Ohio State Football Game Start Time Today & 2025 Schedule

By Sarah Miller · April 25, 2043

The Ohio State football game typically starts at 3:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on CBS, but start times vary by week depending on TV scheduling. For the 2025 season, most home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH, are scheduled for afternoon or primetime slots, ranging from 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM ET.

When Does the Ohio State Football Game Start?

Ohio State Buckeyes football games generally kick off between 12:00 PM and 7:30 PM Eastern Time, depending on television broadcast arrangements. The most common start time for marquee matchups is 3:30 PM ET on CBS, especially for home games played at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. However, high-profile games—such as rivalry contests against Michigan or key Big Ten matchups—may be scheduled for primetime on NBC’s Saturday Night Football or Fox, starting at 7:30 PM ET.

For neutral-site or away games, start times may differ based on location and network agreements. Fans should always verify the exact kickoff time one week in advance, as ESPN, Fox, and CBS finalize game windows 6–12 days prior to each matchup.

2025 Ohio State Football Schedule Overview

The 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes football season features a competitive mix of Big Ten conference games, non-conference challenges, and potential College Football Playoff implications. As a member of the Big Ten East Division, Ohio State will face traditional rivals including Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon.

Start times are determined by conference broadcasting partners: CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN/ABC. Each network has designated time slots:

CBS: 3:30 PM ET (most common for mid-tier matchups)
FOX: 12:00 PM or 3:30 PM ET
NBC (Peacock): 7:30 PM ET (Saturday Night Football)
ESPN/ABC: 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM ET (flexible for national exposure)

How TV Networks Influence Kickoff Times

The Big Ten Conference has expanded its media rights deals, allowing greater flexibility in scheduling games for optimal viewership. This means Ohio State games can appear across multiple networks, each with different broadcast windows:

Early Window (12:00 PM ET): Typically assigned to non-conference or lower-profile games.
Afternoon Slot (3:30 PM ET): Most common for home games aired on CBS or FOX.
Primetime (7:30 PM ET): Reserved for rivalry games, top-10 matchups, or national spotlight events.

Date	Opponent	Location	Network	Kickoff Time (ET)
Sep 6, 2025	vs. Akron	Columbus, OH	Big Ten Network	12:00 PM
Sep 13, 2025	at Notre Dame	South Bend, IN	ABC	7:30 PM
Sep 27, 2025	vs. Western Michigan	Columbus, OH	CBS	3:30 PM
Oct 4, 2025	vs. Nebraska	Columbus, OH	FOX	12:00 PM
Oct 18, 2025	at Penn State	State College, PA	CBS	3:30 PM
Nov 15, 2025	vs. Michigan	Columbus, OH	NBC	7:30 PM
Dec 6, 2025	Big Ten Championship	Indianapolis, IN	FOX	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that Ohio State's 2025 schedule includes a variety of kickoff times reflecting opponent strength and broadcast importance. Early-season games like Akron are slated for noon ET, while major matchups such as Michigan and Notre Dame are scheduled for primetime to maximize national audience reach. Neutral-site championship games have flexible start times announced later in the season.

How to Find the Exact Start Time Each Week

To ensure you never miss kickoff, follow these steps to confirm the official start time:

Check 6–12 Days Before the Game: The Big Ten and TV networks announce exact start times one week in advance for most games.
Visit Official Sites: Use ohiostatebuckeyes.com or bigten.org for updated schedules.
Use TV Network Apps: CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports apps provide real-time updates and streaming options.
Enable Alerts: Subscribe to Ohio State athletics email alerts or download the Ohio State Gameday app for push notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio State Football Start Times

What time does the Ohio State football game start today?

If today is a game day, the kickoff is most likely at 3:30 PM or 7:30 PM Eastern Time, depending on the broadcast. Check the official Ohio State athletics website or your local TV listings for the exact time, as it can change up to six days before the game.

Are all Ohio State home games at 3:30 PM?

No, not all home games start at 3:30 PM. While CBS often broadcasts Ohio State home games at 3:30 PM ET, some games may be scheduled for noon (FOX) or 7:30 PM (NBC or ABC), especially if they are high-profile matchups.

Does the Ohio State football game time change during the season?

Yes, start times can change. The Big Ten uses a “flex scheduling” system where TV networks select optimal times 6–12 days before the game. Always confirm the time one week prior to kickoff.

Where can I watch the Ohio State football game live?

Ohio State games are broadcast on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, or ESPN, depending on the week. You can stream games via the network’s app (e.g., CBS Sports, Peacock, ESPN+) with a valid cable login or subscription.

What time do gates open at Ohio Stadium?

Ohio Stadium gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff. For a 3:30 PM game, gates open around 2:00 PM. Tailgating areas begin filling 3–4 hours before the game, starting around 11:00 AM for afternoon matchups.