Ohio State is set to kick off its 2026 home schedule with an exciting matchup against the No. 13-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers on January 5, 2026. The game will take place at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Fans can catch live coverage on FS1, featuring commentators Brandon Gaudin and Steve Smith, or listen to the Ohio State Radio Network, where Paul Keels and former Buckeye captain Ron Stokes will provide analysis.
Historically, Ohio State has enjoyed a competitive edge against Nebraska, boasting a 22-8 all-time record against them, including 18 wins since the Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten Conference for the 2011-12 season. However, Nebraska has made strides in recent seasons, winning three of the last five encounters, including a notable win earlier this season and a memorable two-overtime thriller in Columbus last March that ended 116-114 in favor of the Buckeyes.
Bruce Thornton, a pivotal player for Ohio State, averages 14.0 points per game against Nebraska. He has demonstrated his clutch performance in previous matchups, especially with a standout 29-point game during the last encounter. As he stands just 26 points shy of surpassing All-American Jim Jackson on the Buckeyes’ all-time scoring list, every game is crucial for his record pursuits.
The Buckeyes come into this game with momentum, following an impressive 80-73 comeback victory against Rutgers, where Thornton notched a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Devin Royal played a key role in the second half, contributing significantly to the team’s turnaround, demonstrating Ohio State’s resilience as they overcame a 15-point deficit.
On the other side, Nebraska arrives with an undefeated record of 14-0, marking the best start in the program’s history. They recently secured a hard-fought win against No. 9 Michigan State, showcasing their strong defensive skills as they rank among the top ten in the country for field goal percentage defense.
As the Buckeyes prepare to defend their home court against a formidable opponent, fans can be sure to expect an intense battle under the bright lights of the Schottenstein Center. With a rich history between the two teams and both sides showcasing talent and determination, this game promises to be a highlight of the season.
For those interested in attending, tickets for this matchup, as well as other men’s basketball games, are available through OhioStateBuckeyes.com or the Ohio State Athletics Ticket Office.