The 2026 college football season is drawing closer. Ohio State kicks off the new year on Saturday, Sept. 5, against Ball State, setting the stage for one of the more challenging schedules in recent Buckeye memory.

On Friday, the Scarlet and Gray announced the themes for each of its home games at Ohio Stadium this fall, along with new game-day enhancements.

The season-opening game will double as a tribute to legendary head coach Jim Tressel. It was previously announced that Tressel will be enshrined in the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor, becoming just the third coach in program history to receive the distinction, joining Paul Brown and Woody Hayes, and marking the first addition to the Ring of Honor since 2014. The opener will also feature the program’s Alumni Band & Spirit Day and Buckeyes Care initiatives, with 4,000 tickets made available through Buckeyes Care partners to support community organizations, along with senior day, moving the recognition of the senior class from the final game of the regular season to the opener.

Ohio State’s 2026 college football season is coming fast. The Buckeyes are close to beginning fall camp, with the games on the horizon. Plenty of news will come about this year’s Buckeyes. Ohio State basketball made it back to the NCAA Tournament, but lost in the first round, setting up an important offseason. It’s the busiest time of year for Ohio State. Stay on top of the latest Buckeye news by BECOMING A BUCKNUTS SUBSCRIBER today!

On Saturday, Sept. 19, against Kent State, the Helmet Stripe Game returns for the second straight year. Fans in Ohio Stadium’s horseshoe are encouraged to wear gray, while students will dress in colors matching the stripes on Ohio State’s iconic helmet. That day will also be the Scarlet & Gray Game, honoring all of Ohio State’s student-athletes, along with Faculty & Staff Appreciation.

The Sept. 26 matchup with Illinois anchors Ohio State’s Hall of Fame Weekend, which celebrates the athletics department’s 2026 Hall of Fame class. This year’s class is headlined by former Buckeye quarterback J.T. Barrett. The game will also serve as the “Buckeyes for a Cancer Free World” game, supporting cancer research and patient care at the OSUCCC – James.

Homecoming Weekend centers on the Oct. 10 game against Maryland, with a full list of festivities available here.

Nov. 14 against Northwestern will be Ohio State’s Military Appreciation Game, part of the Our Honor Defend program honoring veterans and service members. Proceeds from officially licensed Our Honor Defend merchandise support Ohio State Veterans, ROTC and other military-connected student scholarships.

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The regular-season finale on Nov. 28 needs no theme beyond its name: The Game against Michigan.

Ohio State’s 2026 home game themes

Sept. 5 vs. Ball State – Jim Tressel Ring of Honor tribute, Alumni Band & Spirit Day, Senior Day

Sept. 19 vs. Kent State – Helmet Stripe Game, Scarlet & Gray Game, Faculty & Staff Appreciation

Sept. 26 vs. Illinois – Hall of Fame Weekend, Buckeyes for a Cancer Free World

Oct. 10 vs. Maryland – Homecoming

Nov. 7 vs. Oregon – First meeting since 2024 Rose Bowl

Nov. 14 vs. Northwestern – Military Appreciation, presented by Anduril

Nov. 28 vs. Michigan – The Rivalry Game

Ohio State’s 2026 football schedule

Sept. 5 – Ball State; 12:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Sept. 12 – at Texas; 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC

Sept. 19 – Kent State; 12 p.m. ET, FOX

Sept. 26 – Illinois; TBA

Oct. 3 – at Iowa; TBA

Oct. 10 – Maryland; 3:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. ET, TBA

Oct. 17 – at Indiana; TBA

Oct. 31 – at USC; TBA

Nov. 7 – Oregon; TBA

Nov. 14 – Northwestern; TBA

Nov. 21 – at Nebraska; TBA

Nov. 28 – Michigan; 12 p.m. ET, FOX

Dec. 5 – Big Ten Championship Game; 8 p.m. ET, FOX