Ohio State Football’s 2026 Schedule: A Tough Road Ahead
Ohio State’s 2026 football schedule looks like one of the toughest they’ve faced in years. With a brutal mix of nonconference games and a demanding Big Ten run, the Buckeyes are going to be pushed right from the start.
Let’s dig into the specifics of Ohio State’s schedule and see how it stacks up against other Big Ten teams. There are some matchups that could really shape their season, for better or worse.
The Buckeyes’ 2026 schedule is, honestly, a minefield. There are several high-profile games that could go either way, and every week feels like a test.
Ohio State kicks things off with a nonconference game against Texas—USA TODAY’s No. 1 in their way-too-early 2026 poll. After that, the Buckeyes roll straight into a string of Big Ten games, including two 2025 College Football Playoff teams: Oregon and Indiana.
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Nonconference Games
The nonconference highlight is an early-season clash with Texas on September 12. Texas has the top recruiting class for 2026, according to 247Sports, so it’s not exactly a gentle opener.
Ohio State also faces Ball State and Kent State. Those should be more manageable, maybe even a chance to work out the kinks before the real grind begins.
Big Ten Gauntlet
The Big Ten stretch is when things get wild. Oregon and Indiana—both CFP teams last year—are on the docket.
Ohio State will host Oregon on November 7. Before that, they travel to Indiana on October 17. Both games could shake up the Big Ten standings and playoff hopes.
Comparing Ohio State’s Schedule to Other Big Ten Teams
Looking at the numbers, Ohio State’s 2026 conference opponents have a combined 2025 win-loss percentage of 0.629. That’s the highest in the Big Ten, so no one has it tougher on paper.
For context, Northwestern and Michigan have the next-toughest schedules, with percentages of 0.580 and 0.568. Not a huge gap, but enough to notice.
Teams Facing Multiple 2025 CFP Teams
Some Big Ten teams have to deal with more than one 2025 CFP participant in 2026:
- Ohio State: Oregon, Indiana
- Illinois: Ohio State, Oregon
- Michigan: Ohio State, Oregon
- Washington: Indiana, Oregon
- Indiana: Ohio State, Oregon
And then you’ve got Northwestern, Nebraska, and USC, who will face all three 2025 CFP teams. That’s just plain rough.
Key Matchups to Watch
There are a few games you might want to circle on the calendar. These could make or break the Buckeyes’ year.
Texas (September 12)
That early nonconference game against Texas? It’s a huge test. Texas is the preseason No. 1, and if Ohio State can pull off a win, it’ll make a statement right away.
Indiana (October 17)
Heading to Bloomington to play the reigning national champs—yeah, that’s going to be tough. Indiana looked strong in 2025 and they’re expected to be in the mix again.
USC (October 31)
After a bye, Ohio State heads to Los Angeles to take on USC, who snagged the top recruiting class for 2026. Stakes will be high, and honestly, who knows how that one plays out?
Oregon (November 7)
Then it’s back home to host Oregon, another CFP team from last year. The outcome here could decide who takes the Big Ten crown.
Travel Challenges
Travel’s a sneaky factor in 2026. The Buckeyes have to go to Texas for a nonconference game, then out to LA for USC. That’s a lot of miles.
No eastern Big Ten team will travel to the West Coast more than once that season. But West Coast squads like USC, Washington, Oregon, and UCLA aren’t so lucky—they’ll each make at least three trips east.
USC’s Travel Woes
USC, in particular, has a brutal road schedule. They’re heading to Wisconsin, Indiana, Rutgers, and Penn State.
All that travel could catch up with them as the season grinds on. Just something to keep an eye on.
Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes
Ohio State’s 2026 football schedule is a gauntlet. The team will face big-name opponents like Texas, Oregon, Indiana, and USC.
The Buckeyes can’t afford to let their guard down, not even for a week. With so much travel and so many tough games, it’s shaping up to be one of the most demanding seasons they’ve seen in a while.
For more details on Ohio State’s 2026 football schedule, you can read the full article on The Columbus Dispatch.
