Eric Boggs
Ohio State fans, get ready for an unforgettable matchup as the Buckeyes take on Northwestern in a game with a unique twist. On Nov. 16, Ohio State will face the Wildcats at Chicago’s historic Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs. This game not only marks a rare return to a baseball stadium for Ohio State football (last played in an MLB park in 1994) but also offers a fresh challenge for the Buckeyes as they navigate the quirks of Wrigley’s football setup.
Photos and videos shared on social media reveal the Wrigley transformation already well underway, with freshly painted end zones, yard lines, and Big Ten logos in place. The field layout is similar to previous Northwestern games held here, with one end zone positioned in front of the third baseline and the other facing the iconic ivy-covered wall in what’s normally right field.
With Northwestern’s Ryan Field under major renovation, the Wildcats have spent their season bouncing around home venues. They’ll close out their year at Wrigley, hosting Ohio State and Illinois for back-to-back games. So, as Ohio State heads into this Week 12 matchup, we’ll see the Buckeyes play in an MLB ballpark for the first time in 30 years—a cool novelty for fans but a logistical hurdle for teams.
Head coaches around the Big Ten have pointed out some of the stadium’s oddities. Last year, Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz spoke about the tight space near the end zones and sideline concerns, even humorously referencing Chicago’s abundance of “malpractice attorneys” as he discussed the close proximity of Wrigley’s brick walls. Illinois’ Bret Bielema added that he was “reassured” Northwestern’s opponents won’t share the same sideline, an issue in past games. While Wrigley Field’s nostalgic charm makes it a fun setting, the unusual layout adds a level of challenge teams aren’t used to in typical football stadiums.
The Wildcats, currently 4-5 and 13th in the Big Ten standings, enter the matchup after a bye week. They’ll need to overcome a daunting history; Ohio State has beaten Northwestern in 10 straight meetings, including two Big Ten Championship Game wins in 2018 and 2020. The Buckeyes will be heavily favored, and a win would keep their College Football Playoff hopes on track as they close out the season with upcoming games against Indiana and archrival Michigan.
Kickoff is set for noon ET (11 a.m. in Chicago) on Nov. 16, and fans can catch the game on Big Ten Network. Expect a memorable experience as Ohio State brings Buckeye football to one of baseball’s most storied venues in what promises to be an exciting showdown against Northwestern!
