If you’re anything like me, your Saturdays—and plenty of weeknights—revolve around one specific scarlet and gray question. You’re probably sitting there, remote in hand or scrolling through your phone, wondering what time does ohio state game come on today. I get it. Being a Buckeye fan isn't just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle that requires some serious logistical planning, especially when the schedules for football and basketball start overlapping and the TV networks decide to play musical chairs with the kickoff times.
Right now, we are sitting in that weird mid-January lull where the pads are packed away but the hardwood is heating up. If you were looking for football today, January 15, 2026, I have some bad news: the season wrapped up a couple of weeks ago after that tough CFP Quarterfinal loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl. But don't click away yet. The basketball team is right in the thick of Big Ten play, and the 2026 football schedule is already looking like a gauntlet.
The Basketball Breakdown: When the Buckeyes Hit the Floor
If you are looking for the men's basketball game today, you've actually got a tiny bit of a breather. The Buckeyes aren't playing tonight, Thursday, January 15. However, they have a massive home game coming up this weekend.
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Ohio State vs. UCLA is the next big one on the calendar. That game is set for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST. You can catch that one on the Big Ten Network (BTN).
Honestly, this UCLA game is kind of a big deal. Coach Jake Diebler has the team sitting at 11-5, but the injury bug has been biting hard. We just saw Christoph Tilly go down with a head injury against Washington, and with Brandon Noel already out, the frontcourt is looking a little thin. If you're heading to the Schottenstein Center, expect a lot of "next man up" energy.
Upcoming Basketball Schedule (January 2026)
- Tuesday, Jan 20: vs. Minnesota at 6:30 PM EST (BTN)
- Friday, Jan 23: at Michigan at 8:00 PM EST (FS1) — Always circle this one.
- Monday, Jan 26: vs. Penn State at 7:00 PM EST (BTN)
- Saturday, Jan 31: at Wisconsin at 2:00 PM EST (NBC/Peacock)
What Time Does Ohio State Game Come On: Football 2026 Preview
I know, I know. You’re probably already thinking about September. Even though the 2025 season just ended, the 2026 dates are largely set, even if the specific kickoff times are still "TBA." We do know the home opener against Ball State is Saturday, September 5.
The real date everyone has bookmarked? September 12. That’s when the Buckeyes head to Austin for a massive rematch against Texas. Last year’s 14-7 win over the Longhorns was a defensive masterclass, and you can bet Steve Sarkisian has that date circled in red.
For the big games—like the Texas showdown or the season finale against Michigan—you should basically clear your schedule for either a 12:00 PM EST or 7:30 PM EST window. FOX usually grabs the "Big Noon" slot for the rivalry games, while NBC and Peacock have been snatching up those primetime night slots at the Shoe.
Why Kickoff Times Are Always Changing
It’s annoying, right? You want to plan a tailgate or a watch party, but the "what time does ohio state game come on" answer is often "we'll know in six days." This is basically the "12-day/6-day window" rule used by networks like FOX, CBS, and NBC.
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Basically, the networks look at the standings and wait until the last possible second to decide which game gets the most eyeballs. If Ohio State and their opponent are both ranked in the top 10, expect a primetime 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM kick. If one team is struggling, you're looking at a noon start.
Other Buckeye Sports Today
If you just need an Ohio State fix right now, the Men's Volleyball team is actually in action today! They are playing George Mason University tonight, January 15. These matches are usually at the Covelli Center and often stream on B1G+. It’s a different vibe than a packed Ohio Stadium, but the athleticism is insane.
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Practical Steps for Fans
To make sure you never miss a tip-off or kickoff, here is what I do:
- Download the Ohio State Buckeyes App: It sounds basic, but the "composite schedule" is the only way to track wrestling, hockey, and basketball all in one place.
- Check the "Big Noon" Schedule Early: FOX usually announces their big featured games months in advance.
- Sync Your Calendar: Most official athletic sites have a "Sync to Calendar" button. Do it. It’ll automatically update the "TBA" times to the actual times once the networks make their picks.
The bottom line for today? No football, no basketball tonight, but get ready for that 1:00 PM Saturday tip against UCLA. Go Bucks.
Next Steps for You: Check your cable or streaming subscription (like YouTube TV or Hulu Live) to ensure you have the Big Ten Network and FS1 active before the Michigan basketball game on the 23rd. If you're planning for the fall, hotel blocks in Columbus for the 2026 home games against Oregon and Michigan are likely already opening up, so now is the time to look.