Ohio State begins its 2026 campaign Saturday afternoon when the Buckeyes welcome Ball State to Ohio Stadium. The Big Ten powerhouse enters the season ranked No. 1 in the country and will look to start its pursuit of another College Football Playoff appearance with a strong performance at home.
Ball State faces one of the biggest challenges on its schedule right out of the gate. The Cardinals are entering their second season under head coach Mike Uremovich after finishing 4-8 in 2025, while Ohio State is coming off a 12-2 season that ended with a loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes will have plenty of attention on their offense, with quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith among the players expected to lead the way. Ball State, meanwhile, will turn to quarterback Keldric Luster, who is set to make his first career start.
How to Watch Ball State at No. 1 Ohio State
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- TV: Big Ten Network
- Live Stream: Fox One
Ball State Cardinals
Head Coach: Mike Uremovich
Uremovich enters his second season leading Ball State. The Cardinals went 4-8 last season and will open 2026 against the top-ranked team in the country.
Starting Quarterback: Keldric Luster
Luster is expected to make his first career start Saturday as Ball State prepares for one of the toughest road environments in college football.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Head Coach: Ryan Day
Day enters another season with the Buckeyes facing national championship expectations. Ohio State is ranked No. 1 entering the 2026 season.
Starting Quarterback: Julian Sayin
Sayin returns to lead the Ohio State offense and will be surrounded by several high-profile playmakers.
Key Players: RB Bo Jackson, WR Jeremiah Smith
Jackson and Smith are among the biggest names on the Buckeyes’ offense. Smith returns as one of the nation’s most dangerous wide receivers, while Jackson gives Ohio State another dynamic option in the backfield.
Saturday’s matchup marks the first meeting between Ball State and Ohio State. The Buckeyes have also won 26 consecutive season openers entering the game.
ALSO SEE:
- Poll: Who Wins the Clemson-LSU Game?
- College Football Predictions: Picks for Week 1’s Biggest Saturday Games
- Tulane Green Wave at Duke Blue Devils NCAAF Prediction, Picks & Odds for Sept. 5, 2026
