If you woke up today thinking you were going to park yourself on the couch for a massive Ohio State football or basketball game, you might want to double-check that remote. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the landscape in Columbus is actually pretty quiet on the major televised front. But quiet doesn't mean empty. Honestly, people get so hyper-focused on the "big two" sports that they miss the fact that the Buckeyes are basically everywhere else today.
There is no Ohio State game today for the men's basketball team—they just finished dismantling UCLA 86-74 yesterday at the Schottenstein Center. And if you're looking for the women's basketball team, they aren't playing today either; they have a massive Top 15 showdown against TCU in Newark scheduled for tomorrow, Monday the 19th.
So, what is actually happening?
Today is the "Olympic sports" takeover. We're talking tennis, rifle, and fencing. It’s the kind of day that true die-hard Scarlet and Gray fans use to track the overall health of the athletic department.
The Actual Ohio State Game Today: Men's Tennis Season Opener
The biggest event on campus right now is happening at the Ty Tucker Tennis Center. The No. 6 ranked Ohio State men's tennis team is kicking off its 113th season with a doubleheader. They face Toledo at 10 a.m. and Xavier at 2 p.m.
If you haven't followed this program, you're missing out on a literal dynasty. Head coach Ty Tucker is entering his 27th season with 747 career wins. Think about that for a second. The guy basically forgot how to lose decades ago. They went 13-0 in Big Ten play last year. Even though they had a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to UCLA in the conference championship and a Round of 16 exit in the NCAAs, they are coming into 2026 loaded.
Aidan Kim is the name you need to know. He’s currently ranked No. 5 in the nation for singles. Watching him play is sort of like watching a pro-circuit veteran who just happens to be wearing college colors. He’s joined by four other ranked teammates, including Jack Anthrop at No. 22.
- Venue: Ty Tucker Tennis Center, Columbus.
- Admission: Totally free. (Seriously, it's one of the best deals in town).
- The Streak: Ohio State has won 40 straight against Toledo. The Musketeers have only scored three total points against the Buckeyes in 22 all-time meetings.
Traveling Buckeyes: Rifle, Pistol, and Fencing
While the tennis courts are humming in Columbus, other Buckeyes are scattered across the country. The Ohio State Rifle team is down in Fort Worth, Texas, taking on TCU today. This isn't just a casual meet; TCU is a powerhouse, and the Buckeyes have to find a way to maintain precision in a very hostile environment.
Meanwhile, the Pistol team is at the Camp Perry Open, and the Fencing squad is competing at the Dave Micahnik Penn Invitational.
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Wait, did I mention the UDA College Nationals? If you're into the spirit side of things, the Ohio State Jazz team is in the finals today at Disney World. They advanced to Day 3 as one of the favorites. People often overlook the dance team, but they bring home more national titles than almost any other department in the university. It’s a huge deal in that world.
Why the Women's Basketball Game Tomorrow Matters More
Since there isn't a high-profile Ohio State game today on the hardwood, everyone is looking toward tomorrow. The No. 14 Buckeyes vs. No. 10 TCU game at the Prudential Center is a massive needle-mover for the NCAA tournament seeding.
The Buckeyes are currently 16-2. They’ve been riding the hot hand of Jaloni Cambridge, who is putting up an absurd 21.8 points per game. But here’s the kicker: TCU hasn't lost a single non-conference game this year (12-0). They have Olivia Miles, who is basically a triple-double threat every time she touches the floor.
If Ohio State wants to win that one, they have to fix the turnover issue. They average about 14 a game. Against a defense like TCU's, that's playing with fire.
Actionable Insights for Fans Today
Since you've got some free time before the Monday night basketball frenzy, here is how you can actually engage with the Buckeyes right now:
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- Head to the Ty Tucker Tennis Center: If you're in Central Ohio, the Xavier match starts at 2 p.m. It's free, it's indoors, and you get to see top-five national talent up close.
- Stream the Jazz Finals: Check out the FloCheer stream for the UDA Nationals if you want to see the Buckeyes chase another trophy in Orlando.
- Prep for the Monday matinee: The women's game tomorrow is at 12 p.m. EST on FOX. Set your DVR now so you don't miss the Jaloni Cambridge vs. Olivia Miles matchup while you're at work.
- Check the Men's Basketball standings: After yesterday's win over UCLA, the men (now 16-3 roughly) are sitting pretty in the Big Ten race. They don't play again until Tuesday night against Minnesota.
There isn't a "Super Bowl" level game today, but the sheer volume of Buckeye athletes competing across five different states is pretty wild. It's a day for the grinders. It’s a day for the fans who care about more than just a 1st-and-10.
Go Bucks.