Introduction
If you’re a Buckeyes fan, the Ohio State football schedule isn’t just a list of games—it’s a blueprint for your fall. Saturdays turn into celebrations. Rivalry weeks get circled. And every matchup feels personal because Buckeye Nation lives and breathes football.
The Ohio State football schedule matters to students, families, alumni, and fans across the country—not just for planning tailgates and road trips, but for tracking chances at conference titles, rivalry wins, and college football playoff dreams.
In this full guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the Ohio State football schedule—how it works, what to watch for, the biggest games, and how to follow along. Whether you’re new to Buckeye football or a lifelong fan, this breakdown makes it easy, fun, and full of Scarlet and Gray pride!
How the Ohio State Football Schedule Is Put Together
Each season, the Ohio State football schedule includes a mix of home games, away games, conference rivals, and non-conference battles. Before joining the Big Ten, scheduling was different, but now it follows conference guidelines and national trends.
Ohio State plays 12 regular-season games each year:
- 3 non-conference games (usually in September)
- 9 Big Ten Conference games (the rest of the season)
The Big Ten rotates some teams, so each year feels fresh. However, key rivals and annual matchups always stay.
A well-planned schedule is important because it affects playoff chances, rankings, and fan excitement. And every game matters—for bowl dreams and bragging rights.
Home vs. Away: Where Ohio State Will Play
Every year, the Ohio State football schedule flips between road challenges and home-field advantages inside Ohio Stadium, also known as The Horseshoe.
Home Games are played in Columbus, where 100,000+ fans wear red and bring the noise. Players love playing at home, and fans make it special.
Away Games take the Bucks across the Big Ten. These road games test the team’s toughness. Environments like Penn State’s “White Out” or Michigan’s “Big House” are intense.
Some seasons bring tough travel, while others favor more games in Columbus. Coaches, players, and fans always check this balance when the new schedule is released.
Opening Games: Setting the Tone for the Season
The beginning of the Ohio State football schedule usually includes 2–3 non-conference games. These may seem simple, but they matter a lot.
Opening games help Ohio State get into rhythm before facing strong Big Ten rivals. These games also work as tune-ups where coaches test lineups, quarterbacks settle in, and young talent gets to shine.
Recently, OSU has faced big names like Notre Dame and Oregon early in the season. These non-conference games can boost playoff hopes and make an early statement to poll voters.
Fans look forward to these kickoffs as the official return of Buckeye football—with tailgates, marching bands, and clear fall skies.
Big Ten Matchups That Define the Year
Once non-conference games finish, the Ohio State football schedule dives into Big Ten play. This is where conference titles are won—or lost.
Big Ten games include historic programs like Penn State, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan. These matchups are usually close, physical, and full of drama. No game is easy, but every win puts Ohio State closer to the Big Ten Championship Game.
Games against East Division rivals such as Michigan State and Maryland are also key. With only nine conference games, each one carries pressure. Rankings and reputations are on the line every Saturday.
No matter the record, fans are glued to every game during this stretch.
Bye Weeks: A Break in the Action
Each Ohio State football schedule includes a bye week, often in October. A bye means no game that week, giving players time to heal and rest.
It also gives coaches time to fix mistakes, focus on the next opponent, and let the team recharge mentally. For fans, it’s a chance to catch their breath or watch other games around the country.
When the bye week is placed well, it can be a game-changer in the season. For example, having it right before a tough road game or big rivalry can offer an edge in game prep.
Fans always pay attention to when this break hits—it’s more important than most people think.
Rivalry Week: The Game vs. Michigan
The most critical, emotional, and unforgettable item on the Ohio State football schedule is always the final regular-season game: Ohio State vs. Michigan. It’s called The Game.
Played in late November, this rivalry stretches back over 100 years. It’s often the game that decides who goes to the Big Ten title game—and sometimes, who goes to the playoffs.
The buzz begins weeks before kickoff. Media coverage grows intense. Fans debate online. School spirit hits new heights. And players know this game is about pride, not just points.
Whether it’s in Ann Arbor or Columbus, The Game always brings drama. To Buckeyes fans, beating Michigan is everything.
Where to Watch Ohio State Games Live
If you can’t be at The Horseshoe, don’t worry—every game on the Ohio State football schedule is broadcast live on national TV.
You’ll find games on:
- FOX
- ABC
- CBS
- NBC
- ESPN
- Big Ten Network (BTN)
Some major games are also streamed online. With apps like the Fox Sports app, ESPN app, and Peacock, fans can follow the action from phones, tablets, or laptops.
Ohio State’s games often air in prime time because they draw huge national interest. So grab snacks, wear red, and enjoy the games from anywhere!
Must-Watch Games on This Year’s Schedule
Every year, the Ohio State football schedule includes a few must-watch games—either because of tough opponents or what’s at stake.
Top games to circle usually include:
- Notre Dame (if scheduled): Epic non-conference challenge
- Penn State: A Big Ten East clash with playoff implications
- Wisconsin or Iowa: Powerhouse matchups full of grit
- Michigan: Always the biggest game of the year
- Night Games at The Shoe: The atmosphere is unmatched
Some matchups matter for the rankings. Others for revenge. Either way, these are the games fans plan their lives around!
How the Schedule Affects the Playoff Race
The College Football Playoff Committee looks closely at the Ohio State football schedule. Strength of schedule matters. Wins over tough teams boost a team’s playoff resume. Losses to strong teams hurt less than losses to unranked ones.
For Ohio State, every game is a step toward a Big Ten title, a New Year’s Six bowl, or a college football playoff spot. That’s why fans track every opponent closely. How their rivals perform also matters.
A great schedule can keep a one-loss team in playoff talks. A weak one? It may hurt even an undefeated team’s case.
That’s why schedule talk never ends in Columbus.
Road Trips for Die-Hard Fans
If you’re part of Buckeye Nation and love to travel, you’ll love taking road trips to away games on the Ohio State football schedule.
Road destinations include:
- Ann Arbor: A classic stop for The Game
- State College: Night games at Penn State are next-level
- Madison, Wisconsin: Great fans and a loud stadium
- Chicago (Northwestern): An easy trip with lots of Bucks support
- Indianapolis: Home of the Big Ten title game every December
Traveling fans turn away games into home games by showing up strong. It’s part of what makes being a Buckeye fan feel like being part of a big family.
Understanding the Postseason After the Schedule Ends
Once the regular Ohio State football schedule ends, it’s time for postseason dreams and playoff goals.
Here’s what comes next:
- Big Ten Championship Game: Held in Indianapolis for the division winners
- College Football Playoff: Four top teams play for the title
- New Year’s Six Bowls: Big games like the Rose, Fiesta, and Sugar Bowls
- Other Bowl Games: Still high-profile, depending on rankings
Where Ohio State lands depends on its final record, performance, and national rank. A great regular season leads to great postseason chances—and fans follow every step.
FAQs
1. How many games are on the Ohio State football schedule?
Each season includes 12 regular-season games, with potential for championships and bowl games.
2. When is the big Michigan rivalry game?
The Game is played every year in late November, usually after Thanksgiving.
3. Can I watch all the games on regular TV?
Yes! Buckeye games air on FOX, ABC, ESPN, NBC, CBS, or the Big Ten Network.
4. Does Ohio State play the same teams every year?
Not always. They play all Big Ten East Division teams yearly, but cross-division games rotate.
5. Are there home and away patterns?
Yes. Most years have a balanced mix of home and away games. Some years favor one side more.
6. How soon is the full football schedule released?
Usually several months before the season, with dates set well in advance by the Big Ten and TV networks.
Conclusion
The Ohio State football schedule is more than just games—it’s a heartbeat for thousands of fans. It brings families together, fills neighborhoods with cheers, and makes autumn feel alive in Ohio and far beyond.
From must-win clashes to unforgettable rivalries, from opening weekend to the Big Ten finale, every game is a chance to celebrate, yell “O-H!”, and proudly wear the scarlet and gray.
So whether you’re planning game day snacks, booking road trips, or just watching from your couch—follow the schedule, embrace the tradition, and enjoy every snap
