​Ohio State kicks off its 2026 football season against MAC opponent Ball State.Entering as the overwhelming favorite, the Buckeyes will get to test out their new offensive scheme led by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, hired in January after a stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ohio State brings back many experienced players on that side of the ball, including quarterback Julian Sayin, a Heisman Trophy finalist last year, and star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes will use many fresh faces on defense, though, as they retained just three of 11 defensive starters from 2025. Fitting all the new pieces together will be second-year coordinator Matt Patricia.Ball State went 4-8 in 2025. Ohio State and Ball State had one opponent in common last year: Purdue. Ball State lost 31-0 to the Boilermakers, and Ohio State beat Purdue 34-10.After Ball State, the Buckeyes take on Texas, ranked No. 4 on the US LBM Coaches Poll.Whether you’re looking for kickoff information, injury updates, betting odds, key matchups or score predictions, this guide has everything you need to know before the Buckeyes take the field against the Cardinals. We’ll update this story throughout the week with the latest injury news, coach comments, line movement and game-day developments leading up to kickoff.Ohio State vs Ball StateDate: Saturday, Sept. 5Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. ETTV: Big Ten NetworkStreaming: Fubo, Fox OneLocation: Ohio StadiumSpread: Ohio State -50.5Over/Under: 56.5What time does Ohio State play Ball State?The Buckeyes play their Week 1 matchup against Ball State at 12:30 p.m.What channel is Ohio State vs Ball State on?The Ohio State-Ball State game is on Big Ten Network.Streaming options include Fox One, Fubo and Sling TV.Ohio State vs Ball State betting oddsOdds via BetMGM:Spread: Ohio State -50.5Over/under: 56.5This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State vs Ball State: Odds, injuries, key matchups