classic letdown spot, and Ohio State is exactly the type of opponent that can capitalize because it doesn’t rely on chaos or extreme shooting variance.
Ohio State has shown it can hang with the big boys, and it's only a matter of time before the Huskers have a massive letdown.
Ohio State Basketball
This is one of those games where the line, given the matchup and the situation, looks almost too tempting. Nebraska is undefeated and riding high after a big home win over a top-10 Michigan State team, which is going to grab the attention of casual bettors.
However, college basketball seasons are long, and teams often slip right after an emotional win, especially when the next game is on the road against a disciplined opponent. Ohio State is exactly the kind of team that can take advantage.
From a pure basketball perspective, Ohio State’s offense is built in a way that travels and holds up against good defenses.
The Buckeyes are 23rd in adjusted offensive efficiency, and that number isn’t propped up by one hot shooting night or a soft schedule – it’s the result of consistently good shot quality.
Everything starts with superstar guard Bruce Thornton, who’s been the calm, steady presence Ohio State needs. He’s averaging roughly 17 points and five assists per game, and more importantly, he controls the pace.
Thornton is excellent at getting downhill without forcing things, and that’s a big reason Ohio State is converting an elite 62.2% of its 2-point attempts. That inside scoring matters because Nebraska’s defense has been excellent inside. Ohio State is going to need that elite scoring to make a difference.
Ohio State can take advantage in several ways. Devin Royal has become a real scoring threat on the wing, giving the Buckeyes another player who can attack the basket.
As a result, Ohio State gets to the free-throw line often, which is especially helpful at home. Those free throws slow down the game, help the offense and can generate cheap points against a tough Huskers’ defense.
On defense, Ohio State matches up well with Nebraska’s style. The Cornhuskers like to shoot from the outside, which is where the Buckeyes have limited their opponents thus far.
Nebraska vs. Ohio State Betting Analysis
Ohio State is comfortable playing a controlled style, keeping turnovers low and making opponents work for every possession. That’s tough for any team coming off an emotional win and heading into a challenging road game.
I love Ohio State in this spot, and the Buckeyes are one of my favorite plays of the upcoming week.
My Pick: Ohio State ML -140
