Wait. It’s quiet. Too quiet. If you’re a Buckeye fan standing in the middle of High Street right now, you can almost hear the faint echo of "Hang on Sloopy" drifting away into the winter air. The 2025 season is officially in the rearview mirror, and honestly, it left a bit of a sting. After that 24-14 heartbreak against Miami in the Cotton Bowl back on December 31, the question on everyone’s lips is simple: when is the next Ohio State game?
The short answer? You're going to have to be patient.
We are currently in that weird, frozen limbo of the college football calendar. The 2025-26 College Football Playoff is wrapping up—Indiana and Miami are actually duking it out for the title on January 19—and the Buckeyes are, for once, spectators. But the gears are already turning for what comes next. The next Ohio State game is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium.
The Long Wait for September 5
Eight months. That is a lifetime in Columbus.
Most people think of the season opener against a MAC school as a "cupcake" game. You show up, eat a hot dog, watch the band, and celebrate a 40-point blowout. But 2026 feels different. Ryan Day and his staff are staring down a massive transition period. The sting of losing the Big Ten Championship to Indiana (13-10) followed by a quick exit in the CFP quarterfinals has the fan base restless.
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The next Ohio State game isn't just a date on a calendar; it’s the start of a redemption tour.
Why the 2026 Schedule is a Gauntlet
If you think Ball State is the story, you’re looking at the wrong week. Everyone is already circling September 12, 2026. That’s when the Buckeyes head to Austin to face the Texas Longhorns.
Think about that for a second.
You have one week—one single week against Ball State—to break in new starters, solidify the offensive line, and make sure your quarterback has his feet under him before flying into the buzzsaw that is Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. It’s a brutal scheduling choice, but it’s exactly the kind of high-stakes football that defines this program.
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Beyond the Football Field: Winter and Spring Athletics
Look, I know we all live and die by the gridiron. But if you’re itching for Buckeye action right now, you don’t actually have to wait until September. Ohio State is a powerhouse across the board, and the winter schedule is packed.
- Women's Hockey: Currently ranked No. 2 in the nation, they are playing a massive series against Minnesota State this very weekend (Jan 16-17).
- Men’s Basketball: They’re grinding through the Big Ten schedule. While the football team is off, the hoops squad is trying to fight for a spot in the Big Dance.
- Wrestling and Gymnastics: These meets at the Covelli Center are honestly some of the most underrated atmospheres in Columbus.
But let's be real. When people search for the next Ohio State game, they want the smell of turf and the sight of silver helmets.
The Spring Game Factor
The real "first look" at the 2026 roster will happen in mid-April. We don't have an official date for the LifeSports Spring Game yet, but it usually lands on the second or third Saturday of the month. This is where the hype for the next Ohio State game actually begins.
Last year, the quarterback battle dominated the headlines. This year? It’s all about the defense. After giving up some late scores in the 2025 postseason, Jim Knowles is going to be under a microscope. You’ll want to see which young linebackers are stepping up to fill the gaps left by departing seniors.
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Breaking Down the 2026 Non-Conference Slate
The next Ohio State game starts a three-game non-conference run that is a bit of a mixed bag.
- Sept 5: Ball State. The "get right" game. Expect to see a lot of second-stringers by the fourth quarter.
- Sept 12: at Texas. This is the "Game of the Century" candidate. If Ohio State wins this, they are the instant favorites for the 2026 Natty.
- Sept 19: Kent State. A chance to recover from the Texas trip before Big Ten play kicks off.
It’s a weird sandwich. A light snack, a 24-ounce steak, and then another light snack.
What to do While You Wait
Honestly, the best thing you can do right now is keep an eye on the Transfer Portal. In the modern era of college football, the roster you see in January is rarely the roster you see in September. Ryan Day has been aggressive in the portal lately, especially when it comes to bolstering the secondary.
The "game" right now is being played in meeting rooms and on recruiting trails.
If you're planning on attending the next Ohio State game in person, start looking at tickets now. Even for a game against Ball State, the demand in Columbus never really dips. Plus, with the way the 2025 season ended, there’s going to be a lot of "prove it" energy in the Shoe come September.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep your Saturdays clear starting September 5, 2026, but in the meantime, check the Ohio State Athletics official site for the Spring Game date announcement, which usually drops in late February. If you're looking for immediate action, the No. 2 ranked Women's Hockey team is the best ticket in town this month.