When Does Ohio State Play Tennessee in Football?

By Sarah Miller · November 26, 2033

Ohio State and Tennessee will face each other in a highly anticipated non-conference football game on September 13, 2025. This marquee matchup is part of a home-and-home series between the two powerhouse programs, with the 2025 game hosted by Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Overview of the Ohio State vs. Tennessee Football Series

The upcoming clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Tennessee Volunteers marks one of the most exciting inter-conference games scheduled for the 2025 college football season. While these two teams have met only four times previously, their rare matchups have been memorable, with the most recent encounter occurring in the 2015 NCAA Football Playoff Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl, where Ohio State emerged victorious 42-35.

Key Details About the 2025 Game

Date: September 13, 2025 (Saturday)
Time: To be announced (typically late afternoon or evening ET)
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
Host Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
Broadcast Network: ABC or ESPN (TBD closer to date)
Series Context: Second game in a two-game home-and-home series

History of Ohio State vs. Tennessee Football Matchups

The rivalry between Ohio State and Tennessee is limited but impactful. The teams first played in 1977 and have since met only three additional times, most recently in the 2015 College Football Playoff semifinal. That high-stakes game propelled Ohio State toward its national championship that season.

Past Matchups Between Ohio State and Tennessee

Date	Location	Winner	Score	Game Type
September 17, 1977	Knoxville, TN	Ohio State	27–13	Regular Season
September 16, 1978	Columbus, OH	Tennessee	24–21	Regular Season
September 12, 1998	Knoxville, TN	Ohio State	21–16	Regular Season
January 1, 2015	New Orleans, LA	Ohio State	42–35	CFP Semifinal (Sugar Bowl)

Table data source:1, 2

The historical data shows Ohio State holds a 3–1 advantage in the all-time series, including wins in two away games and the pivotal playoff victory. The 2015 Sugar Bowl was particularly significant, marking Ohio State’s first-ever College Football Playoff win and launching them to the national title game.

2025 Home-and-Home Series Details

The 2025 game is part of a planned home-and-home series between the two programs. The first game will take place in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 12, 2026, followed by the return game in Columbus. These matchups are designed to strengthen non-conference scheduling and provide both teams with high-profile opponents early in the season.

Upcoming Series Schedule

2025: Ohio State vs. Tennessee – September 13, Columbus, OH
2026: Tennessee vs. Ohio State – September 12, Knoxville, TN

This series is especially notable because both programs are consistently ranked among the top teams nationally and are frequent participants in New Year's Six bowl games and CFP discussions.

Why This Game Matters for Both Programs

The 2025 Ohio State vs. Tennessee game carries major implications for both teams’ seasons and national perception:

National Title Implications: A win over a top-tier opponent like Tennessee can boost Ohio State’s College Football Playoff resume.
Strength of Schedule: Non-conference games against Power Five opponents are increasingly rare; this adds credibility to both teams’ schedules.
Recruiting Impact: High-profile matchups attract national media attention, enhancing visibility for both programs on the recruiting trail.
Program Momentum: For Tennessee, defeating a team like Ohio State could signal a return to elite status in the SEC.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio State vs. Tennessee Football

When does Ohio State play Tennessee in football?

Ohio State plays Tennessee on September 13, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. This game is the first of a home-and-home series between the two teams.

Where will the Ohio State vs. Tennessee game be played in 2025?

The 2025 game will be held at Ohio Stadium, also known as "The Horseshoe," located on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Is the Ohio State vs. Tennessee game a regular season or postseason matchup?

The 2025 Ohio State vs. Tennessee game is a regular-season non-conference matchup. It is not part of any bowl or playoff system.

Has Ohio State ever lost to Tennessee in football?

Yes, Ohio State lost to Tennessee once in program history, on September 16, 1978, in Columbus, with a final score of 24–21.

What channel will broadcast the Ohio State vs. Tennessee game in 2025?

The broadcaster has not yet been confirmed, but games of this magnitude are typically aired on ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2. Fans should check official conference announcements closer to the date.