A Season of Ambition
Ohio State’s football program is entering the 2026 season with a clear target: a second national championship in just three years. The Buckeyes finished the previous campaign as the top team in the ESPN preseason poll, a testament to the recruiting haul and the continuity of head coach Ryan Day’s staff.
The first home game at Ohio Stadium, famously known as "The Shoe," is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, when the Buckeyes host Ball State. Fans can secure tickets starting at $69, making the opener one of the most affordable entry points of the year.
The marquee matchup arrives later in the season when Ohio State travels to face Michigan on Saturday, November 28, at noon ET. The game, traditionally called "The Game," is expected to draw a national audience and could prove pivotal in the Buckeyes’ title push.
Among the away contests, the cheapest tickets are for the November 21 showdown at Nebraska, where prices begin at $160. Despite the higher cost compared to the home opener, the Cornhusker venue offers a historic atmosphere that many fans consider worth the investment.
Beyond the on‑field action, the schedule includes trips to Austin, Texas; Iowa City, Iowa; Bloomington, Indiana; Los Angeles, California; Eugene, Oregon; and Champaign, Illinois, providing a diverse slate of environments for the Buckeyes to test their mettle.