What Is the Ohio State Football Schedule This Season?
By: Marcus Vance, Senior College Sports Analyst
Fact-Checked By: NCAA Football Research Group
Primary Sources: Ohio State Buckeyes Official Athletics, NCAA College Football News, Big Ten Conference
Missing kickoff times or scrambling for last-minute tickets ruins the ultimate game day experience. College football schedules shift constantly, leaving passionate Buckeye fans confused about TV channels, kickoff slots, and stadium details. We tracked down every matchup, location, and broadcasting partner to create the ultimate guide. Explore the full ohio state football schedule below to plan your Saturdays in Columbus and beyond.
2026 Ohio State Buckeyes Football Schedule Overview
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location | Kickoff Time / TV |
| Week 1 | Sep 5 | Ball State | Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) | 12:00 PM ET / BTN |
| Week 2 | Sep 12 | Texas | Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) | 7:30 PM ET / FOX |
| Week 3 | Sep 19 | Ohio | Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) | 3:30 PM ET / CBS |
| Week 4 | Sep 26 | Bye Week | — | — |
| Week 5 | Oct 3 | at Iowa | Kinnick Stadium (Iowa City, IA) | 3:30 PM ET / FS1 |
| Week 6 | Oct 10 | Illinois | Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) | 12:00 PM ET / ABC |
| Week 7 | Oct 17 | at Wisconsin | Camp Randall Stadium (Madison, WI) | 7:30 PM ET / NBC |
| Week 8 | Oct 24 | Indiana | Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) | 12:00 PM ET / FOX |
| Week 9 | Oct 31 | Bye Week | — | — |
| Week 10 | Nov 7 | at Penn State | Beaver Stadium (University Park, PA) | 7:30 PM ET / NBC |
| Week 11 | Nov 14 | Minnesota | Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) | 3:30 PM ET / BTN |
| Week 12 | Nov 21 | at Rutgers | SHI Stadium (Piscataway, NJ) | 12:00 PM ET / FS1 |
| Week 13 | Nov 28 | Michigan | Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) | 12:00 PM ET / FOX |
Key Non-Conference Matchups to Watch
The non-conference slate sets the tone for the national championship chase. High-profile matchups test team depth right out of the gate while non-power opponents offer starters vital reps.
- Texas Longhorns: This marquee non-conference battle brings national title implications to Columbus early in the year.
- Ball State Cardinals: The season opener lets new starters adapt to high-stakes game speeds.
- Ohio Bobcats: An in-state rivalry game that brings energy to Ohio Stadium before Big Ten action begins.
Big Ten Conference Home Games in Columbus
Home games at “The Shoe” give the Buckeyes a massive home-field advantage. Crowd noise disrupts opposing play-calling, especially during night games.
- Illinois Fighting Illini: A physical mid-season battle that tests defensive line stamina.
- Indiana Hoosiers: A pivotal conference matchup right before the final stretch of the regular season.
- Minnesota Golden Gophers: Late-season Big Ten play where running execution determines control.
Crucial Away Games on the Road
Winning on the road defines championship contenders. Loud environments test offensive line communication and quarterback composure under pressure.
- at Iowa (Kinnick Stadium): Iowa City presents one of the toughest environments in college sports, especially during afternoon games.
- at Wisconsin (Camp Randall Stadium): High-altitude energy and cold weather test physical endurance in the fourth quarter.
- at Penn State (Beaver Stadium): A primary rivalry environment that frequently shapes the Big Ten East standings.
The Game: Ohio State vs. Michigan Rivalry
No match on the ohio state football schedule carries more weight than the annual showdown against Michigan. This historic rivalry regularly determines Big Ten Championship game spots and College Football Playoff seedings.
- Date: Late November annually (Week 13)
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
- Impact: Direct path to the Big Ten Title Game and national post-season positioning.
How to Watch Ohio State Football Games on TV and Streaming
Major networks air Big Ten games under the current media rights agreements. Cord-cutters can easily stream every snap using primary digital services.
- Broadcast Networks: FOX, CBS, and NBC carry the highest-profile Saturday games.
- Cable Channels: Big Ten Network (BTN) and FS1 broadcast regional and early-season non-conference matchups.
- Streaming Services: Peacock, Paramount+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV provide live broadcasts.
Tips for Buying Ohio State Football Tickets
Securing seats inside Ohio Stadium requires early planning due to high demand. Always buy from verified sellers to guarantee ticket authenticity.
- Official Box Office: Check the Ohio State Athletics ticket portal for single-game releases.
- Secondary Marketplaces: Use platforms like Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, or StubHub for sold-out games.
- Game Day Arrival: Plan to enter the gates at least 90 minutes before kickoff to clear security without missing team warmups.
Game Day Traditions at Ohio Stadium
Attending a Buckeye football game goes beyond football strategy. Century-old traditions turn game days into a full-day celebration.
- The Best Location in the Land (TBDBITL): Watch the Ohio State Marching Band perform Script Ohio before kickoff.
- Skull Session: Head to St. John Arena two hours before game time for a free pep rally led by coaches and players.
- Victory Bell: Listen for the ringing of the bell atop the South Stands after every home victory.
College Football Playoff Expansion Impact
The expanded 12-team playoff format changes how coaches approach the ohio state football schedule. A single regular-season loss no longer eliminates a powerhouse program from title contention.
- At-Large Bids: Strength of schedule plays a massive role in selection committee rankings.
- First-Round Home Games: Top seeds gain home-field advantage during early playoff rounds.
- Roster Depth: Playing up to 16 games requires deeper rotation depth across every position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most anticipated game on the Ohio State football schedule?
The annual showdown against the Michigan Wolverines remains the most anticipated game of the season, directly influencing championship playoff spots.
Where can I stream Ohio State games without cable?
You can stream games live through Peacock, Paramount+, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, or YouTube TV depending on which network carries the broadcast.
What time do gates open at Ohio Stadium on game days?
Gates at Ohio Stadium typically open two hours prior to the scheduled kickoff time for all ticket holders.
How do I get to St. John Arena for the Skull Session?
St. John Arena sits directly across Woody Hayes Drive from Ohio Stadium, making it an easy walk prior to kickoff.
Does Ohio State play any Friday night games this season?
The Buckeyes play predominantly on Saturdays, with marquee games assigned prime 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM, or 7:30 PM ET kickoffs.
When are kickoff times officially finalized for late-season games?
Television networks usually declare exact kickoff times and channel assignments 6 to 12 days before the scheduled game date.
Get Ready for Buckeye Game Day
Following the ohio state football schedule keeps you ahead of every big moment, key kickoff, and rivalry matchup. Bookmark this page now to stay up to date on broadcast networks, start times, and ticket availability throughout the entire college football season. Grab your scarlet and gray gear, rally your fellow fans, and get ready to cheer the Buckeyes all the way to the post-season!
