So, you’re looking for the Ohio State game today football schedule because you're probably used to the fall Saturdays where Columbus basically shuts down. I get it. The itch for the Horseshoe is real. But if you look at the calendar, it’s January 17, 2026.
Honestly? There isn’t a kickoff today.
The Buckeyes wrapped up a wild 2025 season that saw them run through the Big Ten, beat Michigan in Ann Arbor (27-9, for those keeping score), and eventually fall in a heartbreaker to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. They even snagged a 24-14 win over Miami in the playoffs. But right now, the pads are in storage. The "game" being played today isn't on the turf—it's in the meeting rooms and the transfer portal.
If you absolutely need a Buckeye fix today, the men’s basketball team is actually hosting UCLA at Value City Arena. Tip-off is at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. It’s a massive Big Ten clash now that the West Coast teams are fully integrated. But for the football junkies, let’s talk about what’s actually happening with Ryan Day’s roster right now, because this week has been massive.
The Big News: Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is Back
Yesterday was a huge win for the defense. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. officially announced he’s bypassing the NFL Draft to return for a fifth season. That is huge. With Caden Curry and his 11 sacks moving on, losing Jackson would have left a massive hole on the edge.
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Instead, he’s coming back to wear that No. 2 jersey—the one Chase Young made famous—and he's looking like a potential first-round pick for 2027.
He’ll likely be paired with Qua Russaw, the Alabama transfer who everyone is hyped about. Seeing those two bookend the defensive line is basically the "game" we're watching today. The chess match of roster building never really stops.
Who's Taking the Snaps in 2026?
The biggest question mark for the Ohio State game today football fans are worried about is the quarterback room. With the portal spinning faster than a Tilt-A-Whirl, the 2026 depth chart is starting to look scary good.
- Julian Sayin: The redshirt freshman is the projected starter. People have been waiting to see his "elite" processing speed in person.
- Tavien St. Clair: The incoming freshman is already on campus. He’s the local hero from Bellefontaine, and the hype is reaching CJ Stroud levels.
- The Departure: Lincoln Kienholz headed to Ball State in the portal. It's a bummer, but that’s the modern game.
It’s a weird time. We're essentially in the "waiting room" of the off-season. While there's no game at the Shoe today, the 2026 schedule is already set, and it starts with a bang.
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Mark Your Calendars for September
If you're trying to plan your life around the Buckeyes, here is the early look at the 2026 schedule:
- Sept. 5: Ball State at Ohio Stadium
- Sept. 12: At Texas (This is the one everyone is circling. Austin is going to be a madhouse.)
- Sept. 19: Kent State at Ohio Stadium
The Texas game is the true "Game 1" in the minds of most fans. Facing Arch Manning in DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium? That’s the kind of stuff that defines a season before it even gets into the Big Ten grind.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Off-Season
A lot of folks think January is just for basketball and hockey (shoutout to the No. 2 ranked Women's Hockey team playing Minnesota State today, by the way). But for football, this is the most violent month for the roster.
You've got the NFL Draft deadline, which just passed. You’ve got the transfer portal closing its winter window. And you’ve got the winter conditioning program starting under Mickey Marotti.
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Basically, the team that beats Michigan in November is built in the weight room on days like today. Honestly, the lack of a game doesn't mean the work has stopped.
Actionable Next Steps for Buckeye Fans
Since there's no football on TV today, here’s how you can actually stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the UCLA Game: Catch the basketball game at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. It’s the best way to support the scarlet and gray right now, and the atmosphere at the Schott will be electric.
- Check the Portal: Keep an eye on the defensive tackle spot. With some departures, the Buckeyes are still scouting for a veteran "plug" in the middle of that 4-2-5 defense.
- Book Your Austin Travel: If you’re planning on heading to the Texas game in September, start looking at flights now. Prices for that weekend are already starting to spike.
The Ohio State game today football fans want might be months away, but the foundation for a 2026 National Championship run is being poured this afternoon in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Go Bucks.