Ohio State Football Faces Tough 2026 Schedule

Buckeyes to take on Ball State, Texas, and other Big Ten powerhouses in upcoming season

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:15pm

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The Ohio State football team is set to face a challenging schedule in the 2026 season, as the Big Ten conference has released its upcoming schedules. The Buckeyes will open the season at home against Ball State, but then hit the road to take on Texas in Week 2. Ohio State's schedule also includes matchups against other top Big Ten contenders throughout the year.

Why it matters

Ohio State is consistently one of the top programs in college football, so their schedule each year is closely watched. The 2026 slate appears to be particularly daunting, with several high-profile games against tough opponents, which could have major implications for the Buckeyes' chances at making the playoffs and competing for a national championship.

The details

Ohio State's 2026 schedule kicks off with a home game against Ball State, but things quickly ramp up in Week 2 with a road trip to face the Texas Longhorns. The Buckeyes' Big Ten slate includes matchups against other conference powers like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin.

  • The 2026 Ohio State football schedule was officially released on January 28, 2026.
  • Ohio State will open the season at home against Ball State on September 5, 2026.
  • The Buckeyes will travel to Austin to face Texas on September 12, 2026.

The players

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State University football team, a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten conference and national championship contender.

Ball State Cardinals

The football team of Ball State University, an opponent Ohio State will face in the 2026 season opener.

Texas Longhorns

The football team of the University of Texas, a major non-conference opponent Ohio State will play in 2026.

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What’s next

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Buckeyes navigate their challenging schedule and whether they can emerge as one of the top contenders for the College Football Playoff.

The takeaway

Ohio State's 2026 football schedule is shaping up to be one of the toughest in recent memory, with high-profile matchups against both non-conference and Big Ten foes. The Buckeyes will need to be at their best to have a chance at making the playoffs and competing for a national championship.