You've probably been refreshing your feed every ten minutes trying to figure out the exact kickoff time. Honestly, the suspense is kind of the point with Big Ten football these days. Ever since the conference swallowed up the West Coast powerhouses, the "regular season" feels more like an NFL gauntlet.
So, here is the deal on when does Ohio State play Oregon.
We are looking at a massive 2026 showdown in Columbus. While the Big Ten hasn't slapped a specific Saturday date or a kickoff time on the calendar just yet, we know for a fact that the Ducks are coming to Ohio Stadium. Based on how these conference schedules are built, this isn't just a game; it's likely a mid-to-late season collision that will decide who heads to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship.
The 2026 Matchup: What We Know Right Now
Basically, the 2025 season just wrapped up with some serious drama—shoutout to Indiana for that wild run—and the 2026 schedule is already looking like a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Ohio State has its non-conference slate mostly locked in. They open with Ball State on September 5, then travel to Austin to face Texas on September 12.
But the Oregon game? That's the one circled in red.
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The Ducks are scheduled to play in the Shoe. This is a big deal because the last few times these two met, the home-field advantage (or lack thereof) was the whole story. In 2024, Oregon took a 32-31 thriller in Eugene. In 2021, the Ducks stunned the Buckeyes in Columbus 35-28. Ryan Day and his crew are definitely looking to flip that script.
Why this game is different this time
Dante Moore is staying. That’s the headline.
Most people thought the Oregon star QB was a lock for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, he’s coming back for one more year in Eugene. He's got a "natty" on his mind, and Ohio State is the biggest roadblock in his way.
On the other side, the Buckeyes are in a bit of a transition. They lost a ton of talent to the portal—33 players, which is a staggering number even in this era—but Ryan Day is still recruiting at a high level. They’ve brought in 12 guys from the portal so far, but the focus is on Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. Those are the names you'll be hearing all Saturday long.
A Rivalry Born from Expansion
It’s weird to call this a "conference rivalry," right? For decades, this was a Rose Bowl matchup or a rare non-conference treat. Now, it’s a bread-and-butter Big Ten game.
Ohio State historically dominated this series, winning the first nine meetings starting in 1957. But lately? Oregon has been the thorn in the Buckeyes' side. Since 2021, the Ducks have won two of the last three.
- 2024: Oregon wins 32-31 (The Autzen Classic)
- 2021: Oregon wins 35-28 (The Columbus Shocker)
- 2015: Ohio State wins 42-20 (National Championship)
The 2021 game was particularly painful for Buckeye fans. It was a noon kickoff, the sun was out, and the Ducks just ran all over the field. It felt like a shift in the power dynamic.
Predicting the 2026 Date
We don't have the final TV schedule yet. Usually, the Big Ten drops the specific dates in late winter or early spring. However, looking at the existing non-conference games, Ohio State is busy through September 19 (Kent State).
Expect the Oregon game to land in October or November.
Why? Because FOX and CBS want this in a prime window. If it's in November, the stakes are higher for the College Football Playoff. If it's in October, it's the "Big Noon Kickoff" game of the year.
The Transfer Portal Factor
Let's be real: the roster you see today isn't the roster that will take the field against Oregon. The portal is still humming. Just this week, former Ohio State DB Aaron Scott Jr. was spotted visiting Oregon. That’s a "kick in the face" to the coaching staff, as some fans have put it.
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Seeing a former Buckeye in a Duck uniform at Ohio Stadium? That is going to be a loud afternoon in Columbus.
What You Should Do Now
If you're planning on going, don't wait for the date to be announced to look at hotels. Columbus hotels during a big game weekend are basically more expensive than a used car.
- Watch the Spring Game: This is where you'll see if the "new-look" Buckeyes can actually defend the pass better than they did in the CFP loss to Miami.
- Monitor the Schedule Drop: Follow the Big Ten’s official social channels. They usually do a "schedule reveal" show on the Big Ten Network.
- Check Ticket Availability: Once the date is set, tickets will disappear in seconds. If you aren't a season ticket holder, get ready to pay a premium on the secondary market.
Ohio State and Oregon are the new standard for the Big Ten. It’s speed versus strength, tradition versus innovation. Whatever the date ends up being, make sure your Saturday is clear. This one is going to be legendary.
Actionable Insight: Keep an eye on the Big Ten's official schedule release, typically expected in February or March 2026, to lock in your travel plans for the Columbus showdown.