The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes kick off their 2026 college football season today against the Ball State Cardinals at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Why it matters: This game marks the beginning of a new season for Ohio State, which aims to bounce back from an early playoff exit last year. With a new roster and offensive coordinator, expectations are high.
Ohio State enters the season ranked No. 1 by both the AP and Coaches polls, tying Alabama for the second-most preseason No. 1 selections all time.
The Buckeyes finished the previous season with a 12-2 record, losing to Miami in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals.
This matchup is the first-ever meeting between Ohio State and Ball State, adding an element of intrigue to the game.
Driving the news: Ohio State's season opener will be held at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, where they will host Ball State. The game will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.
Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. ET, with the game expected to draw a large audience eager to see how the Buckeyes perform.
Streaming options include DIRECTV, FuboTV, SlingTV, and FOX One, making it accessible for fans without cable.
Ohio State is a heavy favorite, with a 50.5-point spread according to DraftKings.
State of play: Ohio State is entering the season with a roster that includes 50 new players and a new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith.
Quarterback Julian Sayin, who threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, leads the Buckeyes as they look to adapt to the new system.
Freshman standout Chris Henry Jr. and versatile player Legend Bay are expected to make a big impact in today's game.
Ball State’s junior quarterback Keldric Luster, stepping up from Division II, faces a tough challenge against the Buckeyes.
The big picture: Ohio State's dominance in season openers is well-documented, with a winning streak that extends back to 1999.
The Buckeyes hold a 21-1 record against first-time opponents, setting a high bar for Ball State.
Ohio State's performance today will be closely watched as they aim to defend their title as the top-ranked team in the nation.
Weather conditions may play a role, with a 60% chance of thunderstorms forecasted for the game.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans alike are eager to see how the Buckeyes adapt to their new offensive strategy.
"This is a fresh start for Ohio State, and the expectations are sky-high," said sports commentator Robert Fenbers.
"For Ball State, this is a chance to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the country," noted a local sports analyst.
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the contrasting fortunes of both teams heading into this matchup.
Ohio State posted the highest completion rate in college football last season at 76.7%.
In stark comparison, Ball State finished with the fewest total yards in Division I at 2,551.
Ohio State's last season ended with a Cotton Bowl loss, marking a need for redemption this year.
What's next: After today's game, Ohio State will continue its season with several more high-stakes matchups.
Fans can expect the Buckeyes to face tougher opponents in the coming weeks as they aim to solidify their position in the national rankings.
Ball State, looking to improve from a 4-8 record last season, will need to regroup quickly after this challenging opener.
Ohio State will also honor former coach Jim Tressel today, who is being inducted into the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor.