The 2026 Ohio State football schedule opens at home against Ball State on September 5 at 12:30 p.m. ET. The Ohio State Buckeyes face 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big Ten Championship appearance, with high-profile road tests against ranked Texas, Iowa, Indiana and USC, plus a home date against ranked Oregon and The Game against Michigan.
Ohio Stadium hosts seven home dates on the 2026 Ohio State football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in late October and early November with a road trip to ranked USC followed by a home date against ranked Oregon.
2026 Ohio State Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Ball State CardinalsOhio Stadium, Columbus, OH | 12:30pm ETBTN | ||
| Saturday | at 5 Texas LonghornsDKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX | 7:30pm ETABC | ||
| Saturday | Kent State Golden FlashesOhio Stadium, Columbus, OH | 12:00pm ETFOX | ||
| Saturday | Illinois Fighting IlliniOhio Stadium, Columbus, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 22 Iowa HawkeyesKinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Maryland TerrapinsOhio Stadium, Columbus, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 6 Indiana HoosiersMemorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | at 14 USC TrojansLA Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 2 Oregon DucksOhio Stadium, Columbus, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Northwestern WildcatsOhio Stadium, Columbus, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Nebraska CornhuskersMemorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| The Game | ||||
| Saturday | 16 Michigan WolverinesOhio Stadium, Columbus, OH | 12:00pm ETFOX | ||
| Saturday | vs Big Ten ChampionshipLucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | 8:00pm ETFOX | ||
How the 2026 Ohio State Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with a home game, a ranked road test, and two more home dates on the 2026 Ohio State Buckeyes Football schedule. Ball State at home, a trip to #5 Texas on ABC, Kent State at home, and Illinois at home. That early stretch mixes a national road challenge with manageable home contests.
October brings a road trip to #22 Iowa, Maryland at home, a road game at #6 Indiana, and the bye week. The consecutive ranked road tests will define the middle of the season.
November features a road trip to #14 USC, #2 Oregon at home, Northwestern at home, a road game at Nebraska, and The Game against #16 Michigan at home. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big Ten Championship appearance.
Home Games at Ohio Stadium
Seven home dates appear on the 2026 Ohio State football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Ball State
- September 19 vs. Kent State
- September 26 vs. Illinois
- October 10 vs. Maryland
- November 7 vs. #2 Oregon
- November 14 vs. Northwestern
- November 28 vs. #16 Michigan (The Game)
The Oregon and Michigan games will generate the strongest crowds in Columbus.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Ohio State football schedule.
The September 12 road game at #5 Texas is an early national measuring stick. The November 7 home date against #2 Oregon is a key ranked test. The November 28 Game against #16 Michigan always carries the most weight of the season.
Win two of those three and the Buckeyes stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 Big Ten Championship appearance in Indianapolis.
Where to Watch Ohio State Buckeyes Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 Ohio State football schedule:
- BTN (Sept. 5 vs. Ball State)
- ABC (Sept. 12 at Texas)
- FOX (Sept. 19 vs. Kent State and Nov. 28 vs. Michigan)
- FOX (Dec. 5 Big Ten Championship)
Most remaining Big Ten games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener vs. Ball State, 12:30 p.m. ET, BTN
- Sept. 12 — At #5 Texas, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
- Oct. 24 — Bye week
- Nov. 7 — #2 Oregon at home
- Nov. 28 — The Game vs. #16 Michigan, 12:00 p.m. ET, FOX
- Dec. 5 — Potential Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis, 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX
The 2026 Ohio State football schedule opens with a ranked road test and builds toward classic rivalries and ranked home games. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Ohio State open the 2026 season?
Ohio State opens the 2026 season at home against Ball State on Saturday, September 5 at 12:30 p.m. ET on BTN.
How many home games do the Ohio State Buckeyes have in 2026?
The Buckeyes have seven home games at Ohio Stadium on the 2026 Ohio State football schedule: Ball State, Kent State, Illinois, Maryland, #2 Oregon, Northwestern, and #16 Michigan.
Who do the Ohio State Buckeyes play in The Game?
On November 28 the Buckeyes host #16 Michigan in The Game at Ohio Stadium at 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
What channel are Ohio State games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include BTN, ABC, and FOX. Most Big Ten games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
