Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day shakes hands with Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema following the Buckeyes' 34-16 win in the NCAA football game at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.

On October 11, 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini with a score of 34-16 at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign. After the NCAA football game, head coach Ryan Day shook hands with Illinois head coach Bret Bielema. Bielema possesses prior experience within the SEC, having spent five seasons as the coach of Arkansas. The event highlighted the victory for the Buckeyes and the professional background of the opposing coach.