Look, being a Buckeyes fan is basically a full-time job. You've got the gear, the "O-H" chants ready at a moment's notice, and a deep-seated rivalry that defines your entire month of November. But the one thing that always seems to trip people up—usually around Thursday or Friday—is the simple question: what time does the ohio state buckeyes play?
Honestly, it’s rarely as straightforward as we’d like. Between the new Big Ten TV deals, those night games on Peacock that everyone complains about, and the chaos of the College Football Playoff expansion, the schedule feels like it’s written in disappearing ink.
If you're looking for the immediate answer, the 2025 season just wrapped up with a tough loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Eve. We are officially in the "wait and see" period of the 2026 off-season, where the transfer portal is humming and the NFL Draft declarations are rolling in. But that doesn't mean we don't have dates to circle on the calendar.
The 2026 Ohio State Buckeyes Schedule
The 2026 season is going to be massive. Why? Because we start with a heavy hitter. Usually, teams like to warm up with a "cupcake" game, but the Buckeyes are heading straight into a hornet's nest.
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Here is what we know about the upcoming 2026 dates. Keep in mind, "TBA" is the name of the game for kickoff times until about 12 days before each matchup.
- September 5: vs. Ball State (Home opener at the Shoe)
- September 12: at Texas (The big one in Austin)
- September 19: vs. Kent State
- Big Ten Play (Dates TBA): Home games against Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Northwestern, and Oregon.
- Big Ten Road Games (Dates TBA): Trips to Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and USC.
The trip to Austin to play the Longhorns is easily the most anticipated non-conference game in years. While we don't have a kickoff time yet, you can almost bet your life savings it’ll be a "Big Noon Kickoff" on FOX or a primetime slot on ABC/ESPN.
Why Kickoff Times Are Always "To Be Announced"
It’s annoying, right? You want to plan a tailgate or book a hotel, but the networks hold the times hostage. Basically, the TV networks—FOX, CBS, and NBC—have a "selection window."
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They usually wait until 12 days before the game to announce the time. Occasionally, they’ll use a "six-day flex," which is even worse for planning. They do this to ensure the best matchups get the best time slots based on how the teams are performing. If Ohio State and Oregon are both undefeated heading into their 2026 meeting, that’s a 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM lock. If one of them falls off, it might slide to 3:30 PM.
Where to Watch the Buckeyes in 2026
Since the Big Ten moved away from ESPN for its primary conference games, the "where" is just as important as the "when."
- FOX: Usually gets the "Big Noon" game. This is the 12:00 PM ET slot.
- CBS: Typically takes the 3:30 PM ET slot.
- NBC: Often carries the primetime "Big Ten Saturday Night" game (7:30 PM ET).
- Peacock/BTN: You’ll likely see one or two games a year relegated to streaming-only on Peacock or the Big Ten Network.
What Most People Get Wrong About Buckeye Games
People assume "The Game" against Michigan is always at noon. For decades, that was a law of nature. However, with the new playoff formats and TV contracts, there has been more chatter than ever about moving it. For now, expect the tradition to hold, but keep your eyes on the 2026 announcements as the season nears.
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Another misconception is that night games are better. Sure, the atmosphere in Columbus is electric under the lights, but for those driving in from Cleveland or Cincinnati, a 7:30 PM kickoff means you aren't getting home until 2:00 AM.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and never miss a kickoff, do these three things:
- Download the Official Ohio State Buckeyes App: They push out notification alerts the second a kickoff time is finalized by the Big Ten.
- Sync the Schedule to Your iCal/Google Calendar: Sites like FBSchedules or the official OSU site offer a "Sync to Calendar" feature that updates automatically when the TBAs turn into actual times.
- Check the 12-Day Window: Set a recurring reminder on your phone for Monday mornings. That is typically when the networks announce the times for the following week's games.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a gauntlet, especially with the West Coast teams like USC and Oregon now fully integrated into the Big Ten schedule. Whether it's a noon start or a midnight finish on the coast, you'll want to have your Saturdays cleared well in advance.