If you’re waking up in Columbus or just bleeding scarlet and gray from afar, the first thing on your mind is usually the schedule. You want to know exactly who does Ohio State play on Saturday so you can plan your day, grab the right jersey, and maybe figure out which streaming service you actually need to pay for this month.
Well, if we're looking at Saturday, January 17, 2026, the gridiron is quiet, but the hardwood is about to get very loud. The football team’s season ended a few weeks back after a tough battle in the Cotton Bowl against Miami, but the winter sports season is in full swing.
The headline event for the weekend? Ohio State Men's Basketball is hosting UCLA. It's a Big Ten matchup that still feels a little weird to say out loud, isn't it? UCLA in the Schottenstein Center for a conference game. That’s the new world of college sports for you.
The Main Event: Ohio State vs. UCLA Basketball
This isn't just a random January game. It’s a massive opportunity for the Buckeyes to protect home court against one of the most storied programs in the history of the sport.
Game Details for Saturday, Jan 17:
- Opponent: UCLA Bruins
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Value City Arena (Schottenstein Center), Columbus, OH
- TV Channel: CBS
Honestly, this game is kind of a big deal for the standings. Bruce Thornton has been the engine for this Ohio State squad, putting up over 20 points a game. He’s the guy who has to handle the ball and make the right decisions when the UCLA press starts to ramp up.
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On the other side, the Bruins are coming in with Tyler Bilodeau, who’s been a matchup nightmare for a lot of Big Ten teams this season. He’s averaging nearly 18 points and has that smooth game that can pull bigs out of the paint. Watching him and Devin Royal battle for boards is probably where this game will be won or lost.
UCLA is coming off a solid win against Penn State, while the Buckeyes are looking to bounce back after a frustrating road loss at Washington. It’s a classic "must-win" vibe for a Saturday afternoon in January.
Don't Forget the Ice: No. 2 Buckeyes on the Road
While most people focus on the Schott, the No. 2 ranked Ohio State Women’s Hockey team is up in Minnesota doing work. They are currently one of the best teams in the country—period.
They play a two-game series against Minnesota State this weekend in Mankato.
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- Friday game: 7:00 PM ET
- Saturday game: 4:00 PM ET
If you haven’t watched this team play, you're missing out. They’re 19-3-0 right now and sitting just one game behind Wisconsin for the top spot in the WCHA. They play a fast, physical style that’s basically a masterclass in puck movement. You can catch them on B1G+ if you have a subscription.
Why There's No Football This Saturday
It’s worth addressing because, let's be real, "Ohio State Saturday" usually means football.
The Buckeyes had a hell of a run in 2025. They went 12-2, beat Michigan (always the most important stat), but stumbled in the Big Ten Championship against Indiana. They ended their season on December 31, 2026, in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, losing a 24-14 defensive struggle to the Miami Hurricanes.
So, if you were looking for a playoff game today, you’re actually looking at the NFL Divisional Round. The pros have taken over the Saturday afternoon slots. The Bills are playing the Broncos, and the Niners are heading to Seattle.
The Buckeyes won't be back on the grass until the Spring Game, and the 2026 season officially kicks off on September 5 against Ball State. Mark your calendars for that Texas rematch on September 12, though—that’s going to be insane.
Other Buckeye Sports This Weekend
If you’re a total sports junkie, the schedule is actually pretty packed beyond just hoops and hockey.
The Men’s Tennis team is usually at the top of the rankings, and they often have doubleheaders or invitationals this time of year. There’s also indoor track and field and pistol competitions happening. It’s basically a "choose your own adventure" of scarlet and gray.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re planning to catch the UCLA game, here’s the move:
- Check the secondary market: If you don't have tickets yet, the Schott usually has some last-minute seats on Ticketmaster or SeatGeek, but since it's UCLA, expect to pay a bit of a premium.
- Tune into CBS at 1 PM: If you're staying home, make sure your antenna or streaming service (Paramount+) is good to go. This is a national broadcast, so the production quality will be top-tier.
- Follow the Puck: Keep an eye on the women's hockey score around 4 PM. If they sweep Minnesota State, they might just jump to No. 1 in the national polls by Monday.
The atmosphere in Columbus is always better when there's a big game on the schedule. Even without football, a Saturday against UCLA is as good as it gets for Big Ten basketball fans.