Ohio Lawmakers Aim to Change College Football Game Times
In an unexpected move, members of the Ohio General Assembly have turned their attention to college football scheduling. A new bill, introduced by Rep. Tex Fischer (R), seeks to prohibit Ohio State University and other state colleges from hosting home football games before 3:30 p.m. This measure would affect matchups involving at least one state school and games featuring top-10 teams.
However, the bill includes an exception for games classified as “college football traditions.” Specifically, this exception applies to rivalry games that have been held at a consistent time for a significant duration, such as Ohio State’s storied matchup with Michigan, which traditionally kicks off at noon on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The proposed legislation arises amid growing frustration among Ohio State fans, particularly regarding the Big Ten’s media rights contract with Fox. The network has strategically placed marquee games in the noon ET time slot as part of its “Big Noon Saturday” program, yielding high ratings but prompting dissatisfaction from fans. In 2024, seven of Ohio State’s twelve regular-season matches were scheduled for noon, including key games against Penn State and Indiana.
Critics argue that early start times diminish the gameday experience, limiting tailgating opportunities for fans. This legislation poses a dilemma for Ohio State and other Big Ten programs, which benefit significantly from television revenue generated by Fox’s coverage. The financial implications of moving away from favorable broadcast agreements may complicate matters further.
This bill follows the introduction of another controversial proposal aimed at banning flag-planting at stadiums, sparked by Michigan’s display after their narrow victory over Ohio State in 2024. As College Football Playoff contenders, the Buckeyes have plenty at stake beyond mere scheduling.
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