Eric Boggs
When the news dropped that Fox would air Ohio State’s season opener against Texas, Buckeye Nation let out a collective groan. It was expected—Fox wasn’t about to pass up the chance to capitalize on the massive viewership that a clash between two powerhouse programs like Ohio State and Texas brings. But as the pattern of noon kickoffs continues, it’s raising real concerns about long-term consequences—most notably, the impact on recruiting.
Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” has become a staple for the network, with Ohio State regularly slotted into that coveted time. From a financial standpoint, it’s easy to understand why. The Buckeyes bring eyeballs. Whether fans are watching to cheer them on or hoping to see them lose, Ohio State moves the needle like few programs in the country. But while TV executives smile at ratings, the reality for Buckeye coaches and recruiters is far more sobering.
For elite recruits who play high school football on Friday nights, a Saturday noon kickoff in Columbus poses a serious logistical problem. These kids—often coming from as far as Texas, Florida, or California—would have to hop on a late-night flight, deal with a time zone change, and arrive in Ohio exhausted and sleep-deprived. Expecting them to experience the Horseshoe at its best under those circumstances is simply unrealistic. A night game? That’s a whole different story. The Shoe under the lights is electric—there’s no comparing it to a sleepy noon atmosphere where fans are still nursing their tailgate hangovers.
This isn’t just speculation. There is growing concern among fans and analysts that Ohio State’s recruiting edge could be dulled by the constant early kickoffs. The top recruits in the country want to be wowed. They want to feel the energy of a crowd that’s alive, not still waking up. And while coaches do their best to sell the program, there’s no substitute for the in-person game day experience.
The reality is this: the Buckeyes are carrying the load for Fox’s noon slot while other Big Ten powers like Michigan and Penn State aren’t nearly as frequently featured. USC and Oregon—despite now being part of the Big Ten—will almost certainly avoid early slots due to their West Coast locations. That leaves Ohio State stuck, often asked to be the network’s flagship draw at the expense of its recruiting momentum.
Look at the schedule this year. The marquee home games—Texas, Michigan, Penn State, possibly Illinois—are all likely to be noon kickoffs. Meanwhile, lower-tier games like Grambling State or Minnesota might get primetime treatment simply because they fall on NBC’s or CBS’s schedule. It’s a frustrating dynamic. A showdown with Texas should be a 7:30 p.m. event, not a lunchtime spectacle.
Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork and Head Coach Ryan Day must eventually push back. The Buckeyes have more than earned the right to host night games. These primetime slots aren’t just great for fans—they’re critical for building and sustaining recruiting success. It’s time for the Big Ten to advocate for its flagship programs and diversify the kickoff times so that the league’s biggest draws aren’t always stuck at noon.
Until then, Buckeye Nation will continue to show up and support. But as more and more fans voice their displeasure and even launch petitions to change kickoff times, it’s clear that the issue isn’t going away. For now, Ohio State remains stuck in a high-stakes tug-of-war between ratings and recruiting. Let’s hope the powers that be recognize the cost before it’s too late.
