You're sitting there, jersey on, wings cooling on the coffee table, and you realize the "usual" channel is showing a cooking infomercial or some random news segment. We've all been there. Finding where can i watch the ohio state game used to be simple—you just flipped to ABC or checked the Big Ten Network. But things changed. The Big Ten's massive $7 billion media rights deal with FOX, CBS, and NBC turned the Saturday schedule into a bit of a scavenger hunt.
If you're looking for the game right now, the answer depends entirely on the week. The Buckeyes aren't tethered to one network anymore. One week they're the "Big Noon" headliner on FOX, and the next they’re tucked away on a streaming-only platform. It’s frustrating, honestly.
The Three-Network Rotation You Need to Know
Basically, the Big Ten split its soul three ways. FOX is still the primary home, especially for that noon kickoff slot they love so much. But CBS and NBC are now deep in the mix too.
When you're trying to figure out the channel, start with the time slot. If it's a 12:00 PM ET kickoff, there is a very high chance it’s on FOX. This is their "Big Noon Kickoff" window, and they prioritize Ohio State because, well, the Buckeyes bring in the eyeballs.
Afternoon games, usually around 3:30 PM ET, often land on CBS. If it’s a night game under the lights at the Shoe, look toward NBC. They’ve branded their primetime slot as "Big Ten Saturday Night." It feels weird seeing the Buckeyes on the same channel that hosts Sunday Night Football, but that’s the 2026 reality.
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What About the Big Ten Network?
Don’t forget the Big Ten Network (BTN). While the "A-tier" matchups against teams like Penn State or Michigan will almost always be on the big broadcast networks, those early-season games against non-conference opponents or lower-ranked Big Ten teams often end up here.
Most cable packages include BTN, but if you’ve cut the cord, you’ll need a service like Fubo, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV to get it.
The Peacock Problem: Streaming-Only Games
This is where fans get the most annoyed. At least once or twice a season, an Ohio State game is exclusive to Peacock.
You can’t find these on cable. You can’t find them with a digital antenna. You actually have to pay for a Peacock Premium subscription to see the kickoff. In 2025, the Ohio University game was tucked behind this paywall, and we can expect similar "Peacock Exclusives" moving forward.
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It’s a strategic move by NBC to drive subscriptions, but for a fan who just wants to watch their team, it feels like a "Buckeye Tax." If you see the game listed on Peacock, make sure you’ve logged in and updated your payment info at least 20 minutes before kickoff. There's nothing worse than missing a first-quarter touchdown because your app needed an update.
Best Streaming Services for Buckeyes Fans
If you're done with traditional cable, you have options. But not all streaming services are created equal when it comes to sports. Honestly, if you want the "set it and forget it" experience, you need a service that carries local channels (FOX, CBS, NBC) plus BTN and FS1.
- YouTube TV: Probably the most reliable choice. It has all the local channels, BTN, and a very good "multiview" feature that lets you watch the Ohio State game on one side of the screen while keeping an eye on the Michigan score on the other.
- Fubo: This is often touted as the "sports-first" streamer. They carry almost everything you need, and they usually offer a free trial if you're in a pinch for just one weekend.
- Hulu + Live TV: Solid option, and it often comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+. Just keep in mind that while ESPN+ carries a lot of college football, it rarely carries Ohio State football games because of the Big Ten's specific TV deals.
- Directv Stream: A bit pricier, but it’s one of the few that consistently carries regional sports networks if you’re also trying to catch the Cavs or Blue Jackets.
Watching for Free: The Antenna Trick
Believe it or not, the "old school" way still works for most games. Since FOX, CBS, and NBC are broadcast networks, they air over-the-air signals.
A $20 digital antenna from a big-box store can often pick up these channels in high definition for free. If the game is on one of the "Big Three," you don't need a cable subscription. Just scan for channels and you're good to go. The only catch is that this won't help you with games on BTN or Peacock.
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Checking the Schedule
The TV networks usually operate on a 6-day or 12-day "selection window." This means they don't announce the exact channel and time for a game until about a week or two before it happens. They do this to make sure the best matchups get the best time slots.
To stay updated, the official Ohio State Buckeyes website or the Big Ten’s official schedule page are your best bets. Avoid those random "free stream" sites you see on social media; they're usually filled with malware and lag ten minutes behind the actual play.
Actionable Steps for Game Day
To make sure you never miss a snap, follow this quick checklist every Saturday morning:
- Check the Official Kickoff Time: Is it Noon, 3:30, or 7:30? This narrows down the likely network immediately.
- Verify the Broadcaster: Look for the FOX, CBS, NBC, or BTN logo on the official schedule.
- Test Your Apps: if the game is on Peacock or a streaming service, log in early. Don't wait until 12:01 PM.
- Have a Backup: If you’re using an antenna, make sure it’s positioned toward the nearest broadcast tower. If you’re streaming, ensure your Wi-Fi can handle the HD load.
The landscape of sports media is shifting, and while it’s more complex than it used to be, the Buckeyes are still accessible if you know which "hoops" to jump through.