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COLUMBUS — Fierce rivals collide as the Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines today – Sunday, Jan. 8 – at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. This game is available on multiple streaming services for free.
Today’s game will broadcast live on CBS with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern. Fans who have parted ways with their local cable provider can catch this game for free by utilizing a free trial from DIRECTV, which also offers $40 off your first month.
FuboTV also has a free trial and $25 off your first month.
The most flexible option is Sling TV, which now offers new users a Day Pass for $4.99, Weekend Pass for $9.99, Week Pass for $14.99, Monthly for $45.99 and Season Pass for $199.99 for five months and $45.99 per month thereafter.
This game will also stream on Paramount Plus, which the essential package for $8.99 a month and the premium package for $13.99 a month.
The Buckeyes enter at 15–7 (7–5 Big Ten), looking to build momentum after a strong 20‑point road win at Maryland on Thursday. Michigan, meanwhile, arrives in Columbus riding a seven‑game win streak and sitting at 21–1 (11–1 Big Ten), carrying legitimate national‑title aspirations into the rivalry contest.
This is the second meeting in just over two weeks, with Michigan having won the first matchup 74–62 in Ann Arbor on Jan. 23.
In that game, Ohio State led with around 10 minutes remaining before the Wolverines’ size, defense, and interior efficiency overwhelmed them late. Michigan converted an astounding 75.9% of its two‑point attempts in that first meeting and repeatedly punished the Buckeyes at the rim — an area that remains a major concern for OSU heading into today.
For Ohio State, the path to an upset likely runs through star guard Bruce Thornton, who struggled in the initial meeting, finishing just 3‑for‑11 from the floor. Strong contributions from Christoph Tilly, John Mobley Jr., and Taison Chatman helped fuel OSU’s recent win at Maryland, and the Buckeyes will need that balanced production again — especially on the glass, where Michigan held a 36–27 advantage last time. Defensive discipline will be essential, as Michigan’s interior bigs Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara continue to be matchup nightmares for opponents.
Michigan enters today as a 9.5‑point favorite, with predictive models giving the Wolverines roughly an 82% chance to win, and an implied score of Michigan 84, Ohio State 75. Still, the rivalry setting, OSU’s recent offensive uptick, and a sold‑out home environment could help tighten the margin compared to the first matchup.
For a Buckeye team sitting on the NCAA Tournament bubble, the opportunity is enormous — beat one of the nation’s hottest teams, stabilize the résumé, and flip the narrative as February ramps up.
Who is announcing Ohio State vs. Michigan college basketball?
Spero Dedes (play-by-play), Bill Raftery (analyst) and Bruce Pearl (analyst) will be the announcers.
What are the latest odds for Ohio State vs. Michigan college basketball?
Spread: OSU: (+9.5), MICH: (-9.5)
Moneyline: OSU: (+310), MICH: (-380)
Point total: 159.5
Here is more information on how to watch Ohio State vs. Michigan men’s basketball on TV and streaming services.
What: NCAAM: Ohio State vs. MichiganWhen: Feb. 8, 2026Time: 1 p.m. Eastern Where: Value City Arena | Columbus, Ohio Channel: CBSBest Streaming Options: DIRECTV (free trial and $40 off first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off first month), Sling TV (half off first month and daily, weekend, weekly, monthly and season pass) and Paramount Plus