If you’re a Buckeye fan, your internal clock is basically set to "Saturday in the Shoe." But honestly, the question of when Ohio State play has become a lot more complicated than just checking the calendar for noon kickoffs on FOX. Between the expanded Big Ten, a playoff system that now stretches deep into January, and a 2026 schedule that looks like a gauntlet, staying on top of the dates is a full-time job.
We just came off a 2025 season that saw the Buckeyes go 12-2, falling just short in a heart-wrenching 24-14 Cotton Bowl loss to Miami (FL) on New Year's Eve. Now, as we stare down the 2026 campaign, the stakes feel even higher. The schedule makers didn't do Ryan Day any favors this time around.
🔗 Read more: Mark Jackson NBA Hoops Card: What Really Happened With the Hobby’s Creepiest Error
The Massive Non-Conference Start
The season kicks off on September 5, 2026, with a home opener against Ball State. Usually, these early September games are a chance to break in new starters and shake off the rust. Not this year. The very next week, the Buckeyes have to travel to Austin for a massive rematch against Texas on September 12.
Remember last year’s 14-7 defensive struggle in Columbus? The Longhorns have been waiting for this date for a long time. It’s easily one of the most anticipated non-conference games in recent memory. If you're planning a trip to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, book your flights yesterday. The heat in Austin that time of year is no joke, and neither is that atmosphere.
Ohio State returns home on September 19 to face Kent State before diving headfirst into a Big Ten slate that looks very different than it did five years ago.
Navigating the Big Ten Gauntlet
The Big Ten hasn't released the specific dates for every conference matchup yet, but we know exactly who and where the Buckeyes are playing. This year features some brutal travel. You’ve got road trips to Los Angeles to face USC and a flight to Seattle for a matchup with Washington.
One thing that confuses people is the "when" of the Big Ten Championship. Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 5, 2026. After Indiana pulled off that 13-10 upset in the 2025 title game, the Buckeyes are going to be obsessed with getting back to Indianapolis.
Here is the breakdown of the home and away opponents for the 2026 conference run:
📖 Related: The One Handed Catch NFL Fans Can’t Stop Replaying
Home Games at Ohio Stadium
The Horseshoe will host some heavy hitters this year. Illinois, Maryland, and Northwestern are on the list, but the big ones are Oregon and Michigan. Having Oregon come to Columbus is huge for the tiebreaker scenarios in the new 18-team conference. And of course, "The Game" against Michigan will be back in Columbus this year. No matter what the record is, that’s the "when" everyone cares about most.
Away Games
This is where it gets tricky. Ohio State has to travel to Bloomington to face Indiana—who, let's be real, has become a massive thorn in our side lately. They also have trips to Iowa City and Lincoln. Kinnick Stadium at night is where dreams go to die, so keep an eye on that Iowa date. The biggest travel hurdle, though, is the trip to the L.A. Coliseum to play USC.
What About the Postseason?
If the Buckeyes do what they’re supposed to do, the season doesn't end in November. The 12-team playoff has fundamentally changed when Ohio State play in the winter.
If they secure a top-four seed, they’ll likely be playing in a Quarterfinal bowl game around December 31, 2026, or January 1, 2027. If they fall into the 5-12 seed range, they’ll host a first-round playoff game on campus in mid-December. Imagine a playoff game in the Shoe with snow on the ground. It’s the stuff of legends, even if it’s a logistical nightmare for the fans.
The National Championship for the 2026 season is scheduled for January 18, 2027, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. That is the ultimate "when" that every Buckeye fan is aiming for.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
- Book Austin Early: The September 12 game at Texas is the "it" game of the non-conference season. Hotels in Austin are already spiking for that weekend.
- Watch the Friday Night Slots: The Big Ten has been leaning into Friday night games for TV ratings. Don't assume every game is a Saturday affair until the final broadcast times are announced in the summer.
- Keep the Mid-December Weekends Clear: With the new playoff format, a home playoff game is a real possibility. These are usually played the third weekend of December.
- Monitor the USC Date: The trip to Los Angeles is the longest conference road trip in program history. If you're a member of a boosters club, start looking at travel packages now, as L.A. logistics are notoriously difficult.
The 2026 season is a marathon, not a sprint. With a trip to Texas in Week 2 and a potential National Championship game in late January, the window for when Ohio State play now covers nearly five months of the year. Stay flexible, keep your Saturdays (and maybe a few Fridays) open, and get ready for one of the most geographically diverse schedules in Buckeye history.