You’ve got the dip ready, the lucky jersey is on, and the cooler is stocked. But there’s just one problem: you still aren't 100% sure what the actual ohio state game time is for next week. If you feel like you’re constantly refreshing your phone to find out when the Buckeyes actually kick off, you’re not alone. It’s a common frustration in Columbus and beyond.
The reality of modern college football is that the "noon kickoff" tradition is fighting for its life against TV networks that treat the schedule like a game of high-stakes poker. Between FOX’s "Big Noon Kickoff," the late-night Peacock exclusives, and the chaotic expansion of the Big Ten, finding the right time is harder than it used to be.
The 2026 Schedule Shakeup and Your Saturday Plans
As we roll through January 2026, the dust is just beginning to settle on another wild season. If you're looking for the very next time Ohio State takes the field, you're actually looking at the hardwood, not the turf. The Ohio State game time for the men’s basketball showdown against UCLA is set for Saturday, January 17, at 1 p.m. ET. It’s a huge national broadcast on CBS, featuring the legendary Ian Eagle and Bill Raftery.
But let’s be real. Most people asking about the time are looking ahead to the fall. They want to know when they need to be in their seats at the Shoe or when they need to start the grill. For the 2026 football season, the non-conference slate is already creating some logistical headaches for fans.
✨ Don't miss: The Division 2 National Championship Game: How Ferris State Just Redrew the Record Books
- September 5, 2026: Ball State at Ohio State.
- September 12, 2026: Ohio State at Texas (The rematch in Austin).
- September 19, 2026: Kent State at Ohio State.
The Texas game is the one everyone has circled. Because it’s in Austin and features two of the biggest brands in the sport, don't expect an early kickoff. We are likely looking at a "Big Noon" slot on FOX or a primetime "Saturday Night Football" window on ABC/ESPN. Usually, these specific times aren't locked in until the 12-day or 6-day selection windows during the season.
Why Ohio State Game Time is Never Simple Anymore
Gone are the days when you could just assume the Buckeyes played at 12:00 or 3:30. Now, the Big Ten’s media rights deal involves FOX, CBS, and NBC/Peacock. This "triple threat" of networks means Ohio State is often the pawn in a ratings war.
FOX usually grabs the biggest game of the day for their 12:00 p.m. slot. This is why you see massive matchups like Ohio State vs. Michigan or Penn State happening while most people are still finishing their breakfast. NBC, on the other hand, is hungry for that 7:30 p.m. primetime window. If the Buckeyes are playing a big-name opponent like Oregon or USC, there’s a massive chance you’ll be watching under the lights.
🔗 Read more: Por qué los partidos de Primera B de Chile son más entretenidos que la división de honor
Then there's the Peacock "tax." At least once a season lately, fans have been forced to hunt for their login credentials because a game is exclusive to streaming. It happened with the Ohio University game last year, and it’s a trend that isn't going away. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess for the older generation of fans who just want to turn on Channel 4 and see the kickoff.
How to Actually Track the Kickoff Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re tired of the "TBA" label on every schedule site, there are a few expert tricks to predicting the ohio state game time before it’s official.
First, look at the network hierarchy. If FOX’s "Big Noon Kickoff" crew announces they are heading to Columbus, the game is at noon. Period. They don't travel to sites for 3:30 games. Second, check the "6-day window." If the networks can't decide which game is the most "attractive" for ratings, they will wait until the Sunday before the game to announce the time. It’s annoying for travel planning, but it’s the standard now.
💡 You might also like: South Carolina women's basketball schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
Critical Resources for Game Day:
- The Official Ohio State Athletics Site: Always the "source of truth," even if they are slow to update.
- 97.1 The Fan: If you’re local to Columbus, this is where the real-time info hits first.
- The 12-Day Rule: Most games are announced 12 days in advance (usually on a Monday).
What to Watch for in the 2026 Big Ten Expansion
With teams like Washington, Oregon, UCLA, and USC now fully integrated into the Big Ten, the "time zone tax" is real. When Ohio State travels to the West Coast, like their upcoming trip to USC in 2026, the ohio state game time will likely shift to a late-afternoon or evening start in Eastern Time.
A 4:00 p.m. PT kickoff in Los Angeles means Buckeyes fans back home are starting the game at 7:00 p.m. It changes the whole vibe of the Saturday. You aren't just planning a lunch; you’re planning a late-night watch party.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Stop relying on the printed magnets you got at the grocery store three years ago. If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season:
- Download the Ohio State Buckeyes app: Turn on "push notifications" specifically for schedule changes. This is the fastest way to see a "TBA" turn into a real number.
- Bookmark the FBSchedules page: They are usually faster than the official university sites at reflecting network picks.
- Plan for a "Flex" Saturday: If you are hosting a party for a game that hasn't had a time announced yet, tell your guests "four hours before kickoff" rather than a specific time.
The chaos of the schedule is just part of being a fan of a top-tier program. The networks want the Buckeyes because the Buckeyes bring the eyes. While the mystery of the ohio state game time can be a pain, it’s a direct result of being one of the biggest shows in sports.