Ohio State Reveals Three Key Kickoff Times for 2026 Season Under Ryan Day
Excitement surrounding Ryan Day and Ohio State’s 2026 football season continues to build after the Buckeyes officially announced kickoff details for three major games, including their season opener.
Earlier announcements had already generated buzz, particularly the highly anticipated Sept. 12 showdown at Texas, which is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on ABC, along with Ohio State’s rivalry matchup against Michigan on Nov. 28 in Columbus. Now, the program has added even more scheduling information as fans begin planning for another high-profile season.
Season Opener Set Against Ball State
Ohio State will begin its 2026 campaign on Sept. 5 against Ball State at Ohio Stadium. The game is slated for a 12:30 p.m. ET kickoff and will air on the Big Ten Network.
The matchup marks the beginning of the Buckeyes’ 137th football season and also extends one of the program’s most remarkable streaks: Ohio State has won 26 consecutive season openers under its current run of dominance.
The contest will be the first-ever meeting between Ohio State and Ball State. It also represents Ryan Day’s 31st game against a non-conference opponent as head coach, including the two games he led as acting coach in 2018 against Oregon State and TCU. Across those previous 30 non-Big Ten matchups, the Buckeyes have posted a 24-6 record while averaging 41.7 points per game.
Ball State enters the season under second-year head coach Mike Uremovich and will face a daunting challenge in Columbus. Ohio State owns an all-time 39-1 record against current Mid-American Conference programs.
Kent State Matchup Headed to FOX’s Big Noon Slot
The Buckeyes also confirmed that their Sept. 19 game against Kent State will kick off at noon on FOX as part of the network’s popular “Big Noon” window.
FOX has consistently leaned on Ohio State as one of its premier television draws, regardless of opponent or kickoff time. The Buckeyes have historically dominated Kent State, winning all three previous meetings between the programs. Their most recent matchup came in 2014 when Ohio State cruised to a 66-0 victory.
Maryland Homecoming Game Gets Flexible Window
Ohio State also announced kickoff details for its Oct. 10 homecoming game against Maryland. That matchup is expected to begin sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET, though the official network assignment has not yet been finalized.
The Buckeyes have controlled the series against Maryland since the Terrapins joined the Big Ten, compiling a perfect 9-0 record overall and a 5-0 mark at Ohio Stadium. In their most recent meeting back in 2023, Ohio State earned a comfortable 37-17 win.
Loaded 2026 Schedule Raising Demand
Ohio State’s full 2026 schedule is stacked with marquee matchups, including road games against Texas and Oregon, plus contests against Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, USC, Northwestern, Nebraska, and the annual rivalry clash with Michigan.
With so many high-profile games on the slate, ticket demand is already surging.
The university recently reported a major increase in ticket revenue, rising from $58.8 million in fiscal year 2024 to $81.7 million in fiscal year 2025. Ohio State has now announced key ticket sale dates for the upcoming season as anticipation continues to grow.
Pick 3 mini-plan packages will go on sale June 16 at 10 a.m. ET, allowing fans to choose either the Ball State or Kent State game along with two additional matchups from Illinois, Maryland, or Northwestern. Pricing for the mini-plans begins at $205 depending on seat location and availability.
Single-game tickets will become available to the general public on June 26, while Ohio State Alumni Association members will receive early access beginning June 23. Individual ticket prices are expected to start at $57 where inventory remains available.
The athletic department also warned fans that several games are likely to sell out quickly, especially with powerhouse opponents such as Oregon and Michigan visiting Columbus during the same season. Ohio State encouraged buyers to use verified resale marketplaces like Ticketmaster, OhioStateBuckeyes.com, and the Buckeyes mobile app to avoid fraudulent ticket sales.
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