Where to Watch Ohio State Football in 2025

By Sarah Miller · September 14, 2052

If you're wondering where to watch Ohio State football, the games are primarily broadcast on major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as streaming platforms such as ESPN+, Peacock, and the Big Ten Network. Most games are nationally televised, with kickoff times and channels announced weeks in advance by the Big Ten Conference and ESPN.

How to Watch Ohio State Football in 2025

Ohio State Buckeyes football is one of the most popular college programs in the nation, ensuring wide television coverage. Whether you prefer traditional cable or cord-cutting via streaming, there are multiple reliable options to catch every game.

Primary Broadcast Networks

The majority of Ohio State's regular-season games are aired on national or regional sports networks. The specific channel depends on the opponent, time slot, and conference scheduling agreements.

ABC: Carries high-profile matchups, including primetime games and potential playoff berths.
CBS: Features select Big Ten Saturday afternoon games, especially against key rivals.
FOX: Regularly broadcasts top-tier Big Ten contests, often during the noon or 3:30 PM ET slots.
NBC: Home to Big Ten Saturday Night, airing marquee matchups weekly at 7:30 PM ET.
ESPN/ESPN2: Covers midweek games, early season matchups, and some weekend broadcasts.

Streaming Services for Live Games

For fans without cable, several live TV streaming services carry the networks that show Ohio State games:

fuboTV: Includes ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and BTN in most markets.
Hulu + Live TV: Offers full access to all major networks and ESPN+ integration.
YouTube TV: Carries ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and Big Ten Network.
Sling TV (Orange + Blue): Includes ESPN and BTN; however, local ABC/CBS affiliates may not be available depending on region.
Peacock: Streams select NBC-broadcast games exclusively online.
ESPN+: Features a limited number of non-televised games, typically early season or non-conference matchups.

2025 Ohio State Football Schedule and Broadcast Outlook

The 2025 season schedule has not been fully released yet, but based on historical patterns and Big Ten media rights deals, most games will be televised nationally. With the expansion of the College Football Playoff and increased exposure for Power Five teams, expect nearly every Buckeyes game to appear on major networks.

Game	Date (Tentative)	Opponent	Location	Expected Broadcast
Week 1	Sep 6, 2025	Western Michigan	Columbus, OH	ESPN or BTN
Week 3	Sep 20, 2025	Oregon	Eugene, OR	ABC or FOX
Week 5	Oct 4, 2025	Michigan State	Columbus, OH	CBS or FOX
Week 7	Oct 18, 2025	Penn State	Columbus, OH	ABC or NBC
Week 10	Nov 8, 2025	Wisconsin	Madison, WI	FOX or BTN
Week 13	Nov 29, 2025	Michigan	Columbus, OH	ABC (Primetime)
Big Ten Championship	Dec 6, 2025	TBD	Indianapolis, IN	FOX

Table data source:1, 2

The table above outlines expected broadcast windows based on opponent strength and historical scheduling trends. High-stakes rivalry games like Michigan and Penn State are likely to be featured in primetime on ABC or NBC. Non-conference home games may air on ESPN or the Big Ten Network, while road games depend on the host school’s media agreement.

Radio and In-Person Viewing Options

Ohio State Sports Network Radio Coverage

If you can't watch the game, tune in to the official radio broadcast:

Flagship Station: WBNS 97.1 The Fan (Columbus, OH)
Network: Ohio State Sports Network (over 50 affiliates across Ohio and neighboring states)
Online Streaming: TuneIn, SiriusXM (Channel 383), or the Varsity Network app
Commentators: Paul Keels (play-by-play), Jim Lachey (analyst)

Attending Games Live at Ohio Stadium

With over 100,000 seats, Ohio Stadium offers an electrifying atmosphere. Tickets can be purchased through:

Official Ohio State Athletics website
StubHub, SeatGeek, or Vivid Seats (resale market)
University ticket lottery for students and alumni

Tip: Season ticket holders get priority, but single-game tickets usually go on sale in July before the fall season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watching Ohio State Football

Can I watch Ohio State football games for free?

Yes, if the game airs on ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC, you can watch it for free using an HD antenna if you're within broadcast range. Additionally, Peacock offers select NBC games for free with ads. Some streaming services like fuboTV and Hulu + Live TV offer free trial periods, which can be used strategically to watch a game at no cost.

Is every Ohio State game televised?

Virtually all Ohio State football games are televised due to the team's national prominence and the Big Ten’s media contracts. Only rare non-televised spring scrimmages or exhibitions aren’t broadcast. All regular-season and postseason games are scheduled for TV, mostly on national networks.

Does ESPN+ show Ohio State football games?

ESPN+ occasionally streams Ohio State games that aren’t picked up by main ESPN networks, particularly early-season non-conference matchups. However, most high-profile games appear on ABC, ESPN, or other major partners. Always check the official schedule for confirmation.

What time do Ohio State football games usually start?

Start times vary: noon ET (FOX), 3:30 PM ET (CBS), 7:30 PM ET (NBC), and occasional 7:00 or 8:00 PM ET (ABC) for primetime games. Road games may have different local kickoffs. The Big Ten releases game windows in late winter, with exact times confirmed 6–12 days in advance.

Can I watch out-of-market Ohio State games on cable?

Yes, most cable providers carry the Big Ten Network (BTN), which broadcasts many conference games. For national broadcasts, your provider must include ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. If you’re outside the Midwest, ensure your package includes regional sports networks or use a live streaming service with nationwide coverage like YouTube TV or fuboTV.