If you're anything like most folks in Columbus right now, you’ve probably got one eye on the thermometer and the other on the TV. It’s mid-January. The football high has mostly faded into that weird post-season fog, and the hardwood is where all the noise is happening.
If you are looking for when is ohio state next game, the answer depends on whether you're chasing the bounce of a basketball or waiting for the grass to turn green at the Shoe.
Right now, the immediate action is at the Schottenstein Center. The Ohio State men’s basketball team is deep in the trenches of the Big Ten gauntlet. After a rollercoaster start to the new year, their next big test is a home matchup against UCLA on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM ET. If you can't make it to the arena, you can catch it on CBS.
The Hardwood Grind: Basketball Schedule Details
Honestly, January is a brutal month for this squad. Coming off a tough loss against Washington on the 11th, the Buckeyes are looking to defend home court. After the UCLA game, the schedule doesn't slow down for a second.
You've got Minnesota coming to town on Tuesday, January 20th, at 6:30 PM. Then comes the one everyone circles in red: a trip to Ann Arbor to face Michigan on Friday, January 23rd. That one’s an 8:00 PM start on FOX, and you already know the atmosphere is going to be electric, even if it’s "just" basketball.
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Here is a quick look at the immediate slate:
- Jan 17: vs. UCLA (1:00 PM, CBS)
- Jan 20: vs. Minnesota (6:30 PM, BTN)
- Jan 23: @ Michigan (8:00 PM, FOX)
- Jan 26: vs. Penn State (7:00 PM, FS1)
It's a lot of basketball in a very short window. You've basically got a game every three or four days. For the players, it's a grind; for us, it's the perfect way to survive the Ohio winter.
What happened to the football team?
I know, I know. Some of you are only here for the pigskin. It’s been a few weeks since the Cotton Bowl on December 31, 2025, where the Buckeyes unfortunately fell to Miami (FL) with a 24-14 score. It was a tough way to end a 12-2 season, especially after that heartbreaking Big Ten Championship loss to Indiana.
But since the question is when is ohio state next game, we have to look forward to the 2026 fall season. There isn't a game tomorrow, but the calendar is already set.
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The Buckeyes will kick off the 2026 football season at home in Ohio Stadium against Ball State on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Football Schedule
The 2026 schedule is actually kinda fascinating. After the opener against Ball State, the Buckeyes have a massive road trip. They head down to Austin to take on the Texas Longhorns on September 12. If you’re a traveling fan, that’s the one to book your flights for right now.
Following that, it’s back home for Kent State on September 19th. The Big Ten schedule for 2026 is still getting its final time-and-date polish for the later months, but we know the heavy hitters like Oregon, Michigan, and USC are all on the horizon.
Wait. Let's talk about the Spring Game.
While it’s not a "real" game in the standings, the Ohio State Spring Game usually happens in mid-April. We’re still waiting on the official date announcement for 2026, but it’s typically the second or third Saturday of the month. It’s the first chance to see the new QB battle and the early enrollees.
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Other Buckeye Sports to Watch
If you just love the Scarlet and Gray, there's actually a lot more happening this week than just the main two sports.
The Men's Volleyball team is hosting George Mason on Thursday, January 15th.
The Women's Ice Hockey and Men's Ice Hockey teams are also in the thick of their seasons, with games regularly scheduled on Friday and Saturday nights.
If you're looking for the women's basketball team—who, let’s be real, have been absolute stars lately—they have a home game against Northern Illinois on Saturday, January 17th at 1:00 PM, the same time as the men. Talk about a busy day for the athletic department.
Watching the Games: Where to Tune In
In 2026, finding the game is sometimes harder than winning it. The Big Ten's media deal means you're jumping between FOX, CBS, NBC, and Peacock.
For the basketball game against UCLA this Saturday, it's an old-school CBS broadcast. If you’re a cord-cutter, you’ll need Paramount+ or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Fubo.
The midweek games against Minnesota and Penn State are mostly on Big Ten Network (BTN) or FS1. Keep that remote handy.
Actionable Steps for Buckeye Fans
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official Ohio State Buckeyes website and use the "Add to Calendar" feature for the Men's Basketball team so you never miss a tip-off.
- Check Tickets: If you’re in Columbus, January home games often have surprisingly affordable tickets on the secondary market (like SeatGeek or StubHub) compared to the big football weekends.
- Follow the Spring Game: Keep an eye out for the April Spring Game announcement; tickets usually go on sale in February or March.
- Download the App: The "Ohio State Buckeyes" official app is the most reliable way to get live score updates and "where to watch" info in real-time.
Whether you're waiting for the next basket or the next touchdown, being a Buckeye fan is a year-round commitment. Make sure you've got your snacks ready for Saturday's 1:00 PM tip-off against the Bruins.