Ohio State has released its full slate for the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season, a schedule that blends a rugged Big Ten slate with a non‑conference lineup designed to test the Buckeyes against some of the nation’s elite programs.
Big Ten battles return in familiar rhythms
Conference play will feature double‑headers against traditional rivals Michigan, Iowa and Penn State, while the Buckeyes travel to face Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Purdue, UCLA and USC on the road, and host Maryland, Michigan State, Northwestern, Oregon, Rutgers, Washington and Wisconsin without a reciprocal visit.
The non‑conference portion opens with a high‑profile clash against BYU in Salt Lake City, a game that will be streamed live on CBS Sports as part of its annual Sports Classic, and also includes matchups versus UConn, Notre Dame and Kansas.
Athletic director Phil Harrison said the early‑season tests are intended to sharpen the team’s depth and prepare it for the rigors of conference play, noting that the schedule’s variety will give the Buckeyes multiple opportunities to showcase their talent.
With game times still pending, analysts expect the upcoming season to be a defining one for Ohio State, as each contest could influence NCAA tournament seeding and conference standings.