Buckeyes Battle Nittany Lions in Columbus Showdown Monday Night

Buckeyes Battle Nittany Lions in Columbus Showdown Monday Night

On January 26, 2026, the Ohio State Buckeyes will face off against the Penn State Nittany Lions in a highly anticipated match in Columbus. The game is set to take place at the Schottenstein Center, starting at 7 p.m. and will be broadcasted on FS1. Fans can also tune in via the Ohio State Radio Network, featuring Paul Keels and former player Ron Stokes.

Ohio State vs. Penn State: Series History

Historically, Ohio State leads the rivalry against Penn State, with a record of 42 wins to 21 losses. Notably, the Buckeyes have a dominant home record of 16-2 at the Schottenstein Center. Between 2004 and 2013, Ohio State enjoyed an impressive 18-game winning streak over the Nittany Lions. However, in recent years, the competition has tightened, with the teams splitting the last six meetings. In their last matchup, Ohio State secured an 83-64 victory at Rec Hall on January 30, 2025.

Player Highlights

Key players to watch include John Mobley Jr., who scored 19 points and provided eight assists in the previous meeting. Bruce Thornton is a significant contributor, having tied his career-high by making five three-pointers and scoring 17 points. Thornton is also just 10 points away from breaking into the top six of Ohio State’s all-time scoring list, with a career total of 1,869 points.

Current Team Status

The Buckeyes are looking to recover from a recent 74-62 defeat against No. 3 Michigan. Mobley Jr. showcased his skills in that game, leading the scoring with 22 points. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions are searching for their first victory in the Big Ten, currently sitting at 9-10 overall. They will enter the game after losing all eight of their conference games, including a significant 98-71 defeat against Wisconsin.

Game Day Information

  • Date: January 26, 2026
  • Time: 7 p.m.
  • Venue: Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
  • TV: FS1
  • Radio: Ohio State Radio Network from Learfield

Fans seeking to attend can purchase season tickets, group packages, or single-game tickets via the Ohio State Athletics Ticket Office or online at OhioStateBuckeyes.com.

This matchup promises to be an exciting showdown as both teams strive for a pivotal win in conference play. Ohio State aims to reassert its dominance over Penn State, while the Nittany Lions look to turn their season around.