Ohio State Faces Tough 2026 Football Schedule

Buckeyes to take on multiple CFP opponents and projected top-25 teams

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ohio State's 2026 football schedule features several challenging matchups, including games against 2025 College Football Playoff teams Oregon and Indiana, as well as a road trip to face USC, which is projected to have the top recruiting class in 2026. The Buckeyes' Big Ten opponents combined have a stronger 2025 conference win-loss percentage than any other team's opponents.

Why it matters

Ohio State's 2026 schedule is shaping up to be one of the toughest in the Big Ten, with multiple games against projected top-25 teams and 2025 CFP participants. This will test the Buckeyes' mettle and could have major implications for their chances of making the College Football Playoff.

The details

After an early matchup against Texas, the Buckeyes will face a difficult stretch of Big Ten opponents, including games against Oregon and Indiana, two 2025 College Football Playoff teams. Ohio State will also travel to Los Angeles to play USC, which is projected to have the top recruiting class in 2026. Overall, the Buckeyes' Big Ten opponents combined have a stronger 2025 conference win-loss percentage than any other team's opponents.

  • Ohio State will face Texas early in the 2026 season.
  • The Buckeyes will take on Oregon and Indiana, two 2025 CFP teams, during their Big Ten schedule.
  • Ohio State will travel to Los Angeles to play USC after a bye week.

The players

Texas

Ohio State's non-conference opponent to open the 2026 season.

Oregon

A 2025 College Football Playoff team that Ohio State will face during the 2026 season.

Indiana

The reigning national champion, which Ohio State will play in Bloomington during the 2026 season.

USC

A team projected to have the top recruiting class in 2026, which Ohio State will travel to play after a bye week.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ohio State's 2026 schedule features multiple CFP opponents and projected top-25 teams.”

— Dan Aulbach, Author (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This 2026 schedule highlights the challenges Ohio State will face in its quest to return to the College Football Playoff, as the Buckeyes will have to navigate a gauntlet of tough opponents both in and out of conference play.