Since becoming the premier spot for Big Ten football, Fox has been adamant about winning the early time slot for viewership. With it came the introduction of Fox's Big Noon Kickoff, an answer to rival ESPN's College GameDay. If you're a big-time TV executive, how do you win those early windows? Ohio State football, of course.
The Buckeyes have had more than their fair share of noon kickoffs, much to the chagrin of fans. The early time makes for a much earlier day, takes away from tailgating, and maybe most importantly, eliminates a huge home-field advantage. Maybe it's the way the stadium glows at night or just the extra volume of alcohol flowing through the majority of fans; night games just have a different feel.
Well, it looks like Ohio State
is going to get the next best thing to a night game when Oregon comes to town in early November. It was revealed that CBS has picked up the rights to that game, which most likely means a 3:30 ET start time. That's not a full-on night game, but that late in the year, it will mean the game is fully under lights by the second half. And with the Ducks bringing what most believe is a championship-caliber team to Columbus, and a game that could be paramount in determining the Big Ten, the more raucous the environment, the better.
An official announcement for the kickoff time isn't expected until October 26.
Monster Ohio State vs. Oregon game and you’ll actually be able to hear the crowd noise through your television screen. What a time. https://t.co/pVtGLZKJWC
— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) September 1, 2026
This will be the first time the two teams meet since Ohio State embarrassed Oregon in the Rose Bowl on its way to winning the 2024 national championship. All signs are pointing to another monster matchup with huge implications for both.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. Oregon game time may be set for November showdown
