How to watch Ohio State football game for free today

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) and his teammates after it was announced that Smith became the all-time leading Ohio State pass receiver during college football action between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Kent State Golden Flashes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, September 19, 2026.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comIf you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.By Robert Fenbers, cleveland.comcleveland.com Express DeskCOLUMBUS, Ohio - Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith lead the No. 7 Ohio State Buckeyes against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Big Ten opener today – Saturday, Sept. 26 – at Ohio Stadium.How to watch Ohio State vs. Illinois today What: Ohio State vs. Illinois When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026Time: 12 p.m. EasternWhere: Ohio Stadium | Columbus, OhioChannel: FOXStreaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month) and SlingTV How do I watch Ohio State vs. Illinois for free?This Big Ten matchup will broadcast live on FOX at 12 p.m. Eastern. You can take advantage of free trials from DIRECTV and FuboTV, which also offer large discounts on your first month. Fans can watch this game on SlingTV for $19.99 per month with Sling Select, which offers local channels in select markets. Here are five storylines to watch for today’s game:1. Julian Sayin is operating among the nation’s most efficient quarterbacksSayin holds the fourth-best QBR in the country (90.4) after throwing for 839 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception through three games. The junior quarterback aims to improve upon last year’s outing against Illinois, where he completed 19 of 27 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns.2. Jeremiah Smith has already secured a program record in receivingSmith broke Ohio State’s all-time receiving yards record during the Buckeyes’ 59-3 win over Kent State. Through three contests, the junior wide receiver has totaled 21 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 19 yards per catch.3. Ohio State’s ground game remains productive despite rare public critique from Ryan DayBo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson lead the Buckeyes’ backfield with a combined 380 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 60 carries. After a rare public critique, Day has implored the running backs to “run angry” in their upcoming matchup. 4. Ohio State faces pass rush concerns, third-down inefficiency, and injury questionsThe Buckeyes have struggled to generate consistent pressure with only four sacks across three games, while also converting just 1-of-8 third downs against Kent State. Compounding these issues, defensive end Zion Grady and offensive lineman Phillip Daniels are both listed as questionable.5. Illinois looks to snap a 10-game series drought behind nation-leading receiver Collin DixonThe Fighting Illini have lost 10 consecutive games to Ohio State, failing to reclaim the Illibuck trophy since an unranked upset victory over the top-ranked Buckeyes in 2007. To challenge Ohio State, Illinois will lean on Dixon, who leads the FBS with seven receiving touchdowns alongside 25 catches for 367 yards. Where to watch Ohio State vs. Illinois for free today Where to watch Indiana vs. Northwestern for free today Belmont Union Local vs. Martins Ferry: Watch Ohio high school football Friday night marquee matchupSunbury Big Walnut vs. Ironton: Watch Ohio high school football showdown live tonightGuardians vs. Red Sox tonight: Where to watch free MLB livestreamRobert Fenbers, who has been a freelance journalist since 2015, is the sports commerce reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Robert focuses on local and national sporting event ticket sales and how...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.