The 2026 Ohio State versus Michigan showdown, known as The Game, will kick off at 12:00 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, Nov. 28, and will be televised by FOX as part of its Big Noon Kickoff lineup.

FOX will continue its nine-year run of Big Noon Kickoff coverage for this rivalry since 2017, with the noon kickoff officially announced this week.

The network confirmed the kickoff time on Monday, aligning FOX’s brand-centered coverage with the traditional noon start for OSU–Michigan.

Context surrounding the game includes the Big Ten’s national championship influence, CFP involvement, and the conference’s historical role shaping the postseason landscape alongside Michigan and Ohio State.

Ongoing Buckeye coverage continues into the offseason, with spring practice underway and renewed emphasis on following Ohio State football news.

Ohio State is expected to be a playoff contender again, while Michigan appears strengthened by a new head coach and quarterback, though outcomes remain uncertain.

A bold prediction suggests the Michigan–Ohio State clash could influence early-season perceptions of the Big Ten–SEC balance and CFP considerations, noting Oklahoma’s playoff history and Michigan’s evolving program.

Another bold forecast: the Michigan–Ohio State game could feature a Heisman finalist, with both programs employing new coordinators but still possessing top-tier talent, potentially shaping the national title race.

The series history includes Michigan’s recent setback to Oklahoma in Norman, highlighted by Oklahoma’s 24–13 win in last year’s meeting after John Mateer’s multi-touchdown performance.

Ahead of The Game, anticipation and rivalry intensity are emphasized, maintaining the matchup’s signature edge regardless of the season’s specifics.

Recent results show a back-and-forth rivalry: 2025 Ohio State 27, Michigan 9; 2024 Michigan 13, Ohio State 10; 2023 Michigan 30, Ohio State 24; 2022 Michigan 45, Ohio State 23; 2021 Michigan 42, Ohio State 27.

Michigan leads the all-time series 62-52-6, with Michigan’s 2025 win in Columbus and Ohio State’s 2024-25 bragging rights reflected in the latest outcomes.