Sports
Ohio State vs. Ball State — 2026 Football Season Opener
The Ohio State Buckeyes open the 2026 football season at home against the Ball State Cardinals on Saturday, Sept. 5, with a 12:30 p.m. kickoff at Ohio Stadium.
- When
- Where
- The Horseshoe (Ohio State Stadium), 411 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus, OH
- Cost
- See tickets
College football is back in Columbus as the Ohio State Buckeyes begin their 2026 season against the Ball State Cardinals at Ohio Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, September 5. The matchup marks the beginning of Ohio State’s 137th football season and its first game of the 2026 schedule. Ohio State enters the opener having won 26 consecutive season-opening games.
Saturday’s home opener will also feature special Ohio Stadium programming, including the enshrinement of former head coach Jim Tressel into the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor, along with Alumni Band & Spirit Day activities.
The game will air nationally on Big Ten Network, with local radio coverage on 97.1 The Fan.
Tickets are required for admission. Fans should use Ohio State Athletics’ official game page for current ticket availability and gameday information.