Ohio State Football Game Time Today & 2025 Schedule

By Sarah Miller · December 24, 2050

The Ohio State football game for the 2025 season typically starts at 3:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) or 7:30 PM ET, depending on broadcast scheduling. Most home games are played at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH, with kickoff times announced by the Big Ten Conference and ESPN\/FOX weeks in advance.

When Does the Ohio State Football Game Start?

Ohio State Buckeyes football games usually kick off either in the afternoon at 3:30 PM ET or during primetime at 7:30 PM ET. The exact start time varies based on television broadcasting agreements with networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, and NBC, especially for marquee matchups.

Factors That Influence Kickoff Time

TV Broadcast Schedule: Games selected for national TV often have flexible start times to maximize viewership.
Opponent Location: Away games may adjust for regional broadcast windows.

Conference Matchups:

Home vs. Away: Home games at Ohio Stadium generally follow a predictable weekend schedule, mostly on Saturdays.

2025 Ohio State Football Game Schedule Overview

The 2025 Ohio State football season will feature a mix of non-conference and Big Ten conference games. Kickoff times for most games are released several weeks before the season begins, with adjustments possible up to two weeks prior due to TV selections.

Date	Opponent	Location	Kickoff Time (ET)	Network
August 30, 2025	Western Michigan	Columbus, OH	3:30 PM	Big Ten Network
September 6, 2025	Toledo	Columbus, OH	7:30 PM	ESPN
September 13, 2025	vs. Oregon*	Los Angeles, CA	8:00 PM	ABC
September 27, 2025	Purdue	Columbus, OH	3:30 PM	FOX
October 11, 2025	at Wisconsin	Madison, WI	7:30 PM	ABC
October 25, 2025	Michigan State	Columbus, OH	TBD	FOX or CBS
November 8, 2025	at Penn State	University Park, PA	TBD	ABC
November 29, 2025	Michigan	Columbus, OH	TBD	FOX or ABC

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table above outlines key games from the 2025 Ohio State football schedule, including confirmed and projected kickoff times. Early-season non-conference games often begin at 3:30 PM or 7:30 PM ET, while major conference matchups—especially road games against top rivals—are frequently scheduled for primetime to accommodate national audiences. The Michigan game on November 29 is expected to receive a marquee broadcast slot pending final network decisions.

How to Find the Exact Game Time

While general schedules are released early, specific kickoff times for many games are only confirmed 6–12 days in advance through the Big Ten’s “flex scheduling” policy, especially for late-season matchups.

Best Resources for Real-Time Updates

Official Ohio State Athletics Website: gobucks.com posts official updates.
Big Ten Conference Site: bigten.org provides full conference-wide scheduling details.
Sports Networks: ESPN, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports list broadcast times and channels.
Mobile Apps: The Ohio State app and ESPN app send real-time alerts for schedule changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio State Football Game Times

What time does the Ohio State football game start today?

If there is a game today, kickoff is most likely at 3:30 PM or 7:30 PM Eastern Time. Check the official Ohio State athletics website or ESPN for live updates on today’s start time.

Are all Ohio State football games on TV?

Yes, nearly all Ohio State games are televised due to Big Ten media rights deals. Non-conference and conference games are typically broadcast on ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, Big Ten Network, or NBC.

Do Ohio State football games always start at the same time?

No, kickoff times vary. Home games often start at 3:30 PM or 7:30 PM ET, but times shift based on TV contracts, opponent, and location. Rivalry and playoff-impacting games are more likely to be in primetime.

Where can I watch the Ohio State football game live?

You can watch live on networks like ABC, ESPN, FOX, CBS, or Peacock (for select games). Streaming options include ESPN+, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.

What time zone are Ohio State football games listed in?

All Ohio State football game times are listed in Eastern Time (ET), regardless of whether the game is at home in Columbus or on the road.

Final Thoughts

Knowing when the Ohio State football game starts requires checking both the official schedule and last-minute broadcast updates. While most games kick off at 3:30 PM or 7:30 PM ET, high-profile matchups often receive special scheduling treatment. Fans should monitor official sources like gobucks.com and ESPN for the most accurate and timely information.