What Time Is The Buckeye Game Tomorrow: The MLK Day Matchup You Can’t Miss

What Time Is The Buckeye Game Tomorrow: The MLK Day Matchup You Can’t Miss

If you’re waking up on a Sunday in mid-January wondering about the Scarlet and Gray, you’ve probably got one thing on your mind. What time is the buckeye game tomorrow? Honestly, the answer depends on which squad you’re tracking. If you were hoping to see Ryan Day’s crew in the National Championship on Monday, January 19, 2026, I have some tough news. After that 24-14 loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, the football season is officially in the rearview mirror.

But don't tune out just yet.

Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the No. 14 Ohio State Women’s Basketball team is stepping into a massive national spotlight. They aren't just playing some random mid-season game; they are headlining the Coretta Scott King Classic in Newark, New Jersey.

The Exact Tip-Off Time for the Buckeyes Tomorrow

You’ll want to have your remote ready early. The Buckeyes (16-2) are taking on the No. 10 TCU Horned Frogs (18-1) at the Prudential Center.

The game starts at 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT) on Monday, Jan. 19.

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This isn't a streaming-only, hunt-for-the-link kind of deal. It’s a big-time broadcast. You can catch the action live on FOX. It’s the first game of a high-profile doubleheader, with Michigan and Vanderbilt following immediately after.

Why This Game Actually Matters

TCU is no joke this year. They’ve won 52 games since late 2024, trailing only giants like UConn and South Carolina in total wins. They have Olivia Miles leading the charge, and they’ve been suffocating teams on defense.

For Kevin McGuff’s Buckeyes, this is a "resume game." They’re coming off a massive 108-84 blowout against Penn State, and a win tomorrow would essentially lock them in as a lock for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Plus, it’s a neutral site game—a perfect dress rehearsal for the chaos of March.

What About the Men’s Basketball Team?

If you were looking for the men's schedule, you’ve got an extra 24 hours to prep.

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The men’s team doesn't play on MLK Day. They return to the hardwood on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, against Minnesota. That game is a home stand at the Schottenstein Center, scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. ET tip-off.

It’s a bit of a weird split for Buckeye fans this weekend. Usually, holiday Mondays are packed with sports, but for the guys, it’s a travel and practice day.

Breaking Down the Monday Schedule

Here is the quick layout so you don't miss the start of the action:

  • Matchup: #14 Ohio State vs. #10 TCU (Women’s Basketball)
  • Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
  • TV Channel: FOX
  • Live Stream: Fubo, FOX Sports App
  • Starting Time: 12:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. CT

Basically, if you’re a fan of high-level basketball, your Monday lunch plans are officially sorted. The Buckeyes haven't faced TCU in women's basketball before, so we’re seeing a little bit of history in Newark.

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Other Buckeye Events on Monday

The schedule is actually pretty thin outside of the basketball court. The Ohio State Rifle team is also in action tomorrow, actually competing at TCU in Fort Worth. It's a weird coincidence that two different Buckeye programs are battling the Horned Frogs on the same day in two different states.

If you’re looking for the National Championship game—the one everyone thought Ohio State might be in—that kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday night. It’ll be No. 1 Indiana taking on No. 10 Miami. Seeing the Hoosiers in that spot instead of the Buckeyes definitely stings for folks in Columbus, but that’s the way the 12-team playoff shook out this year.

Actionable Steps for Buckeye Fans

To make sure you're ready for the 12:00 p.m. ET start tomorrow:

  1. Check your DVR: Since it’s a holiday, you might be out and about. Make sure you've got FOX set to record the Coretta Scott King Classic.
  2. Verify the Channel: Depending on your provider, FOX can sometimes be tricky with regional sports. Check your local listings tonight.
  3. Watch the Men on Tuesday: If you’re strictly a men’s basketball fan, set your alerts for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET for the Minnesota game.
  4. Football Outlook: Keep an eye on the transfer portal. While the game tomorrow isn't football, the "offseason" is currently moving at light speed.

The Buckeyes are in a prime position to make a deep run this spring. Starting the week with a Top-15 win over TCU would be the perfect way to kick off the second half of the season.