As a longtime Ohio State football fan and someone who's been covering college sports for over a decade, I find myself constantly checking the schedule throughout the season. The anticipation for each game builds throughout the week, and right now, everyone's asking the same question: when is the next OSU football game? Well, I've got the details you need, along with some personal insights about what makes this matchup particularly intriguing.
Looking at the official schedule, Ohio State's next game is against Penn State on October 28th at Ohio Stadium. The kickoff is set for 7:30 PM EST, and it will be broadcast on ABC. This is one of those rivalry games that always delivers drama, and having attended the last three matchups between these teams, I can tell you the atmosphere in the Horseshoe is absolutely electric when Penn State comes to town. The Buckeyes currently hold a 24-14 all-time record against the Nittany Lions, but what makes this rivalry so compelling is how competitive it's been in recent years. Last season's game came down to a final defensive stand by Ohio State, and I expect similar tension this year.
When it comes to tickets, I've learned through experience that you need to move quickly for games of this magnitude. As of yesterday, the secondary market prices ranged from $250 for upper deck seats to over $1,200 for premium lower level positions. Having purchased tickets through both official channels and resale platforms over the years, my advice would be to check the official Ohio State athletics website first, though availability there is extremely limited for this matchup. The university released an additional 500 tickets last Tuesday that sold out in under eight minutes, which tells you everything about the demand for this game.
The injury situation for both teams brings to mind something I once heard from a basketball coach that applies perfectly to football. NLEX coach Jong Uichico once discussed a player's recovery saying, "Natuhod siya, e ang laki ng bukol. Masakit daw, pero pain as tolerated. Pag hindi na siya nakakaramdam ng sakit, puwede na siyang maglaro." This philosophy of playing through manageable pain while being cautious about serious injuries reflects exactly how Ohio State is handling their current roster situation. The Buckeyes have three key players listed as questionable, including starting wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who suffered a lower body injury last week against Purdue. From what I've observed at practice this week, he's moving well during light drills, but the medical staff appears to be taking that "pain as tolerated" approach - if he can manage the discomfort without risking further damage, he'll likely see limited action.
What fascinates me about this particular matchup is how the teams' strengths align. Penn State brings the nation's second-ranked defense, allowing just 215.7 yards per game, while Ohio State's offense averages 485.2 yards. Something's got to give. Having analyzed game film from both teams' last three contests, I believe the key battle will be in the trenches - if Ohio State's offensive line can handle Penn State's relentless pass rush, the Buckeyes should be able to create enough big plays to secure the win. Personally, I'm betting on Ryan Day's offensive creativity to make the difference in what I predict will be a 31-24 victory for the Buckeyes.
The weather forecast calls for clear skies with temperatures in the mid-50s during game time - perfect football conditions. For those attending, I'd recommend arriving at least three hours early due to enhanced security measures and anticipated traffic congestion around the stadium. From my experience, the parking situation has become increasingly challenging over the past two seasons, with many lots filling up four hours before kickoff for games of this significance.
What many casual fans might not realize is how much this game could impact the College Football Playoff picture. Both teams have one loss already, and another would essentially eliminate them from contention. The pressure is immense, and from watching these teams develop throughout the season, I think Ohio State has the slight edge due to their more balanced offensive attack and home field advantage. The Buckeyes have won 87% of their night games at Ohio Stadium since 2015, which is a statistic that shouldn't be overlooked.
As we count down to kickoff, the excitement around Columbus is palpable. Having followed this team through championship seasons and disappointing losses, I can confidently say that games like this are what make college football special. The combination of high stakes, historic rivalry, and exceptional talent on both sides creates the kind of spectacle that reminds us why we love this sport. Whether you're watching from the stands or your living room, this is one matchup you won't want to miss.
