Finding out what channel ohio state football game on has become a bit of a weekend ritual for anyone living in the 614 or basically anywhere that bleeds scarlet and gray. It used to be simple. You’d flip to ABC or maybe the Big Ten Network and call it a day. But honestly? The 2026 season looks more like a digital scavenger hunt than a traditional TV schedule.
If you're looking for the game right now, the first thing you need to know is that the 2025 season just wrapped up with a tough loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl. We're currently in that weird "offseason" lull, but the 2026 schedule is already locked in. The Buckeyes kick things off on September 5, 2026, against Ball State.
The 2026 Ohio State TV Landscape
Because of the massive Big Ten media rights deal, the "what channel" question depends entirely on who the Buckeyes are playing and when. FOX is still the big player here. They love that "Big Noon Kickoff" slot. If it's a massive conference game or the regular-season finale against Michigan, there’s a 99% chance you’re looking for FOX.
But there’s a catch.
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NBC and CBS are now deeply embedded in the rotation. You've got the Saturday Night Prime games on NBC, which usually look fantastic under the lights at the Shoe. CBS typically takes the 3:30 p.m. window. It's weird seeing the SEC theme music replaced by Big Ten matchups, but that's the world we live in now.
Where to look for the big games:
- FOX: Most likely for the September 12 road trip to Texas. This is a massive non-conference game and FOX will likely fight to keep it in their noon window.
- NBC: Look here for the home games against Oregon or Michigan. They love the high-stakes atmosphere for their "Big Ten Saturday Night" broadcast.
- Big Ten Network (BTN): This is where you’ll find the Ball State opener on September 5 and likely the Kent State game on September 19.
The Peacock Problem (and Solution)
Let’s talk about the thing that frustrates everyone: Peacock. You’re going to need it. NBC has been pulling at least one or two Ohio State games exclusively onto their streaming platform every year.
Last season, it was the Ohio University game. In 2026, it’s highly probable that one of the early-season "smaller" matchups or even a mid-tier Big Ten game will be locked behind the Peacock paywall. If you’re asking what channel ohio state football game on and you don't see it on your local listings, check the app.
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It’s not just NBC, either. Occasionally, FS1 will snag a game, though that's becoming rarer for a Tier-1 program like Ohio State.
Streaming Options Without Cable
If you've cut the cord, you aren't out of luck. You just have to be strategic.
Fubo is generally the "safe" bet for Buckeyes fans because it carries the local channels (FOX, NBC, CBS) plus the Big Ten Network. YouTube TV is the other heavy hitter that doesn't usually run into those annoying carriage disputes that plague smaller providers.
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Don't forget the radio, though. If you're stuck in the car or just can't deal with the lag on a streaming app, 97.1 The Fan in Columbus is still the gold standard. Paul Keels and Jim Lachey are the voices of Fall for a reason. You can usually stream their broadcast through their website or the TuneIn app if you're outside the local signal range.
Why the Schedule Stays "TBA"
You might notice that on most schedules right now, the channels and times for the 2026 games are listed as "TBA." That’s because of the "6-day and 12-day windows." Networks wait to see how teams are performing before they lock in the broadcast.
If Ohio State and Texas are both undefeated heading into their September 12 clash, every network will be clawing for that game. If someone slips up, it might get bumped to a less prestigious slot. Basically, the better the Buckeyes play, the more likely they are to be on a "main" channel like FOX or NBC rather than tucked away on BTN.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
To make sure you never miss a kickoff, here is how you should prep:
- Download the Ohio State Buckeyes app: They push notifications about an hour after the networks officially announce the time and channel for the next game.
- Audit your streaming services: Check if your current plan includes the Big Ten Network. Many "basic" packages for Hulu + Live TV or Sling might require a sports add-on.
- Check Peacock availability: Since you'll likely need it for at least one game, keep an eye out for their $1.99/month deals that usually pop up around late summer.
- Confirm the Texas game early: Since the trip to Austin is early in the season, expect the network (likely FOX) to announce that time slot during the summer media days.
The days of just "knowing" the game is on at 1:00 p.m. on channel 4 are gone. It’s a multi-platform world. Stay updated on the official schedule releases usually dropped by the Big Ten Conference on Mondays during the season.