Look, I get it. You're sitting there, probably wearing your favorite scarlet and gray hoodie, trying to figure out exactly when you need to be in front of a TV or inside the Schottenstein Center. If you're asking about the Ohio State game on Saturday, January 17, 2026, there is one massive detail you need to nail down first: which ball are we talking about?
Most of the time, when people scream "what time is the osu game," they’re looking for football. But here's the thing—the Buckeyes' football season actually hit a heartbreaking wall a few weeks back. If you were hoping to see them in the National Championship hunt this weekend, I hate to be the one to tell you that the dream ended in Arlington.
The Saturday Reality Check
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Ohio State men's basketball team takes on the UCLA Bruins.
This isn't just some random mid-season filler. It's a heavy-hitter Big Ten matchup (still feels weird saying that about UCLA, right?) at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus.
The game is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET.
If you're looking for football, you're going to find a very quiet Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes lost to Miami 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl back on December 31, which served as the CFP Quarterfinal. So, while the NFL is busy with its Divisional Round this Saturday—the Broncos and Bills kick off at 4:30 PM ET, for those interested—the Buckeyes football squad is already looking toward the 2026 season opener against Ball State in September.
Why This UCLA Matchup Matters
Honestly, this basketball game is a big deal for Jake Diebler’s squad. UCLA entering the Big Ten has shifted the entire travel dynamic of the conference. You've got a West Coast powerhouse coming into a cold Columbus January.
The tip-off at 1:00 PM means a midday atmosphere that usually gets pretty rowdy if the students show up in force. Because it's a home game, the "Schott" is expected to be near capacity. If you aren't going to be there in person, you'll want to check your local listings, though these marquee weekend Big Ten games almost always land on a major network like CBS or FOX, or occasionally the Big Ten Network.
Wait, What About Other "OSU" Games?
We can't forget that "OSU" is a bit of a crowded acronym. If you're a fan of the Oregon State Beavers, your Saturday looks a little different.
The Oregon State men’s basketball team is playing Pacific at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. That game is set for 3:00 PM PT (which is 6:00 PM ET for those on the East Coast). It’s a West Coast Conference (WCC) clash, and you can catch that one on ESPN+.
Basically, the sports world is split this Saturday. If you're in Ohio, you're watching hoops at lunch. If you're in Oregon, you're watching hoops in the late afternoon.
Keeping the Schedule Straight
It’s easy to get confused with the new 12-team playoff format in football and the expanded conferences in basketball. Here is the quick breakdown of what is actually happening this Saturday, January 17:
- Ohio State Men's Basketball vs. UCLA: 1:00 PM ET at the Schottenstein Center.
- Oregon State Men's Basketball vs. Pacific: 3:00 PM PT in Corvallis.
- Ohio State Fencing: The No. 5 men and No. 7 women are at the St. John's Super Cup in Queens, NY, starting around 10:00 AM ET.
- Ohio State Football: Season over. Next game is September 5, 2026.
If you were hoping for a football fix, the NFL is your only outlet this weekend. The College Football Playoff National Championship doesn't even happen until Monday, January 19, and it'll be Miami vs. Indiana. Yeah, you read that right. Indiana.
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Your Saturday Game Day Plan
If you’re heading to the Schottenstein Center for the 1:00 PM tip-off, give yourself plenty of time. Parking around the arena on North Star Road and Lane Avenue is always a bit of a nightmare when a big name like UCLA is in town.
- Check the Weather: It’s January in Columbus. It's probably gray, and there's a good chance it's freezing. Dress in layers.
- Verify your Stream: If you’re watching from home, log into your provider early. Nothing is worse than missing the first five minutes because of a forced password reset.
- Tickets: If you haven't grabbed them yet, secondary markets are showing seats starting around $22, but expect to pay much more for anything in the lower bowl.
The Buckeyes are in the thick of a tough January stretch, and this UCLA game is a pivot point for their tournament resume. Grab your coffee, get the wings ready for 1:00 PM, and settle in for some Big Ten basketball.
Check the official Ohio State Buckeyes website or the Oregon State Athletics page an hour before tip-off to ensure there haven't been any last-minute time shifts due to TV broadcast adjustments.