If you’re looking for the Scarlet and Gray on the gridiron this weekend, I’ve got some bad news for you. The Ohio State football season is officially over. After a gut-wrenching 24-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl back on December 31, the Buckeyes were knocked out of the College Football Playoff. It’s a tough pill to swallow. Honestly, most of us expected a deeper run, especially with how the regular season went. But right now, the football team is in "transfer portal and recruiting mode" rather than "game day mode."
The guys are back in Columbus, or hitting the portal, or training for the NFL Combine. If you're asking who does Ohio State play this week because you want to see a game, you'll need to look toward the hardwood or the ice. The campus is still buzzing, just not with 100,000 people in the Horseshoe.
The Big Matchup: Men's Basketball vs. UCLA
While the football pads are put away, the men’s basketball team has a massive game on the horizon. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Buckeyes will host UCLA in Columbus.
This isn't just another conference game. Since the Big Ten expanded, these West Coast matchups have a different feel to them. It’s weird seeing UCLA in a Big Ten standings sheet, right? But here we are. The Bruins are coming into the Schott, and the Buckeyes need a win to keep their tournament hopes alive.
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Game Details:
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
- Opponent: UCLA Bruins
- Location: Value City Arena (The Schottenstein Center)
- Watch: Check your local Big Ten Network (BTN) listings or the Fox Sports App.
Rivalry Week in the Pool: Swimming and Diving
If you want to see a "Border War" this weekend, you've gotta head to the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion. On Saturday, January 17, the No. 14 Ohio State women’s swimming and diving team takes on the No. 4 University of Michigan.
Michigan is currently undefeated (7-0), and they’ve historically dominated this series, but the Buckeyes have actually taken three of the last four meets. It’s going to be loud. It’s going to be fast.
The meet starts at noon. If you can’t make it to the pool, it’s usually streamed on B1G+.
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Hockey and Other Sports on the Calendar
There is actually a lot of action if you broaden your search for who does Ohio State play this week. The university is massive, so the schedule is always packed.
- Women's Ice Hockey: The No. 2 ranked Buckeyes are traveling to Mankato to face Minnesota State. They play a two-game series on Friday (Jan 16) and Saturday (Jan 17). Hilda Svensson is a name you should know—the freshman has been absolutely tearing it up with 38 points so far.
- Men's Volleyball: They’re home at the Covelli Center. They just beat George Mason on Thursday night and are slated to face Long Beach State on Friday afternoon.
- Pistol and Fencing: These aren't the "mainstage" sports for most fans, but they’re in action too. The Pistol team is at the Camp Perry Open on Saturday, and Fencing is headed to New York for the St. John’s Super Cup.
Why There Is No Football Game Today
It's a little confusing because the College Football Playoff National Championship is actually happening this Monday, January 19, 2026.
But Ohio State isn't in it.
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That game features No. 1 Indiana (who beat Oregon in the Peach Bowl) against No. 10 Miami (who beat the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl). Seeing Indiana in the title game is... well, it’s something else. Buckeye fans are mostly watching from the sidelines this year, wondering what might have been if the offense had clicked a bit better in Arlington.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Football Schedule
Since the 2025-26 season is in the rearview mirror, people are already looking at the 2026 fall schedule. It’s a gauntlet.
The Buckeyes open the 2026 season on September 5, 2026, against Ball State. But the real "circle the date" game happens the following week. Ohio State travels to Austin to play the Texas Longhorns on September 12.
After that, the Big Ten schedule kicks in with games against Oregon, USC, and of course, Michigan. It’s going to be a long wait until September, but the recruiting trail is already heating up with names like Earl Little Jr. joining the fold via the portal.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Secure Basketball Tickets: If you want to see the UCLA game on Saturday, check the secondary markets now; Value City Arena fills up fast for Big Ten/Big Daily doubleheaders.
- Follow the Portal: Use sites like Eleven Warriors or 247Sports to track the football roster changes. The team is losing key pieces to the NFL, and the next few weeks will determine the 2026 depth chart.
- Tune into the National Championship: Even though the Buckeyes aren't playing, watching No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 10 Miami on Monday night will give you a good look at the competition for next season.