If you’re scrambling to find the remote or scrolling through your streaming guide because you can't figure out what channel is the ohio state game on saturday, take a breath. You haven't missed the tip-off yet, but you're cutting it close. The Buckeyes are back at the Schottenstein Center today, January 17, 2026, for a massive Big Ten showdown against UCLA.
Honestly, the TV schedule for college sports has become such a maze lately with all the conference realignments and streaming-exclusive deals that it's okay to feel a bit lost. But for this specific matchup, things are actually pretty straightforward.
Where to Watch the Buckeyes Take on the Bruins
Today’s game is being broadcast nationally on CBS.
You don't need a niche sports package or a confusing login for this one. If you have a set of rabbit ears (an antenna) or a basic cable package, you’re good to go. The game is scheduled to tip off at 1:00 p.m. ET.
The A-Team is on the Call
One of the coolest things about this specific Saturday broadcast is the crew CBS is sending to Columbus. We’re getting the heavy hitters. Ian Eagle will be handling the play-by-play duties, and the legendary Bill Raftery will be provide the analysis. Expect plenty of "Onions!" and "With a kiss!" throughout the afternoon.
💡 You might also like: Juan Carlos Gabriel de Anda: Why the Controversial Sportscaster Still Matters
If you’re stuck in the car or just prefer the old-school feel of the radio, the Ohio State Radio Network from Learfield has you covered. Paul Keels and Ron Stokes are the voices you’re looking for there.
Streaming Options if You’re Not Near a TV
Maybe you’ve cut the cord. I get it. If you’re trying to watch the game on your phone or laptop, you’ve basically got two main paths:
- Paramount+: Since this is a CBS broadcast, subscribers to Paramount+ (specifically the Essential or With Showtime plans) can stream the game live.
- Live TV Streaming Services: If you use YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or DirecTV Stream, you just need to find your local CBS affiliate in the channel lineup.
Just a heads-up: if you’re trying to use the Big Ten Network (BTN) app or Peacock for this specific game, you’re going to be disappointed. While those platforms carry a ton of Buckeye games, CBS has the exclusive rights for this Saturday window.
Why This Game is Actually a Big Deal
This isn't just another January game. This is the new-look Big Ten in full effect. It still feels kinda weird seeing UCLA come to Columbus for a conference game, doesn't it? Historically, these two programs haven't met much in the regular season. In fact, this is only the second time in history that UCLA has played at Ohio State. The last time? You have to go all the way back to 1968.
📖 Related: Ja Morant Height: Why the NBA Star Looks Bigger Than He Actually Is
Back then, Lew Alcindor (who you probably know as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) led a top-ranked Bruins team to a win in Columbus. Today, the stakes are different, but the intensity is just as high. Both teams are hovering in the middle of the Big Ten standings, and a win here is vital for NCAA Tournament seeding.
Players to Keep an Eye On
You’re going to hear a lot about Bruce Thornton today. He’s the engine that makes the Buckeyes go. When he's aggressive and getting to the rim, Ohio State is a completely different team.
On the other side, UCLA's Tyler Bilodeau has been a problem for defenses lately. He’s got that smooth mid-range game that's hard to stop. If the Buckeyes can't close out on him, it's going to be a long afternoon for the home crowd.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
People often assume that every "big" Ohio State game ends up on FOX because of their Big Ten ties, or they assume everything is moving to Peacock. While it's true that the Big Ten has a massive deal with those networks, CBS still owns these premier Saturday afternoon windows.
👉 See also: Hulk Hogan Lifting Andre the Giant: What Really Happened at WrestleMania III
It’s easy to get confused when the football team plays on one channel and the basketball team plays on another, but for January 17, CBS is your home.
Practical Steps for Game Day
- Check your signal: If you’re using an antenna, do a quick scan now to make sure CBS is coming in clear.
- Sync your apps: If you're streaming via Paramount+, log in a few minutes early to handle any "session expired" nonsense.
- Set the DVR: If you’re heading out, the game is listed as "NCAA Men's Basketball: UCLA at Ohio State."
- Pregame: Tune in about 15 minutes early to catch the local pregame show and some of the national "Inside College Basketball" coverage on CBS.
Make sure you have your snacks ready by 1:00 p.m. ET. With Eagle and Raftery on the mic and the Schottenstein Center likely rocking, this should be one of the best games of the weekend.
Next Steps for Buckeye Fans:
To stay ahead of the next game, bookmark the official Ohio State Athletics schedule page. Because the Big Ten's media rights are split between CBS, NBC/Peacock, and FOX/BTN, the channel changes almost every week. Checking the "Media" tab 48 hours before tip-off is the only foolproof way to know exactly where to tune in.