The station broadcasting the OSU football game varies; check your local listings or the official OSU athletics website for the most up-to-date information.
Trying to find out what channel to tune into for the big game? It can be frustrating when you just want to settle in and watch the Buckeyes play. The question of “what station is the osu football game on” pops up often, as broadcast rights change.
Figuring this out doesn’t have to be a headache. Networks and channels shift each season, so stay updated. Checking a reliable source will get you ready for game day.
What Station is the OSU Football Game On?
Finding out where to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes play can feel like a big puzzle sometimes. It’s not always the same channel every week! Luckily, with a little know-how, you can easily figure out where to catch the game. Let’s explore all the different places you might find the OSU football game.
Understanding Broadcast Rights and Networks
Before we get into specifics, it’s good to know a little bit about how TV networks decide which games they get to show. It all comes down to “broadcast rights.” Think of it like buying a ticket to show a movie – TV networks buy the rights to show certain football games. Different conferences (like the Big Ten, where Ohio State plays) have deals with different networks. These deals can change, so it’s good to stay updated. Some of the major players you will see when it comes to broadcasting OSU games include:
- ABC: Often shows big games, especially on Saturday afternoons.
- ESPN: Carries a lot of college sports, including many OSU games.
- FOX: Another major network that regularly broadcasts college football.
- Big Ten Network (BTN): Specifically focuses on games from the Big Ten Conference.
- CBS: Another network that you might find broadcasting a Ohio State Football game
- Streaming services: Platforms like ESPN+ and Peacock can also stream games.
These networks have different strengths. For example, ABC and FOX tend to feature the highest-profile matchups, while BTN will show most of the conference games. Understanding this can help you predict where to look for your game each week.
How to Find the Game Each Week
Okay, so how do you find out exactly which channel has the Ohio State game each week? Here are some simple steps:
Checking the Official OSU Athletics Website
The first place you should always check is the official Ohio State Athletics website, OhioStateBuckeyes.com. They almost always post the game time and TV channel very early in the week. You can look for a section called “Schedule” or “Football Schedule” and there you will find all the details for the upcoming games.
Using a TV Guide or Listings Website
Old-fashioned, but still super useful! TV guides, either the kind you have on paper or the digital kind on your cable box, are helpful for finding the specific channel for the game. Websites like TV Guide and Zap2it also show schedules for the week.
You can also use websites that offer sports TV schedules, like:
- ESPN.com: They have a comprehensive schedule section that includes TV times and channels.
- Foxsports.com: Another big name in sports broadcasting, they also offer online schedules for the games that they will be broadcasting.
- CBSSports.com: Same as the other two, this is the online portal for all sports games that CBS will be broadcasting.
Social Media
Twitter and other social media platforms can be a very fast way to find out where the game is playing. Often, the Ohio State football team’s official account will announce this and, local sports news outlets will post about these games. If you follow sports accounts, you can find updates quite quickly.
Using Sports Apps
Many sports apps, like ESPN or TheScore, let you select your favorite teams, like Ohio State. These apps can push notifications about game times and TV channels to your phone, which is convenient.
The Role of Game Time in Channel Selection
The time of the game can affect which network broadcasts it. Here’s why:
- National Networks (ABC, FOX, CBS): These networks often want games during primetime (evening) or afternoon slots, which is why high profile games are placed on these networks during these times.
- ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU: These networks have more flexible schedules and might show games at various times throughout the day.
- Big Ten Network: This network usually features games during specific windows, often earlier in the day or at night, that are not always the primetime slots.
It’s not just about who has the rights but also about when the game is played. A noon kickoff might be on a different channel compared to a 7:30 PM start.
Streaming Options for OSU Football
If you are someone who doesn’t have cable TV or prefers to watch games on the go, streaming is a great option. Here’s a rundown:
ESPN+
ESPN+ is a subscription service that will stream many college football games. It will not show all the Ohio State games, but it will have some.
Peacock
Peacock is the streaming service from NBCUniversal, and sometimes you will find Ohio State games there, especially if the game is being shown on NBC.
Other Streaming Services
Hulu+ Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo TV are also options that carry various sports channels. These are not always going to be free, but they can carry all the necessary channels you need to watch your favorite sports.
The availability of games on these streaming services can change depending on the network agreements. It is essential to check the TV schedule before the game, in order to be sure where you can watch. Check the official website for the specific game.
Specific Scenarios for Finding the Game
Big Games and Rivalries
When Ohio State plays big rivalries (like Michigan) or other high-profile matchups, the game is more likely to be on a national network like ABC, FOX, or even CBS. These games draw lots of viewers, so the networks want to show them for a large audience. In these cases, they are likely to be in primetime slots.
Conference Games
Most Big Ten games are either on the Big Ten Network or on one of the ESPN channels. If it’s a less high-profile game, it’s very likely to be on the Big Ten Network, or even some of the lesser watched ESPN channels. Games that are being shown on ABC, FOX, or CBS are likely to be higher profile conference games.
Away Games
Where Ohio State is playing, can have some influence on what channel the game is being shown on. If they are playing in a smaller conference stadium, the chance of the game being shown on a major national channel like ABC, FOX or CBS, decreases.
Non-Conference Games
Non-conference games might have a bit more variety. These games could end up on any of the networks. Again, it depends on the perceived importance of the game and how many viewers that game is likely to draw. Some non-conference games are used to fill out TV slots for these channels, so they are not always on big channels. They might also be on some of the smaller ESPN networks, or even on streaming services.
Tips for Staying Updated
- Follow official OSU accounts: Keep an eye on their social media for updates.
- Set up app notifications: Use sports apps to get alerts about game times and channels.
- Check websites early in the week: Do not wait to the last minute to find out which channel is carrying the game, check early in the week so you know what is happening.
- Be flexible: Sometimes channel plans change, so stay ready to adapt!
It can seem like a lot of information, but with a little preparation, you will be ready to watch every Ohio State game! The key is being prepared and using the many available resources.
Remember to always double-check the information closer to game day, because schedules can change with some frequency. You don’t want to miss a minute of the Buckeyes’ action! By following the simple steps and tips laid out above, you’ll be ready to cheer on Ohio State every Saturday.
Finding the right station for the Ohio State game doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By using the online sources, and apps available for you to view, you can easily find the channel you are looking for to watch the Buckeyes!
College Football Playoff Semifinal: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Texas | Game Preview
Final Thoughts
To quickly find the game, check your local listings. Channels vary by region. The specific network often depends on the game’s schedule.
Search online using the team name. This will quickly display broadcast information. Also, the university’s athletic website provides details.
So, to answer ‘what station is the osu football game on’, you need these sources. The game network information is usually easy to locate.
