College football is back, which means Saturdays are about to get a whole lot busier.

No. 1 Ohio State gets its 2026 season underway Saturday afternoon when the Buckeyes host Ball State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The game kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET and will air on the Big Ten Network.

If you’re trying to figure out how to watch Ohio State vs. Ball State, though, things can get a little tricky. The game isn’t on one of the usual broadcast networks, so you’ll need access to BTN to catch the action. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get the channel without a traditional cable package.

Here’s everything you need to know about watching the Ohio State vs. Ball State game, including what channel it’s on and how to stream it.

What Time Is The Ohio State vs. Ball State Game?

Ohio State vs. Ball State kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 5. The game will be played at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

It’s the first game of the season for both teams, although the stakes are obviously a little different for the top-ranked Buckeyes. Ohio State enters the year at No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25.

What Channel Is The Ohio State Game On Today?

The Ohio State vs. Ball State game is airing on the Big Ten Network (BTN).

So if you’re flipping through the usual FOX, ABC and ESPN channels Saturday afternoon and can’t find the Buckeyes, don’t panic. You’ll want BTN.

How To Watch Ohio State vs. Ball State Live

You have a few options if you’re looking to stream the game without cable.

The only way to watch shows airing live without cable is by using a live TV streaming service. Our favorite is DIRECTV, which comes with a five-day free trial before payment begins.

DIRECTV offers a number of flexible subscription options, including Genre Packs, so you can best choose which streaming plans fit your needs and budget. Packs start at $19.99/month.

The Big Ten Network is also available through several additional live-TV streaming services, including Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and FOX One . You can also watch BTN through the FOX Sports app with a participating TV-provider login.

And yes, YouTube TV does have the Big Ten Network.

How To Watch The Big Ten Network On YouTube TV:

BTN is included with YouTube TV’s Base plan, which is currently $59.99 per month for the first three months before increasing to $82.99 per month. It’s also included with the Sports plan, which is $44.99 per month for the first six months and $64.99 per month after that.

YouTube TV also offers a 21-day free trial, so new subscribers can use that option to watch the Buckeyes’ season opener.

Is The Big Ten Network Available On DIRECTV?

It is. BTN is included with DIRECTV’s Choice, Ultimate and Premier packages.

There’s also a My Sports package that includes the Big Ten Network, giving sports fans another option if they don’t need a larger channel lineup.

Is Big Ten Network On Fubo?

Yes, Fubo carries BTN as well.

The network is available through Fubo’s Pro and Elite packages, as well as the Sports and News package. Fubo also offers a free trial to new subscribers.

What Other Streaming Services Carry The Big Ten Network?

There are a few more options if YouTube TV, DIRECTV or Fubo aren’t your thing.

Hulu + Live TV includes the Big Ten Network and costs $89.99 per month. New subscribers can also take advantage of a three-day free trial.

FOX One carries BTN for $19.99 per month and offers a three-day free trial.

And with Sling TV, you can add the Big Ten Network to your subscription for an additional $11 per month.

You can also use the FOX Sports app to stream BTN if you have a participating TV-provider subscription.

Can You Watch Ohio State vs. Ball State On B1G+?

Unfortunately, no.

B1G+ is home to more than 1,700 non-televised Big Ten events, but the service doesn’t carry football games that are being televised on the Big Ten Network. Since Ohio State vs. Ball State is airing on BTN, you’ll need one of the options above to watch it.

What To Know About Ohio State vs. Ball State

Ohio State has plenty of expectations riding on it heading into the new season. The Buckeyes are ranked No. 1 in the country entering the year and will try to extend their remarkable run in season openers.

Saturday’s game will also be a big one for former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel. The longtime Buckeyes coach is set to be inducted into the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor during the season opener. Tressel coached Ohio State from 2001 through 2010, winning the 2002 national championship and six Big Ten titles.

Former Buckeyes running back Maurice Clarett, a member of that 2002 championship team, will also serve as the first Victory Bell Ringer of the 2026 season.

In other words, there’s plenty going on before Ohio State even takes its first snap.

So, if you’re settling in for college football’s return this weekend, make sure you have the Big Ten Network ready to go. Ohio State vs. Ball State begins at 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday on BTN.