Kickoff, TV network set for Ohio State's Big Ten opener vs Illinois

Ohio State's football game against Illinois on Sept. 26 is scheduled to kick off at noon and will air on FOX. This year marks the first since 2022 that the Buckeyes are beginning their Big Ten schedule at Ohio Stadium. Additionally, this is the Buckeyes' second game of the season that is being aired

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What is the story about?

Ohio State's football game against Illinois on Sept. 26 is scheduled to kick off at noon and will air on FOX.

This year marks the first since 2022 that the Buckeyes are beginning their Big Ten schedule at Ohio Stadium. Additionally, this is the Buckeyes' second game of the season that is being aired on FOX, as Ohio State's final nonconference game against Kent State on Sept. 19 will be on the network.

The Fighting Illini opened the season just outside the top 25 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, earning votes totaling 62 points. Illinois failed to receive any votes after being defeated by unranked Duke 31-27 during Week 2.

Ohio State dropped from the top-ranked team to No. 6 in the Coaches and AP polls after falling to Texas 24-23 on Sept. 12.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) looks to throw during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.

Illinois

is Ohio State's only repeat opponent from last regular season, aside from Michigan. The Buckeyes recorded a 34-16 win against the Fighting Illini in Champaign, Illinois during that matchup.

bmackay@dispatch.com

@brimackay15

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Kickoff, TV network set for Ohio State's Big Ten opener vs Illinois