Head coach Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes enter the 2026 college football season with a grueling Big Ten slate. The expanded conference features marquee matchups, testing the Buckeyes against familiar foes and new rivals.
Fans plotting out their autumn weekends need the complete rundown of game days. This Ohio State Football schedule 2026 guide covers upcoming opponents, exact dates, kickoff times, TV channels, and where to stream the action.
What channel is the Ohio State football game on?
Buckeyes games air primarily on FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, and the Big Ten Network during the 2026 season. Major rivalry matchups and primetime broadcasts often fall on FOX or ABC, while early-season games might land on BTN.
Ohio State Football Schedule 2026
The 2026 schedule features massive matchups in Columbus alongside tough road trips across the country. Kickoff times and television assignments remain subject to mid-season network adjustments.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV |
| Saturday, Sep. 5 | Ball State Cardinals | 12:30 p.m. | BTN |
| Saturday, Sep. 12 | at Texas Longhorns | 7:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Saturday, Sep. 19 | Kent State Golden Flashes | 12:00 p.m. | FOX |
| Saturday, Sep. 26 | Illinois Fighting Illini | TBA | TBA |
| Saturday, Oct. 3 | at Iowa Hawkeyes | TBA | TBA |
| Saturday, Oct. 10 | Maryland Terrapins (HC) | TBA | TBA |
| Saturday, Oct. 17 | at Indiana Hoosiers | TBA | TBA |
| Saturday, Oct. 24 | OFF | – | – |
| Saturday, Oct. 31 | at USC Trojans | TBA | TBA |
| Saturday, Nov. 7 | Oregon Ducks | TBA | TBA |
| Saturday, Nov. 14 | Northwestern Wildcats | TBA | TBA |
| Saturday, Nov. 21 | at Nebraska Cornhuskers | TBA | TBA |
| Saturday, Nov. 28 | Michigan Wolverines | 12:00 p.m. | FOX |
| Saturday, Dec. 5 | Big Ten Championship | 8:00 p.m. | FOX |
Where to watch Ohio State football?
Cord-cutters have several reliable options for catching every Ohio State Buckeyes Football broadcast this year. Services carrying FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, and the Big Ten Network include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV.
Peacock streams specific NBC games exclusively, while Paramount+ handles the simulcasts for any CBS afternoon broadcasts. Fans should verify their local market availability to guarantee they receive standard network channels.
Subscribing to a digital package with local channels is the most direct method for avoiding blackouts. The ESPN app also allows authentication through a participating TV provider to stream ABC matchups directly on a phone or tablet.
Games scheduled on the Big Ten Network require a subscription package that explicitly includes the network in its channel lineup. Check with your local cable or satellite provider to confirm BTN availability ahead of kickoff.
For those listening on the go, Ohio State Sports Network provides live radio coverage. Fans can tune in via local affiliates across the state or access the audio feed digitally through the official athletics application.
If you are attending the games in person, Ohio Stadium uses mobile ticketing exclusively. Make sure devices are fully charged and passes are saved to a digital wallet before approaching the entrance gates.
DirecTV Stream is another popular alternative providing local channels for Saturday tailgates. Compare pricing and channel bundles across these streaming platforms to find the exact setup needed for game day.
Editorial Disclaimer: Schedule details, television networks, and kickoff times are based on official announcements and are subject to change by the NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and respective broadcast partners.
