Finding out where is the Ohio State game streaming used to be simple. You’d just flip to ABC or the Big Ten Network and call it a day. But honestly, the 2025-26 season has turned into a bit of a scavenger hunt for fans. Between the massive Big Ten expansion and the way media rights are sliced up now, you've gotta be a part-time detective just to find the kickoff.
If you are looking for the Buckeyes today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the situation depends entirely on which squad you're following. The men's basketball team is fresh off a Saturday battle against UCLA at Value City Arena, while the women’s team is prepping for a massive neutral-site showdown tomorrow against TCU.
But for most of us, "streaming the game" means navigating a minefield of apps. Peacock, Paramount+, B1G+, and the old-school cable logins. It’s a lot.
The current landscape for Buckeyes streaming
Right now, the Big Ten's media deal is shared between FOX, CBS, and NBC. That sounds great for coverage, but it means the "home" for Ohio State changes weekly. Basically, if the game is on FOX, you’re looking at the FOX Sports app. If it’s a "Big Ten Saturday Night" special on NBC, you’re headed to Peacock.
One of the most confusing parts for fans is the distinction between the Big Ten Network (BTN) and B1G+. I’ve seen so many people get frustrated because they pay for B1G+ thinking they’ll get the big football or basketball games. They won't. B1G+ is specifically for the non-televised events—think soccer, volleyball, or wrestling. If the game is on a major channel, B1G+ actually blacks it out.
For the big-ticket matchups, you're almost always going to need a live TV streaming service.
Best ways to catch the action today
If you're trying to figure out where is the Ohio State game streaming right this second, here’s the reality for January 18:
- Men’s Basketball: After the UCLA game yesterday (which was on CBS), the men have a brief breather. If you’re looking for a replay, the Big Ten Network often loops these games within 24 hours.
- Women’s Basketball: The No. 14 Buckeyes are slated for a high-stakes matchup against No. 10 TCU. This one is scheduled for Monday, Jan 19, at 12 p.m. EST on FOX. For streaming, you'll want the FOX Sports app or a service that carries FOX.
- Other Buckeye Sports: Today is actually a big day for the "Olympic" sports. If you're into hockey or wrestling, check B1G+.
Why the "Channel Surf" is getting harder
You've probably noticed that some games are "Peacock Exclusives." This started becoming a regular thing during the 2024 and 2025 football seasons. It’s annoying, sure, but it’s the direction the industry is heading.
NBC often puts one high-profile Big Ten game behind the Peacock paywall every few weeks. If Ohio State is the "Game of the Week" but it's not in the primetime NBC slot, there's a high chance it's streaming exclusively on Peacock. You can't even get those with a traditional cable package anymore. You have to have the app.
The same goes for Paramount+. While most games on CBS are broadcast over the air, Paramount+ is the digital home for those specific streams. If you’ve cut the cord, that’s your go-to.
A quick breakdown of the apps you need
| Service | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Fubo / YouTube TV | These are the "all-in-ones." They carry FOX, CBS, NBC, and BTN. If the game is on "TV," it's here. |
| Peacock | Mandatory for those few "Exclusive" games each season and all NBC-broadcast games. |
| Paramount+ | The home for any game that airs on CBS. |
| FOX Sports App | You can stream the FOX and FS1 games here, but you usually need a cable login to "authenticate." |
Don't get caught by the "B1G+" trap
I mentioned this earlier, but it bears repeating because it's the number one complaint I hear. B1G+ does not stream the football games. If you are searching for where is the Ohio State game streaming and you land on the B1G+ website during a football Saturday, you're going to see a "Listen Live" button, not a video feed. It’s great for radio fans, but a bummer if you just spent ten bucks expecting 4K video of the Buckeyes taking on Michigan.
What about free streams?
Look, we all know they exist. But honestly, they're a nightmare. Between the lag, the constant pop-ups, and the risk of your laptop catching a digital cold, it’s rarely worth it.
The most "legit" way to watch for free is usually a Fubo or YouTube TV free trial. They usually give you 7 days. If you’re desperate to see a specific game and don't want to commit, just sign up on Saturday morning and cancel on Sunday. Just remember to actually cancel it, or that "free" game will cost you $75 next month.
Key takeaways for Buckeye fans
The search for the game is basically a weekly ritual now. Because the Big Ten is so massive—stretching from Jersey to Jersey to Oregon—the TV windows are all over the place.
🔗 Read more: Kennesaw State University Football Score: The Brutal Truth About the FBS Transition
- Check the schedule 48 hours early. Kickoff times and channels for the Big Ten usually get locked in about 6-12 days out, but streaming specifics sometimes shift.
- Verify the platform. Is it "NBC" or "Peacock Exclusive"? Those are two very different things for your remote.
- Local blackouts. Usually not an issue for national Ohio State games, but if you're watching a smaller sport on a regional network, keep your VPN handy just in case.
If you’re ready to watch the Buckeyes move toward another championship run, the best move is to have your logins for the FOX Sports and Peacock apps ready to go. The 2026 schedule is looking brutal, and you don't want to be troubleshooting your Wi-Fi or hunting for a password while the Buckeyes are already lining up for the opening kickoff.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the official Ohio State Buckeyes website or the "Ohio State" tab on the ESPN app specifically for the Live/Upcoming section. This will give you the definitive "TV" designation for today's specific event. If you see a network listed (like FOX or BTN), head to a live TV streamer like Fubo or YouTube TV. If it's a niche sport, open your B1G+ app.