If you’re scrambling to find the remote or wondering if you need a specific streaming login to catch the Buckeyes, you aren't alone. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Schottenstein Center is the place to be, but for those of us watching from the couch, the logistics are pretty straightforward.
Ohio State plays UCLA today at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
This isn't just another mid-season slump-buster. It's a high-stakes Big Ten showdown. Since the conference expanded to include the West Coast giants, these matchups have a different kind of weight. It’s weird seeing UCLA in the Big Ten standings, honestly. But here we are.
✨ Don't miss: Week 13 DST Rankings: What Most People Get Wrong
What Time and Channel Does Ohio State Play Today?
The tip-off is locked in for 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you are out west following the Bruins, that’s a 10:00 a.m. start. Early basketball.
CBS has the national broadcast. This is great news because it means you don't have to hunt through obscure cable tiers or regional sports networks. If you have an antenna, you're good. If you have Paramount+, you can stream it there as well. Ian Eagle and Bill Raftery are scheduled to be on the call, which basically guarantees a good time. Raftery’s "Onions!" count is definitely something to keep an eye on today.
💡 You might also like: Chiefs v Ravens: Why This Matchup Still Defines the AFC
The Betting Angle and Matchup Reality
The Buckeyes are currently sitting as a 3.5-point favorite at most books. The over/under is hovering around 147.5. Ohio State (11-5, 3-3 Big Ten) really needs this win to keep pace in a top-heavy conference. UCLA (12-5, 4-2 Big Ten) has been surprisingly resilient on the road, so that three-point spread feels a bit thin.
More Than Just Basketball Today
While the men's hoops team takes center stage on CBS, it is actually a massive day for Ohio State athletics across the board. If you're a die-hard Buckeye fan, your Saturday is packed.
- Women’s Hockey: The No. 2 ranked Buckeyes are up in Mankato taking on Minnesota State. That game starts at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. local time). You’ll need a B1G+ subscription to watch that one.
- Women’s Gymnastics: The No. 16 Buckeyes are traveling to Piscataway to face Rutgers. This meet starts at 4:00 p.m. ET and is also on B1G+.
- Track and Field: Both the men's and women's teams are finishing up the Indiana Invitational in Bloomington today.
It's one of those "scarlet and gray" Saturdays where the department is firing on all cylinders.
Why the UCLA Game Matters So Much
Look, the history here is fascinating. These teams have met 15 times, and the series is dead even at 7-7. The last time UCLA played in Columbus was way back in 1968. Think about that. Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) was on the floor that day.
Last year, the Bruins got the better of Ohio State with an eight-point win at Pauley Pavilion. Bruce Thornton played all 40 minutes in that game and dropped 21 points, but it wasn't enough. Today is about revenge and protected home court.
How to Listen if You're on the Move
If you’re stuck in the car, the Ohio State Radio Network from Learfield has you covered. Paul Keels, the literal voice of the Buckeyes, will be on the mic with Ron Stokes. You can usually find the stream on the Ohio State Buckeyes app or through local affiliates like 97.1 The Fan in Columbus.
📖 Related: John Wakefield: Why His Age and High-Stakes Coaching Still Matter
Football Update
Just a quick note for the football fans—since I know some of you are still checking. The football season ended for the Buckeyes on New Year's Eve with that tough loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl. The National Championship game is actually happening this Monday, January 19, between Miami and Indiana. Yeah, Indiana. It's a weird year.
Actionable Steps for Today's Game
- Check your CBS feed by 12:45 p.m. to catch the pre-game notes and see if there are any last-minute lineup changes.
- Sync your Paramount+ login now if you plan on streaming, so you aren't fighting with a password reset during tip-off.
- Monitor the status of John Mobley Jr. He’s been dealing with some flu-like symptoms lately, and his bench scoring is vital for the Buckeyes' depth.
- Have the B1G+ app ready by 4:00 p.m. if you want to switch over to women's hockey or gymnastics once the basketball game starts winding down.
The Buckeyes have a real shot to climb back above .500 in conference play today. With a rowdy Schottenstein Center behind them and the national spotlight on CBS, the energy should be electric.