College football returns this Saturday, with the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes hosting Ball State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The game is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network (BTN).
For viewers without a traditional cable package, the game can be accessed through various live TV streaming services. Options include DIRECTV, which offers a five-day free trial, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and FOX One. The Big Ten Network is also accessible via the FOX Sports app with a participating TV provider login.
YouTube TV includes BTN in its Base plan, with pricing starting at $59.99 per month for the first three months, and a 21-day free trial is available for new subscribers. DIRECTV includes BTN in its Choice, Ultimate, and Premier packages, as well as a My Sports package. Fubo carries BTN through its Pro and Elite packages, with a free trial for new users.
Hulu + Live TV offers BTN for $89.99 per month and a three-day free trial. FOX One provides BTN for $19.99 per month with a three-day trial. Sling TV allows users to add BTN for an additional $11 per month.
B1G+ will not carry this game, as it is reserved for non-televised Big Ten events. Games televised on the Big Ten Network require one of the aforementioned streaming or cable options.
The season opener marks the first game of the year for both teams. Ohio State enters the season ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25. The game also holds significance for former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, who will be inducted into the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor. Tressel coached the Buckeyes from 2001 to 2010, leading them to a national championship in 2002 and six Big Ten titles. Maurice Clarett, a running back from the 2002 championship team, is slated to be the first Victory Bell Ringer of the 2026 season.