If you woke up this morning, grabbed your lucky scarlet jersey, and started searching for who does Ohio State play in football today, I have some news that might make you want to go back to sleep. Or at least change the channel.
The short answer? Nobody.
I know, it's a bit of a gut punch if you were ready for some Saturday afternoon tailgating vibes at the Shoe. But honestly, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Ohio State football season is officially over. It was a wild ride, and if you’re a die-hard fan, you’re probably still nursing a bit of a metaphorical hangover from how the College Football Playoff (CFP) ended for the Buckeyes this year.
Why Ohio State isn't on the field today
Basically, the season hit a wall back on December 31, 2025. Ohio State headed into the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic—which served as a CFP Quarterfinal—with high hopes. They were ranked No. 2 and looking like a juggernaut. Then they ran into the Miami Hurricanes.
It wasn't pretty.
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Miami pulled off a 24-14 upset that sent the Buckeyes packing. Because of that loss, Ohio State isn't playing in the national championship or any of the late-January games. While the rest of the college football world is gearing up for the big finale between No. 1 Indiana and No. 10 Miami on Monday, January 19, the Buckeyes are already looking toward next year.
It’s weird to think about Indiana being the top seed while we’re sitting at home, right? But after they beat Ohio State 13-10 in the Big Ten Championship back in early December, the momentum just shifted.
The Buckeyes you CAN watch today
Just because there isn't a football game doesn't mean the scarlet and gray are invisible. If you're looking for that competitive fix, you've actually got a pretty massive matchup on the hardwood.
The Ohio State men’s basketball team is hosting UCLA today, January 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET. It’s a Big Ten game now—which still feels a little bit like a fever dream, but hey, that's the new world of college sports. You can catch that one on CBS.
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If swimming is more your speed, the No. 16 Buckeyes are also hosting a dual meet against Michigan at noon today. There's always something happening in Columbus, even when the pigskin is tucked away in the equipment room.
What’s next for Ohio State football?
So, since we aren't asking who does Ohio State play in football today for a while, what are the coaches actually doing? They aren't on vacation.
The transfer portal is basically the Wild West right now. Just this week, we saw some big roster shifts. Tight end Max Klare officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, which is a huge loss for the offense. On the flip side, the portal has been a bit of a revolving door. Former wide receiver Mylan Graham just headed off to Notre Dame, so the coaching staff is busy trying to plug those holes before the spring.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Schedule
If you want to mark your calendars, the 2026 season opener is set for September 5, 2026, against Ball State at Ohio Stadium.
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Here is what the start of next season looks like (and yes, it’s a doozy):
- September 5: vs. Ball State
- September 12: at Texas (This is going to be massive. A total revenge game potential after the Buckeyes beat them 14-7 last August.)
- September 19: vs. Kent State
The rest of the Big Ten schedule—including dates for Oregon and Michigan—is still being finalized with the TV networks, but you can bet that the "Game" against Michigan will be back in Columbus this year.
Actionable steps for Buckeye fans
Since there’s no game today, here’s how you can actually stay plugged in:
- Watch the UCLA game at 1 PM: Support the basketball team on CBS. They’re 11-5 and need this conference win.
- Track the Transfer Portal: Follow beat writers like those at Buckeye Sports Bulletin or Eleven Warriors. The roster for next September is being built right now.
- Check the 2026 NFL Draft big boards: See where guys like Klare and the departing seniors are projected. It’s a good way to see which young players will need to step up in spring ball.
It’s a long wait until September, but that’s just the life of a college football fan. Take the day off, enjoy the basketball, and maybe start planning that road trip to Austin for the Texas game in the fall.