It’s the Illinois Fighting Illini versus the No. 7 Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 26, 2026. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
- TV Channels: FOX
How to Watch Illinois vs. Ohio State on September 26, 2026
You can watch the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Illinois Fighting Illini live on DIRECTV on FOX on September 26, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET.
Illinois (2-1) at No. 7 Ohio State (2-1) — Game Preview
Illinois and No. 7 Ohio State both arrive at 2-1 for a noon kickoff at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, with the Illibuck Trophy on the line. It’s a Big Ten meeting with real weight on both sides, since the Buckeyes need a clean conference start to protect their spot in the poll while the unranked Illini get a chance to play their way into it on the road.
The quarterback matchup is close on paper, with Katin Houser at 758 passing yards and 8 touchdowns for Illinois against Julian Sayin, who has thrown for 839 yards and 6 touchdowns with just 1 interception. Houser has found the end zone more often through the air, but his 2 interceptions give the Ohio State defense something to hunt for.
The ground game may tip the balance. Bo Jackson has piled up 230 yards and 2 scores on 39 carries for the Buckeyes and Ca’Lil Valentine answers with 177 yards on 38 attempts. Ohio State also gets the benefit of a home crowd in Columbus.
National TV
FOX
What Time is the Illinois vs. Ohio State Game Today?
The Illinois vs. Ohio State game starts at 12:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch Illinois vs. Ohio State?
You can watch Illinois vs. Ohio State on FOX with DIRECTV.
Players to Watch: Illinois vs. Ohio State
Illinois Fighting Illini
Katin Houser — QB. So far this season he has completed 60 of 81 passes for 758 yards with 8 touchdowns against 2 interceptions. His volume of scoring throws makes him the engine of the Illinois offense, and the Illini will need that production against a ranked opponent on the road.
Ca’Lil Valentine — RB. With 177 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on 38 carries, Valentine gives Illinois a steady option on early downs. Keeping the chains moving on the ground would also help keep the Ohio State offense off the field.
Will Holmes — DL. Holmes has recorded 1 sack so far. Pressure from the interior line will matter against a Buckeyes passing game that has been efficient in both of its wins.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Julian Sayin — QB. Accuracy has defined his start, with 56 completions on 79 attempts for 839 yards, 6 touchdowns and 1 interception. Sayin has protected the ball well, which puts the burden on the Illinois secondary to force mistakes he hasn’t been making.
Bo Jackson — RB. On the ground, Jackson has run for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns on 39 carries. He gives Ohio State a physical complement to its passing attack.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. — DE. Off the edge, Jackson has 1 sack this season. His ability to collapse the pocket could decide how comfortable Houser looks at Ohio Stadium.
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