The silence in Columbus right now is a bit heavier than usual. Honestly, if you walk past Ohio Stadium today, you won’t hear the echoes of a fight song or the roar of a crowd. That’s because the 2025-2026 postseason didn't exactly go according to the script. After a dominant regular season where the Buckeyes looked like an unstoppable juggernaut, they hit a wall. Hard.
Two walls, actually. First, there was that 13-10 heartbreaker against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. Then came the shocker on New Year's Eve—a 24-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl. Just like that, the playoff run was over.
So, when is Ohio State's next football game?
If you’re looking for a kickoff time this week, you won't find one. The Buckeyes are officially in the off-season. Because they were knocked out in the CFP Quarterfinals on December 31, 2025, they won't take the field again until the fall of 2026. It’s a long wait. Fans are already counting down the days until September 5, 2026. That is when the Ball State Cardinals come to town to open a brand-new chapter.
The Long Road to September 2026
Waiting eight months for football feels like an eternity. But for Ryan Day and this roster, it’s a period of massive transition. The "next game" isn't just a date on a calendar; it's a redemption tour. After the way things ended in Arlington against Miami, the pressure has reached a boiling point.
Usually, Ohio State fans are preparing for a National Championship appearance in mid-January. Instead, we're watching Indiana and Miami—the two teams that beat the Buckeyes this year—prepare to play for the title on January 19. It’s weird seeing Indiana in that spot. It’s even weirder seeing Ohio State on the couch.
Looking at the 2026 Schedule
The 2026 schedule is already looking like a gauntlet. It isn't just about the "cupcake" games at the start. The Buckeyes have a massive non-conference trip planned very early.
- Ball State (Sept. 5): The season opener at the Shoe. Expect a lot of new faces.
- At Texas (Sept. 12): This is the big one. A trip to Austin in Week 2. This game will define the early season narrative.
- Kent State (Sept. 19): A final tune-up before the Big Ten schedule kicks into high gear.
The conference slate is still being finalized in terms of exact dates, but we know the opponents. Ohio State will host Michigan, Oregon, and USC in 2026. Yes, you read that right. The Big Ten is a different beast now. They also have road trips to USC and Nebraska on the horizon.
Why the Cotton Bowl Loss Still Stings
To understand the stakes of Ohio State's next football game, you have to look at what went wrong against Miami. The Buckeyes entered that game as 9.5-point favorites. They had a first-round bye. They were the defending national champions.
But the offense stalled.
The running game, which usually carries them, couldn't find a rhythm against the Hurricanes' front seven. Miami's defense basically lived in the backfield. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Buckeyes looked gassed. It was a 24-14 result that felt even more lopsided than the score suggested.
Addressing the Quarterback Situation
One of the biggest questions heading into the Ball State game will be who is under center. With the 2025 season in the books, the transfer portal is already buzzing. Will the Buckeyes stick with their current depth chart, or will Ryan Day go hunting for a veteran arm to ensure 2026 doesn't end in another early playoff exit?
Carnell Tate and the receiving corps are still elite, but a car needs a driver.
What Fans Should Do Now
While there are no games to attend this month, the "game" behind the scenes is just starting. If you’re a die-hard, here is how you should be tracking the program over the next few months:
Watch the Transfer Portal
The window for players to move is open. Ohio State needs to shore up the offensive line. If they don't get bigger and meaner up front, the Texas game in September could be another long night. Keep an eye on names like Cortez Hankton, who was recently hired as the Wide Receivers coach, to see how he influences recruiting.
Spring Game Planning
The first real chance to see the team will be the Spring Game in April. It’s usually a glorified practice, but in 2026, it will be the first look at the "new" Buckeyes. Tickets usually go on sale in late winter.
National Championship Scouting
Even though Ohio State isn't in it, watch the Indiana vs. Miami game on January 19. These are your new rivals. Indiana, led by Curt Cignetti, has officially proven they aren't a fluke. Understanding how they play is key to understanding what Ohio State has to overcome next season.
Actionable Steps for Buckeye Nation
- Mark Sept. 5, 2026: Put it in your phone. That’s the official return.
- Follow Recruiting: The February signing period will determine the depth for the next three years.
- Monitor Coaching Changes: Ryan Day’s staff often sees shifts after a disappointing playoff exit.
- Check Ticket Renewals: Season ticket holders usually get their notices in February or March.
The road to the 2026-2027 College Football Playoff starts with a quiet January. It’s a time for reflection, lifting weights, and recruiting. The Ohio State next football game might be months away, but for the players in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, the work for Ball State and Texas has already begun.