Ohio State football is the football program of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes compete in the Big Ten Conference and play their home games at Ohio Stadium, widely known as “The Shoe.”
The program has a long history, a major national following, and one of college football’s most recognized rivalries with Michigan. For the 2026 season, Ohio State entered the campaign under head coach Ryan Day with a schedule that includes Texas, Oregon, Indiana, USC, Nebraska, and Michigan.
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What Is the 2026 Ohio State Football Record?
As of September 17, 2026, the Buckeyes are 1-1 overall and 0-0 in Big Ten play.
Ohio State opened the season with a 56-3 home win against Ball State. The following week, the Buckeyes traveled to Austin and lost 24-23 to Texas. The official Ohio State schedule lists Kent State as the next opponent on September 19.
The record can change throughout the season, so readers should check the official schedule for the latest result.
Who Coaches Ohio State Football?
Ryan Day is the head coach of the Buckeyes in 2026.
The coaching staff also includes Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator, Larry Johnson as associate head coach and defensive line coach, Tim Walton as co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach, and Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator.
Other staff members handle quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, tight ends, offensive line, linebackers, safeties, and special teams.
This structure gives Ohio State separate coaching expertise across the major parts of the team.
Where Does Ohio State Play Its Home Games?
Ohio State plays its home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
The stadium is commonly called “The Shoe.” It serves as the home venue for Buckeyes football and is one of the most recognizable locations in college football.
The 2026 schedule gives Ohio State seven regular-season home games, including contests against Kent State, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, Northwestern, and Michigan. The official schedule also lists Ball State as the season opener at Ohio Stadium.
What Is the 2026 Ohio State Football Schedule?
The 2026 regular-season schedule contains 12 games.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 5 | Ball State | Ohio Stadium | Ohio State won 56-3 |
| Sept. 12 | Texas | Austin, Texas | Ohio State lost 23-24 |
| Sept. 19 | Kent State | Ohio Stadium | Scheduled |
| Sept. 26 | Illinois | Ohio Stadium | Scheduled |
| Oct. 3 | Iowa | Iowa City | Scheduled |
| Oct. 10 | Maryland | Ohio Stadium | Scheduled |
| Oct. 17 | Indiana | Bloomington | Scheduled |
| Oct. 24 | Bye | — | Off week |
| Oct. 31 | USC | Los Angeles | Scheduled |
| Nov. 7 | Oregon | Ohio Stadium | Scheduled |
| Nov. 14 | Northwestern | Ohio Stadium | Scheduled |
| Nov. 21 | Nebraska | Lincoln | Scheduled |
| Nov. 28 | Michigan | Ohio Stadium | Scheduled |
The Big Ten Championship Game is scheduled for December 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Qualification for that game depends on the final conference standings.
Which Ohio State Games Stand Out on the 2026 Schedule?
Several games attract attention because of the opponent, location, or rivalry.
Texas
Ohio State traveled to Texas on September 12 for the second game of the season. The Buckeyes lost 24-23 in Austin.
Oregon
Oregon visits Ohio Stadium on November 7.
The matchup also carries Big Ten significance because Oregon is now part of the conference. Ohio State’s official schedule lists the game as a home contest.
Michigan
Michigan visits Ohio Stadium on November 28.
The rivalry remains one of the defining events on the Ohio State schedule. The 2026 meeting is scheduled for noon Eastern Time and will be televised on FOX.
USC
Ohio State travels to Los Angeles on October 31 to face USC.
The trip adds another major road game to the schedule and gives the Buckeyes a matchup with one of college football’s best-known programs.
How Does the Big Ten Shape Ohio State Football?
The Big Ten provides Ohio State with a demanding conference schedule.
For 2026, the Buckeyes have nine Big Ten games. Their conference opponents include Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Indiana, USC, Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan.
The conference has 18 teams, and each program plays nine conference games.
The Big Ten Championship Game is scheduled for December 5. Its participants are determined by the conference standings rather than being selected simply from the preseason schedule.
What Is the Ohio State vs. Michigan Rivalry?
The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is one of the most important traditions in the program’s history.
The two teams have played numerous times since their first meeting in 1897. Their rivalry is often called The Game.
Ohio State’s official 2026 schedule notes that Michigan leads the all-time series, while Ohio State won the most recent meeting in 2025 by a 27-9 score.
The next meeting is scheduled for November 28, 2026, at Ohio Stadium.
What Makes Ohio Stadium Special?
Ohio Stadium is more than a football venue for many Buckeyes fans.
The stadium provides the setting for home games, marching-band traditions, tailgating, student activities, and one of college football’s strongest game-day environments.
Fans also know the stadium for the Script Ohio, performed by The Ohio State University Marching Band.
The combination of the stadium, band, traditions, and large crowds gives home games a distinctive identity.
What Are Ohio State’s Major Football Traditions?
Several traditions help define Buckeyes football.
Script Ohio
The marching band’s Script Ohio performance is one of the school’s most famous traditions.
The Buckeye Leaf
Players can receive Buckeye stickers for notable performances. The stickers are placed on their helmets.
The Shoe
Ohio Stadium’s nickname reflects its central place in the program.
Dotting the “i”
A band member traditionally dots the “i” during Script Ohio. The moment has become one of the most recognized Ohio State traditions.
The Michigan Game
The annual matchup with Michigan remains a major part of the program’s identity.
These traditions connect current teams with generations of Ohio State players and supporters.
What Does Ohio State’s Football History Include?
The Ohio State football program has accumulated a long list of major achievements.
The school’s official 2026 spring-game notes list:
- 9 national championships
- 39 Big Ten championships
- 990 all-time wins at the time of publication
- 7 Heisman Trophy winners
- 95 first-round NFL Draft picks
- 97 consensus All-Americans
- 7 College Football Playoff appearances
These figures provide useful context for understanding the scale of the program.
The Buckeyes have also produced many NFL players, award winners, and All-Americans.
Which Players Should Fans Watch?
The official 2026 roster provides the current team list, while individual player roles can change during a season.
When following Ohio State football, fans should pay attention to several position groups:
- Quarterback
- Running backs
- Wide receivers
- Tight ends
- Offensive line
- Defensive line
- Linebackers
- Defensive backs
- Special teams
College football rosters can change quickly because of transfers, injuries, eligibility, and coaching decisions.
For accurate player information, the official Ohio State roster remains the best reference.
How Can Fans Follow Ohio State Football?
Fans can follow the Buckeyes through several official channels.
The Ohio State athletics website provides:
- Current schedules
- Results
- Rosters
- Coaches
- Game notes
- Press conferences
- Statistics
- Game information
- Ticket information
The official 2026 media center also provides links to game books, Ohio State notes, postgame notes, and press conferences.
For live games, fans should check the official schedule for the latest television and kickoff information because times can change.
How Can Fans Watch the 2026 Games?
The broadcast network depends on the individual game.
For example, the official Ohio State schedule lists the Texas game on ABC, the Kent State game on FOX, and the Michigan game on FOX. Other games may have times or broadcast information announced later.
The safest way to confirm a game’s current television information is to check the official Ohio State schedule close to game day.
What Should Fans Know About Ohio State Tickets?
Ohio State offers season tickets, mini-plans, and single-game tickets.
The athletics department announced 2026 ticket options through its official website. It also warned fans about unauthorized resale marketplaces and recommended using verified sources for resale tickets.
Fans should check the official Ohio State ticket information before purchasing.
This helps reduce the risk of buying invalid or counterfeit tickets.
Why Is the 2026 Schedule Important?
The 2026 schedule combines non-conference games with a full Big Ten slate.
The Buckeyes face Texas outside conference play, then move through Big Ten opponents that include Iowa, Indiana, USC, Oregon, Nebraska, and Michigan. The schedule also includes seven home games.
The sequence gives fans several major dates to follow throughout the season.
Rather than focusing only on one rivalry game, supporters can track the team across the entire schedule and watch how the season develops.
Ohio State Football: Complete Detailing Table
| Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| University | The Ohio State University |
| Team | Ohio State Buckeyes |
| Sport | College football |
| Conference | Big Ten |
| Head Coach | Ryan Day |
| Home Stadium | Ohio Stadium |
| Stadium Nickname | The Shoe |
| 2026 Record as of Sept. 17 | 1-1 |
| Big Ten Record | 0-0 |
| 2026 Opener | Ball State |
| Major Non-Conference Opponent | Texas |
| Major Home Games | Oregon and Michigan |
| Road Games | Texas, Iowa, Indiana, USC, Nebraska |
| Bye Week | October 24 |
| Regular Season Finale | Michigan |
| Big Ten Championship Date | December 5 |
| Championship Venue | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| Main Rival | Michigan |
| Official Schedule | Ohio State Athletics |
| 2026 Home Games | Seven |
| Official Colors | Scarlet and Gray |
| Marching Band | The Ohio State University Marching Band |
| Major Tradition | Script Ohio |
What Does Ohio State Football Mean to College Football Fans?
Ohio State football represents a combination of competition, tradition, school identity, and community.
The program’s history stretches across generations. Fans follow the team for different reasons, from the rivalry with Michigan to the atmosphere at Ohio Stadium and the development of players.
The 2026 season adds another chapter to that history.
With games against Texas, Oregon, USC, Nebraska, Indiana, and Michigan, the schedule provides many important dates for supporters to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ohio State football?
Ohio State football is the NCAA football program representing The Ohio State University. The Buckeyes compete in the Big Ten and play home games at Ohio Stadium.
Who is the Ohio State football coach in 2026?
Ryan Day is Ohio State’s head football coach in 2026. The official coaching staff also includes Matt Patricia, Arthur Smith, Larry Johnson, Tim Walton, and other position coaches.
What is Ohio State’s 2026 football record?
As of September 17, 2026, Ohio State is 1-1 overall and 0-0 in Big Ten play. The Buckeyes defeated Ball State 56-3 and lost to Texas 24-23.
When does Ohio State play Michigan in 2026?
Ohio State plays Michigan on November 28, 2026, at Ohio Stadium. The official schedule lists a noon Eastern kickoff and FOX as the television network.
Where does Ohio State football play?
Ohio State plays its home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The venue is commonly known as “The Shoe.”
Who are Ohio State’s major 2026 opponents?
The 2026 schedule includes Texas, Indiana, USC, Oregon, Nebraska, and Michigan. The Buckeyes also play Ball State, Kent State, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, and Northwestern.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Ohio State football season combines a historic program with a busy Big Ten schedule and several major matchups.
The Buckeyes have seven scheduled home games, travel to Texas, Iowa, Indiana, USC, and Nebraska, and finish the regular season against Michigan at Ohio Stadium. The program continues to build around Ryan Day and a coaching staff covering every major part of the team.
