Whether you can watch Ohio State on YouTube TV depends on which network is broadcasting the game
YouTube TV carries most of the channels that broadcast Ohio State football, but not every game appears on every platform. The Buckeyes play on Big Ten Network, ESPN, ABC, Fox, and occasionally Peacock (NBC's streaming service). YouTube TV includes Big Ten Network, ESPN, ABC, and Fox in its standard package, so games on those channels are watchable. Games on Peacock are not — you would need a separate Peacock subscription to stream those.
The channel carrying each game changes week to week based on the Big Ten's broadcast schedule. Before game day, check the Ohio State athletics website or your YouTube TV guide to see which network has that particular game, then confirm YouTube TV carries it.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes ESPN, ABC, Fox, and Big Ten Network, which broadcast most Ohio State games.
- Some Ohio State games air exclusively on Peacock, which requires a separate subscription beyond YouTube TV.
- The broadcast channel changes each week, so check the Ohio State schedule before game day to know where to find it.
- YouTube TV's cloud DVR feature lets you record games to watch later if you cannot watch live.
Which channels on YouTube TV show Ohio State games
The four main channels carrying Ohio State football are all included in YouTube TV's base subscription. Big Ten Network is the primary home for conference games and airs the most Ohio State matchups throughout the season. ESPN and ESPN2 carry prime-time and marquee games, often Thursday or Saturday night slots. ABC and Fox broadcast select games, typically the highest-profile matchups or rivalry games.
YouTube TV's standard package includes all of these. When you log into YouTube TV on game day, you can search for Ohio State or browse the sports section to find which channel is broadcasting. The guide updates in real time as the broadcast schedule is finalized.
Games you cannot watch on YouTube TV alone
Ohio State occasionally plays games that air only on Peacock, NBC's streaming platform. These are typically non-conference games or specific Big Ten matchups that NBC has exclusive rights to stream. Peacock is not part of YouTube TV, so you cannot access these games through your YouTube TV subscription.
If a game is Peacock-exclusive, you have two options: subscribe to Peacock separately (Peacock offers both free and paid tiers, though live sports require the paid Premium tier), or check whether a local NBC affiliate is also broadcasting the game over the air. Some Peacock games also air on local NBC stations, which YouTube TV does carry.
How to find Ohio State games in your YouTube TV guide
Open YouTube TV and use the search bar at the top to type "Ohio State" or the opponent's name. The app will show you all upcoming games and which channel each one is on. You can also browse the Sports section of the guide, which lists games by date and sport.
YouTube TV also lets you add Ohio State to your favorites, which pins the team to your guide so upcoming games appear at the top. This saves time during the season when you are checking the schedule frequently. The guide updates as broadcast times and channels are confirmed, usually a few days before each game.
Recording games with YouTube TV's cloud DVR
YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means you can record any game that airs on a channel you have access to. When you find an Ohio State game in the guide, select it and choose "Record." The game will be saved to your library and available to watch for up to nine months.
This is useful if you cannot watch live or want to avoid spoilers and watch on your own schedule. Recorded games appear in a separate "Library" section of the app, organized by show or team. You can also set YouTube TV to automatically record all Ohio State games, and it will capture every one that airs on your available channels.
What to do if the game is not on YouTube TV
If Ohio State is playing on Peacock and you do not have that subscription, check whether the game is also airing on a local NBC station in your area. YouTube TV carries local NBC affiliates in most markets, and some Peacock-exclusive games simulcast on the local channel.
Another option is to contact YouTube TV support through the app or website to ask whether a particular game will be available. They can tell you definitively which channel is carrying it and whether it is included in your subscription. If the game truly is Peacock-only and you want to watch, a Peacock Premium subscription (which includes live sports) is the only path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a YouTube TV subscription to watch Ohio State games?
You need a YouTube TV subscription to watch games on ESPN, ABC, Fox, and Big Ten Network. Games on Peacock require a separate Peacock Premium subscription. Some games may also air on local broadcast channels, which YouTube TV carries in most areas.
Can I watch Ohio State games on my phone or tablet with YouTube TV?
Yes. YouTube TV works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. read the YouTube TV app on your device, sign in with your account, and stream any game that is on a channel included in your subscription. You can also cast to a TV if your device supports it.
What time do Ohio State games usually start?
Ohio State games vary in start time depending on the broadcast network and time slot. Games can start at noon, 3:30 p.m., 7 p.m., or later on Saturday, or Thursday evening during the season. Check the Ohio State athletics website or your YouTube TV guide for the exact kickoff time of each game.
If I record a game, how long can I keep it?
YouTube TV stores recorded games in your library for up to nine months. After that, they are automatically deleted. You can watch a recorded game as many times as you want during that window.
Does YouTube TV show replays of Ohio State games?
YouTube TV does not automatically provide replays, but you can record the live broadcast and watch it later. Some networks also air replays of major games on their channels, which you can find in the guide and record the same way.