You've finally got the hotel booked. The red-and-gray gear is laid out on the bed. You’re ready for the Horseshoe. But then you check the schedule and realize it’s another 12:00 PM kickoff.
It feels like every single week, doesn't it? Honestly, if you're a fan of the Buckeyes, ohio state university game time has basically become synonymous with "eating breakfast while watching the coin toss." While other big-name programs are basking under the neon lights of a primetime Saturday night, Ohio State fans are often squinting into the high-noon sun.
Why does this happen? It isn't just a random coincidence or the Big Ten being "boring." It is a multi-billion dollar business strategy that has completely reshaped how we watch college football.
The Big Noon Saturday Curse (Or Blessing?)
If you want to understand the logic behind the ohio state university game time, you have to look at FOX. A few years back, FOX made a massive bet. Instead of trying to compete with ABC’s Saturday Night Football or the SEC on CBS at 3:30 PM, they decided to "own" the noon window. They called it "Big Noon Saturday."
Because Ohio State is arguably the biggest ratings draw in the entire country, FOX uses their first-pick rights to snag the Buckeyes for that 12:00 PM slot. It’s great for the TV networks—they get millions of viewers who are already awake and looking for a game—but it kinda stinks for the tailgating scene.
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Think about the 2025 season. Look at the gauntlet the Buckeyes just ran. The massive season opener against Texas? Noon. The rivalry game against Penn State? Noon. Even "The Game" against Michigan in Ann Arbor—which the Buckeyes took 27-9 this past November—is locked into that midday slot by tradition and contract.
When Do They Actually Play at Night?
It isn't always noon, of course. We do get those rare treats. When NBC and Peacock entered the Big Ten media rights deal, they bought the 7:30 PM window. This is why we saw the 2025 UCLA game and the Minnesota matchup kick off under the lights.
Night games at Ohio Stadium are different. The energy in the Shoe shifts. You can feel the vibration of "Hang on Sloopy" in your teeth. But because FOX often gets the "first pick" of the week's best game, and they want that game at noon, the night window is usually reserved for the second or third-best matchup of the Big Ten week.
Breaking Down the 2026 Spring Outlook
If you are looking for the next time the Buckeyes take the field, mark your calendars for April 11, 2026. That is the projected date for the annual Spring Game. While the official ohio state university game time for the exhibition hasn't been set in stone by the athletic department yet, history tells us to expect a 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM kickoff.
Tickets usually go on sale in February, and if you're planning to go, don't wait. Last year, the demand for the Spring Game was higher than some regular-season matchups elsewhere in the conference.
How the 12-Day Rule Works
One of the most frustrating things for fans is the "TBA" on the schedule. You’re trying to plan a flight or a wedding (don't have a wedding on a game day in Ohio, seriously), and you don't know when the game starts.
Basically, the networks use a "6-day or 12-day hold."
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- The 12-Day Rule: Most game times are announced on the Monday, nearly two weeks before the game.
- The 6-Day Hold: For really big matchups where the "stakes" depend on the previous week's results, the networks wait until the Sunday before the game to announce the time.
It’s a logistical nightmare for fans, but it’s how the TV execs ensure the highest-stakes game gets the best window.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The 2026 schedule is already looking spicy. We start with Ball State on September 5th, but the real eyes are on the trip to Austin on September 12th.
After Ohio State beat Texas 14-7 in the 2025 opener, the Longhorns are going to be out for blood in the rematch. Will that be a noon game too? Surprisingly, maybe not. Since it's a non-conference road game, the TV rights follow the home team's conference (the SEC), which means we might actually see a primetime kickoff on ABC or ESPN for that one.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Gameday
If you're heading to Columbus or just trying to catch the game on TV, here is how you stay ahead of the curve:
- Check the 97.1 The Fan App: This is the flagship radio station. They often break the kickoff news minutes before the national outlets.
- Follow the "6-Day" Pattern: If a game is listed as TBA on a Monday, expect the announcement on Sunday morning after the Saturday slate finishes.
- Prep for Peacock: In 2026, at least one or two games will likely be "Peacock Exclusives." Make sure your subscription is active before the 11:55 AM panic sets in.
- The "Big Noon" Rule of Thumb: If Ohio State is playing a ranked opponent at home and the game is on FOX, it is 95% likely to be a 12:00 PM kickoff.
The reality of ohio state university game time is that as long as the Buckeyes remain a ratings powerhouse, they will be the anchors of the morning schedule. It’s the price of being elite. Grab your coffee, get the eggs on the griddle, and get ready—Noon is coming faster than you think.