Kick off time for Ohio State: What You Need to Know Before Game Day

So, you're looking for the kick off time for Ohio State. It’s the question that dictates every Saturday in Columbus—and basically across the entire state of Ohio. Whether you’re planning the tailgate menu, timing your walk to the Shoe, or just trying to figure out when to tell the family the TV is off-limits, getting that exact time is the first step of the ritual.

Honestly, it can be a bit of a moving target.

Back in the day, you could almost set your watch by a noon kickoff. Now? Between the Big Ten’s massive media deals with FOX, CBS, and NBC, the schedule is a jigsaw puzzle of "Big Noon Saturday," mid-afternoon national slots, and those high-stakes night games under the lights. If you aren't checking the latest updates, you might find yourself staring at a pre-game show when you thought the ball was already in the air.

When the Buckeyes Actually Start

For the most part, we don't get the official word on the kick off time for Ohio State until about six to twelve days before the game. This drives some fans crazy, but it’s all about the "selection windows" that networks use to make sure the biggest matchups get the best ratings.

Take the upcoming 2026 season opener against Ball State on September 5th. While we know the date, the specific time usually stays under wraps until the summer or early fall. However, looking at the 2025 season that just wrapped up, we saw a heavy dose of noon starts. FOX loves putting Ohio State in that 12:00 PM ET window because "Big Noon Kickoff" has become their flagship. It’s great for the early risers, but it definitely makes for a shorter tailgating window.

If the game is against a major rival like Michigan or a top-tier non-conference opponent like Texas, expect the networks to fight over it. The Texas game on September 12, 2026, is almost certainly going to be a national broadcast. When the Buckeyes traveled to Austin in the past, or when the Longhorns came to Columbus in 2025, those games were massive ratings draws. Those are the ones that either anchor the noon slot or push late into the night.

The Network Factor

Each network has its own "vibe" and preferred time slot:

• FOX: They’ve claimed the 12:00 PM ET slot as their own.
• CBS: Usually looks for the 3:30 PM ET window, giving you that classic afternoon college football feel.
• NBC: This is often where the 7:30 PM ET or 8:00 PM ET night games land, especially now with the "Big Ten Saturday Night" branding.

Basically, if the game is on NBC, you better have your coffee ready because it’s going to be a late one.

Why Kickoff Times Move Around

It’s easy to blame the TV executives—and most people do—but there’s a logic to the madness. The Big Ten expanded, adding teams like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. This changed everything. Now, the conference has to balance East Coast and West Coast viewers.

If Ohio State is playing at USC (which is on the 2026 schedule), the kick off time for Ohio State is likely going to be later in the day for those of us in the Eastern Time Zone. A 4:00 PM start in Los Angeles means a 7:00 PM start in Columbus. It’s a bit of a headache for travel, but it makes for great primetime viewing.

Also, weather can play a role, though rarely. While the Big Ten isn't afraid of a little snow, extreme lightning or severe storms can push a 3:30 PM start to 4:15 PM in a heartbeat. Always keep a weather app handy if you're heading to the stadium.

Planning Your Saturday Around the Game

Knowing the kick off time for Ohio State is only half the battle. If the game starts at noon, the gates at Ohio Stadium usually open two hours prior. That means if you want to see the "Best Damn Band in the Land" perform Skull Session at St. John Arena, you’re looking at a 10:00 AM start time for that tradition.

For a night game? The energy is different. You have all day to build up the hype. The "Walk to the Stadium" happens much later, and the atmosphere around Lane Avenue gets significantly more rowdy.

Quick Checklist for Fans:

1. Check the 12-day window: Most games are announced two Mondays before the matchup.
2. Watch the "6-day" holds: Sometimes networks wait until the very last Sunday to decide.
3. Sync your time zone: If you're traveling from out of state, remember all official schedules are listed in Eastern Time.

The 2026 Outlook

Looking ahead at the 2026 schedule, we have some monster games that will dictate your Saturdays. After Ball State and Texas, the Buckeyes host Kent State before diving into a Big Ten slate that includes Oregon, Michigan, and a trip to the L.A. Coliseum to face USC.

The Oregon game is one everyone has circled. Given the history and the stakes of that matchup, it’s a prime candidate for a night game or a high-profile afternoon slot on CBS. And of course, the Michigan game. That one is a lock. Mark your calendar for late November; it's almost always noon, and it's always the biggest game of the year.

Stay tuned to the official Ohio State Buckeyes website or the major sports networks as the season approaches. The times will start trickling out in late May for the first few weeks of the season, and the rest will be a week-to-week adventure.

Actionable Next Steps:
To make sure you don't miss a single snap, download the official Ohio State Buckeyes app and enable notifications for "Schedule Updates." This is the fastest way to get an alert the second the TV networks finalize the broadcast windows. Additionally, if you are planning to attend an away game, particularly the ones in California, book your flights for Friday and plan for a late Saturday return to account for those West Coast start times.