If you’re staring at your calendar and wondering when do the Buckeyes play next, you aren't alone. The post-holiday season is always a bit of a chaotic blur for Ohio State fans. Between the football team wrapping up a wild College Football Playoff run and the basketball teams hitting the meat of the Big Ten schedule, keeping track of "game day" becomes a full-time job.
Honestly, it’s a weird time to be a fan. You’ve got one foot in the recruiting trail and another in the Schottenstein Center.
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Right now, the focus shifts entirely to the hardwood. Following a tough road loss to Washington on January 11, Jake Diebler’s squad is back in Columbus. They need a win. Badly.
The Immediate Schedule: Basketball Takes Center Stage
The men's basketball team has a massive week ahead. If you are looking for the very next tip-off, set your alarm for Saturday, January 17, 2026. The Buckeyes host UCLA at the Schottenstein Center.
The game starts at 1:00 PM EST and will be broadcast on CBS.
It’s a huge opportunity. UCLA has been solid this year, and for a Buckeyes team that just dropped a frustrating 81-74 game in Seattle, protecting home court is basically non-negotiable if they want to stay in the upper half of the Big Ten standings.
After that, the schedule doesn't get any easier:
- January 20 (Tuesday): vs. Minnesota at home. 6:30 PM.
- January 23 (Friday): The Big One. At Michigan. 8:00 PM.
- January 26 (Monday): vs. Penn State at home. 7:00 PM.
The Friday night game in Ann Arbor is already circled on every calendar in Franklin County. There is something specifically gritty about January basketball in the Big Ten, and that rivalry game at the Crisler Center is going to be high-stakes.
What About the Women's Team?
Don't overlook Kevin McGuff’s group. They’ve been playing some of the most exciting basketball in the country. If you want to know when do the Buckeyes play next on the women's side, they actually have a game today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, against Penn State.
That’s a 5:30 PM tip at the Schott.
They then travel to Newark for a high-profile neutral-site clash against TCU on Monday, January 19. That’s an 11:00 AM start, perfect for anyone with the holiday off.
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The Football Void: What Happens Now?
Football season ended on a bittersweet note. On December 31, 2025, the Buckeyes fell 24-14 to Miami in the Cotton Bowl (a CFP Quarterfinal). It was a defensive slugfest that left fans wondering "what if."
Since then, the "game" has moved to the transfer portal and the recruiting trail. Ryan Day has been aggressive.
The Buckeyes recently landed a massive haul in the portal, including five-star defensive lineman James Smith and edge rusher Qua Russaw. While there aren't any games to watch on Saturdays right now, the roster for 2026 is being built in real-time.
If you are strictly looking for the next time the football team hits the field, you’ll have to wait for the Spring Game in April 2026. The official 2026 season opener is scheduled for September 5, 2026, against Ball State at Ohio Stadium.
Then, in Week 2, the Buckeyes head to Austin for a massive rematch against the Texas Longhorns.
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Nuance and Misconceptions
People often think the "Buckeyes" only refers to football. In January, that's a mistake.
The wrestling team is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation after blanking Indiana 45-0 on January 11. Their next big match is Friday, January 23, at Minnesota.
If you're a multi-sport fan, January 23 is going to be a "multi-screen" kind of night with wrestling and men's basketball both competing on the road.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Ohio State Athletics site and use the "Add to Calendar" feature for the Men's and Women's basketball teams.
- Check the TV listings: Most Big Ten games this month are split between CBS, FS1, and Peacock. Make sure your subscriptions are active before the Michigan game on the 23rd.
- Follow the Portal: Keep an eye on the transfer portal window, which closes in just a few days. The roster you see today might look different by next week.
Whether you're heading to the Schott for the UCLA game or preping for the rivalry showdown in Ann Arbor, the next few weeks are critical for Ohio State's post-season hopes. Catch the women tonight at 5:30 PM or wait for the men's tip-off this Saturday at 1:00 PM.