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If you’re scrambling to find out what time does the ohio state game start today, you’ve likely realized that the January sports calendar is a bit of a chaotic mess. It’s that weird transition period where football is wrapping up and basketball is taking over our lives. Specifically, if you’re looking for the Buckeyes tonight, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the spotlight is firmly on the women’s hoops squad.
The No. 14 Ohio State women's basketball team is hosting Penn State tonight. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
Where and How to Watch the Buckeyes Tonight
The game is happening right in the heart of Columbus at Value City Arena. If you aren't heading down to the Schottenstein Center to grab a seat in person, you’ll need to navigate the streaming world.
Honestly, finding games these days is getting harder with all the different apps. For tonight, the game will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus (B1G+). It’s not on the main Big Ten Network channel, which is a bit of a bummer for those of us who just want to flip through the cable guide, but that’s the reality of modern sports.
- Opponent: Penn State Nittany Lions
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Value City Arena (Columbus, OH)
- Streaming: Big Ten Plus
Why This Matchup Matters
The Buckeyes are currently ranked 14th in the nation, and they’ve been playing some seriously gritty basketball. Penn State always brings a certain level of physical play that makes these Big Ten matchups a bit of a toss-up, regardless of the records. Ohio State has been relying heavily on their guard play lately, and seeing how they handle the Nittany Lions' pressure early in the first quarter will tell you everything you need to know about how this night is going to go.
There's also a bit of a buzz around the Schottenstein Center because the team has been on a tear. Coming off some solid conference wins, keeping that momentum alive in mid-January is basically the difference between a high seed in the tournament and a stressful March.
What About Ohio State Men’s Basketball?
If you were actually looking for the men's team, you’ve got a couple more days to wait. They aren't on the court today. Their next big test is against UCLA this coming Saturday, January 17. That one is a home game too, so Columbus is going to be packed this weekend.
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The men’s schedule this month is brutal. They just got back from a West Coast trip where they faced Washington and Oregon. Transitioning back to Eastern Time and prepping for a team like UCLA is no small feat.
Confusion With the "Ohio" Bobcats
Here is a pro tip: if you just search for "Ohio game time," you might get results for the Ohio University Bobcats.
Funny enough, the Ohio Bobcats women's team is also playing tonight! They are traveling to Kent State for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. So, if you see a 7 p.m. start time floating around on social media, double-check the logo. You’re looking for the Scarlet and Gray, not the Green and White.
Actionable Next Steps for Game Day
If you’re planning to watch, don't wait until 6:29 p.m. to sign into your streaming account. B1G+ can be finicky.
- Check your B1G+ Login: Ensure your subscription is active. Unlike the regular Big Ten Network, this is a separate streaming service.
- Traffic in Columbus: If you are actually going to Value City Arena, remember that 6:30 p.m. is right at the tail end of rush hour. Lane Avenue will be a parking lot.
- Radio Backup: If the stream fails, you can usually find the local broadcast on 97.1 The Fan or via the Ohio State Buckeyes app.
Make sure your devices are charged and you've got your snacks ready. The Buckeyes are looking to defend home court, and 6:30 p.m. will be here before you know it.