If you’re frantically refreshing your weather app and checking the fridge for tailgate supplies while asking what time is the ohio state football game today, I’ve got some news that might sting a bit.
There isn't a game. Not today, January 16, 2026.
It feels weird, right? Especially when the air in Columbus is crisp and the scarlet and gray gear is everywhere. But here’s the cold, hard reality: the Buckeyes’ 2025-2026 football season officially wrapped up back on New Year’s Eve.
The Reality of What Time Is The Ohio State Football Game Today
Most fans are looking for a kickoff time because they’re used to Ohio State making deep runs into January. This year, though, the road ended in Arlington, Texas. On December 31, 2025, the Buckeyes faced the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl.
It wasn't the result anyone in Buckeye Nation wanted. Miami took that one 24-14, effectively putting the pads in storage for the winter.
👉 See also: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
If you see people wearing jerseys today, they aren't heading to the Shoe. They’re likely getting ready for the massive men's basketball matchup against UCLA tomorrow, January 17, at 1 p.m. at the Schottenstein Center. Or maybe they're following the women’s hockey team, which actually is playing today at 7 p.m. against Minnesota State.
Why the Post-Season Ended Early
The 12-team playoff format changed the math for everyone. Ohio State finished the regular season with a stellar 12-2 record, but a heartbreaking 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship game meant they didn't get that first-round bye.
They hit a wall against a fast Miami defense.
Honestly, the "offseason" isn't really an offseason anymore. Even though there’s no game today, Ryan Day and his staff are currently in the middle of a roster overhaul. The transfer portal window is closing literally today, January 16, and the Buckeyes have been aggressive.
✨ Don't miss: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
Recent Roster Moves (The "Real" Game Today)
While you can't watch a kickoff, the front office is busy. As of this morning, Ohio State has added 16 transfers for the 2026 season.
- Julian Sayin is officially the guy. The Heisman finalist is returning as the starting QB for 2026.
- Connor Hawkins, the former Baylor kicker, committed just two days ago. This was huge because Jayden Fielding is out of eligibility.
- Justyn Martin, a transfer QB from Maryland, just joined the room to provide depth behind Sayin.
The Buckeyes are also dealing with a bit of a mass exodus. Over 30 players have entered the portal or exhausted their eligibility. Names like Davison Igbinosun and Lorenzo Styles Jr. are gone, leaving the secondary a bit thin. That's what the coaches are "playing" for today.
When Can You Actually See Them Play Again?
If you’re looking for the next time the football team takes the field, you have a long wait ahead of you. The 2026 season opener is scheduled for September 5, 2026, against Ball State at Ohio Stadium.
Then comes the big one: a road trip to Austin to play the Texas Longhorns on September 12.
🔗 Read more: The Truth About the Memphis Grizzlies Record 2025: Why the Standings Don't Tell the Whole Story
For those who just need a football fix, the Spring Game (usually held in mid-April) will be your first chance to see Julian Sayin lead the new-look offense. We don't have an official kickoff time for that yet, but it’s typically a noon or 1 p.m. start on a Saturday in April.
Where to Find Live Buckeye Action Right Now
Since you’re looking for what time is the ohio state football game today, you clearly have the itch for some competition.
Go check out the No. 2 ranked Women’s Hockey team. They are currently in Mankato taking on Minnesota State. That game starts at 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local time).
Tomorrow, the attention shifts back to Columbus. The Men’s Basketball team is hosting UCLA on CBS. That’s a 1 p.m. tip-off. With Ian Eagle and Bill Raftery on the call, it’s going to feel like a major event, even if it's on the hardwood instead of the turf.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Stop looking for the football kickoff time and pivot your focus to the future of the program.
- Monitor the Portal: Today is the closing window for the winter transfer portal. Follow local beats like Eleven Warriors or The Columbus Dispatch to see if Ryan Day pulls off one last late-night commitment, specifically at cornerback.
- Basketball Saturday: If you have tickets for the UCLA game tomorrow, get to the Schottenstein Center early. It’s a "premier matchup" and the first time UCLA has played in Columbus since 1968.
- Spring Game Prep: Keep your eyes peeled for the official 2026 Spring Game date announcement, usually coming in the next few weeks. That’s the real "next game" for football fans.
The 2025 season is in the books. It ended in the Cotton Bowl, not at the National Championship on Monday (which, by the way, is Miami vs. Indiana). It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the 2026 reload is already well underway.