The Ohio State Buckeyes will open their 2026‑27 preseason schedule with a much‑anticipated exhibition game against the Butler Bulldogs on October 25, 2026, inside the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. The matchup marks the second tune‑up game for the Buckeyes, following an earlier contest against Cincinnati on October 7.
A Rivalry That Spans Generations
The two programs have met 42 times in the regular season since their first encounter in 1924, a testament to a relationship that has endured more than nine decades. Their most recent showdown occurred on November 26, 2017, during the PK80 event in Portland, Oregon, where both teams displayed the intensity that has defined their history.
Adding a personal layer to the narrative, Thad Matta, who retired from coaching Butler, remains the all‑time winningest coach in Ohio State history with 337 victories. From 2005 to 2017 he led the Buckeyes to five Big Ten titles and nine NCAA Tournament appearances, cementing his legacy in the program.
Jon Diebler, now an assistant coach for Butler and brother of Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler, brings a unique connection to the game. He once scored 1,536 points for Ohio State between 2007 and 2011, setting a program record with 374 three‑pointers.
The exhibition serves as a preview for both squads, offering a chance to experiment with new lineups and strategies before the regular season begins. For Ohio State, the game is a chance to build momentum under Jake Diebler’s leadership, while Butler looks to capitalize on the experience of a roster that includes several key contributors.