Look, I get it. Trying to figure out how to watch Buckeyes game used to be simple. You’d turn on ABC at noon, maybe flip to the Big Ten Network if things got weird, and that was basically your entire Saturday. Not anymore.
The world changed. If you’re a die-hard Ohio State fan, you’ve probably realized by now that the old "set it and forget it" cable strategy is dead. Between the new Big Ten media rights deal and the rise of "streaming exclusives," watching CJ Stroud’s successors or the latest basketball squad feels more like solving a Rubik's cube.
We are currently in the thick of the 2025-26 season. If you missed the Cotton Bowl on December 31st against Miami, you missed a heartbreaker on ESPN. But looking ahead to the rest of the winter and the 2026 calendar, the rules are different. You need a plan.
Where is the Game? Navigating the Big Ten Media Jungle
The Big Ten recently signed a massive, multi-billion dollar agreement with FOX, CBS, and NBC. This is why your Saturday routine feels so fragmented. FOX still loves the "Big Noon" slot, so if the Buckeyes are playing a high-stakes conference game, there's a 90% chance you're looking for FOX.
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But here is the catch.
NBC is now a massive player. They have the "Big Ten Saturday Night" window. If the game is at the 'Shoe under the lights, you'll likely need NBC. Then there's CBS, which took over the mid-afternoon 3:30 PM ET window. It’s a literal relay race across your remote.
The Peacock Problem
I’m just going to be honest: you probably need Peacock. Some fans hate it. Some find it convenient. Regardless of how you feel, the reality is that NBC keeps certain games—both football and basketball—exclusively on their streaming platform. For the 2025-26 basketball season, games like the matchup against Rutgers (Jan 2) and Washington (Jan 11) were tucked away on Peacock.
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If you don't have it, you're staring at a blank screen.
How to Watch Buckeyes Game Without a 2-Year Contract
Cable is expensive. We know this. If you’ve cut the cord, your best bets for 100% coverage are "Live TV" streaming services. You need a service that carries local channels (ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC) plus the cable-only networks like the Big Ten Network (BTN) and FS1.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is often the gold standard for Buckeyes fans because it bundles the Big Ten Network and local channels with Disney+ and ESPN+. Since many bowl games and CFP matchups live on ESPN, this covers almost every base.
- YouTube TV: Very similar to Hulu. It has a great interface and usually includes all the locals plus BTN. It’s reliable, though it lacks the "built-in" Peacock or Paramount+ subscriptions.
- Fubo: Great for sports addicts, though sometimes they have disputes with local affiliates. Make sure your local FOX and NBC are active in your zip code before signing up.
- Sling TV: Kinda the budget option. You’ll need the "Blue" package for FS1 and potentially a digital antenna for your locals if they aren't included in your market.
Wait, what about the radio? If you're stuck in the car or just prefer the legendary calls of Paul Keels, 97.1 The Fan is still the home of the Buckeyes. You can usually stream the audio through the Ohio State Buckeyes app or the station's website for free.
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Basketball and Other Sports: The B1G+ Factor
If you’re trying to watch Buckeyes game action for sports like wrestling, baseball, or early-season basketball, the "B1G+" app is your destination. Don't confuse this with the Big Ten Network you see on cable.
B1G+ is a standalone subscription. It carries the games that aren't "big" enough for national TV. If your niece is on the soccer team or you want to see a mid-week non-conference hoops game, this is usually the only place to find it. Honestly, it's a bit of a niche buy, but for the "Total Buckeye," it’s mandatory.
Real-World Example: The 2026 January Slump
Right now, in mid-January 2026, the focus is squarely on the hardwood. The men's team is navigating a brutal Big Ten schedule. You'll find them jumping between Peacock, FS1, and BTN. For instance, the game at Penn State on March 4th is already slated for Peacock. If you wait until tip-off to realize that, you'll be scrambling to enter your credit card info while the Buckeyes are already down by ten.
Actionable Steps for the "Always Ready" Fan
Stop guessing every Saturday morning. Here is exactly what you should do to ensure you never miss a kickoff or tip-off:
- Check the "Official" Schedule: Always bookmark the Ohio State Athletics page. They list the TV provider as soon as it's confirmed (usually 6-12 days before the game).
- Audit Your Subs: If you have YouTube TV but no Peacock, you aren't fully covered. Pick up a Peacock subscription for the months of September–March, then cancel it in the summer to save cash.
- Get a Backup Antenna: If the internet goes down or your streaming service has a blackout, a $20 digital antenna from a big-box store will get you FOX, ABC, CBS, and NBC in HD for free.
- Download the App: The "Ohio State Buckeyes" app has live audio. It’s the perfect fallback when you're at a wedding or a grocery store and need to hear the crowd roar.
Watching the Buckeyes isn't just a hobby in Ohio; it’s a lifestyle. While the new TV deals have made it more complex, a little preparation ensures you’re never left in the dark when the band starts playing "Across the Field."