Ohio State vs Illinois returns to Columbus on September 26, 2026, as the No. 7 Buckeyes and Fighting Illini open Big Ten play at 2-1. The matchup renews the Illibuck rivalry, with Illinois making its first Ohio Stadium visit since 2017 and Ohio State carrying a 10-game series streak.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — No. 7 Ohio State hosts Illinois on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Ohio Stadium in the Big Ten opener for both teams. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET on FOX. The Buckeyes and Fighting Illini are both 2-1, and Illinois will be playing its first road game of the season.
Illinois enters Columbus at 2-1
Illinois opened with a 42-23 win over UAB, lost 31-27 to Duke and rebounded with a 48-10 victory over Southern Illinois. The trip to Columbus ends a three-game home stretch and sends the Illini into conference play against a ranked opponent.
Quarterback Katin Houser has completed 60 of 81 passes for 758 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions, a 74.1% completion rate. Receiver Collin Dixon has been his top scoring target, recording 25 catches for 367 yards and seven touchdowns through three games.
Illibuck rivalry returns to Ohio Stadium
Saturday will be the 105th meeting between Ohio State and Illinois. The Illibuck trophy tradition dates to 1924, when a live turtle represented the rivalry before wooden replicas replaced it after the original turtle died in 1926.
Ohio State leads the overall series 70-30-4 and has won 10 straight meetings. Illinois’ last victory came in 2007, when the Illini defeated the top-ranked Buckeyes 28-21 in Columbus. This will be Illinois’ first visit to Ohio Stadium since 2017.
Bielema brings stability to Illinois
Bret Bielema has led Illinois since 2021. The Illini won eight games in 2022 and reached 10 wins in 2024, tying the program’s single-season record. Through his first five seasons, Bielema produced 37 victories and 15 Illinois NFL Draft selections.
Key players could shape the Big Ten opener
Illinois defensive back Matthew Bailey enters the matchup with 14 tackles and returned an interception 88 yards for a touchdown against Southern Illinois. Ohio State counters with quarterback Julian Sayin, who has thrown for 839 yards, while Jeremiah Smith leads the Buckeyes with 400 receiving yards.
The matchup gives both teams an early opportunity to establish position in Big Ten play while renewing one of the conference’s longstanding trophy traditions.
