Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork is making a clear and resounding statement to the Big Ten and its media partners: the Buckeyes need more home night games. With the conference’s current massive media rights agreement locked in through the 2029-30 academic year, Bjork is already looking ahead to the next round of negotiations, aiming for a deal flexible enough to allow for more primetime kickoffs at Ohio Stadium. This push isn’t merely about personal preference; it’s a strategic move to enhance the gameday experience, bolster recruiting, and acknowledge Ohio State’s immense value to the Big Ten’s broadcast partners.
The current Big Ten media deal, a groundbreaking seven-year, $7 billion agreement with Fox, CBS, and NBC, was designed to provide an NFL-style schedule on Saturdays. Fox secured the coveted “Big Noon Kickoff” window for its primary game, while CBS took the 3:30 p.m. ET slot, and NBC launched “Big Ten Saturday Night” for primetime action. While this arrangement has brought unprecedented revenue to the conference, it has also led to a significant number of noon kickoffs for Ohio State, much to the chagrin of many Buckeye fans and, increasingly, the athletic department.
Bjork has been unequivocal in his recent comments, stating that Ohio State has “carried the day for Big Noon” in terms of viewership. He acknowledges why Fox frequently selects Ohio State for its noon slot – the Buckeyes consistently deliver massive ratings, especially for high-profile matchups. From a purely business perspective, it’s a logical move for the network. However, this has resulted in a disproportionate number of early kickoffs for Ohio State, limiting the opportunities for the electric atmosphere that only a primetime night game can truly provide in Ohio Stadium.
The desire for more night games isn’t simply aesthetic; it’s rooted in the unique energy and tradition associated with college football under the lights. A night game at Ohio Stadium transforms the entire Columbus experience. The anticipation builds throughout the day, tailgates extend into the evening, and by kickoff, the Horseshoe is a pulsating cauldron of scarlet and gray, with the lights illuminating the field and the roar of over 100,000 fans creating an almost tangible force. This atmosphere is not just thrilling for fans; it’s a powerful recruiting tool, showcasing the pinnacle of college football gameday to prospective student-athletes. Bjork himself recognizes this, emphasizing that enhancing the gameday atmosphere is a top priority, and “having more big-time night games would go a long way in that regard.”
Ohio State’s history with night games, while not as extensive as some other programs due to historical scheduling preferences, has consistently shown their immense appeal. Iconic matchups against rivals like Penn State and marquee non-conference opponents have delivered unforgettable moments under the lights, becoming etched in the lore of Buckeye football. These games often generate higher attendance, increased merchandise sales, and a heightened sense of occasion that transcends a typical Saturday afternoon contest.
The challenge for Bjork and the Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti lies in the rigidity of the current contracts. As Bjork himself noted, “those contracts are rigid and they’re locked in for several years” until 2029-30. This means that while conversations are ongoing, immediate change is unlikely. Fox, having invested heavily in the “Big Noon” brand and seeing the consistent returns from Ohio State’s inclusion, will be reluctant to relinquish its leverage. Similarly, NBC has paid a premium for its “Big Ten Saturday Night” window, and it’s unlikely they would willingly cede top-tier matchups.
What Bjork is advocating for is more “flexibility” and “collaboration” in the next media rights agreement. He wants the ability for Ohio State, as one of the undeniable tentpole programs of the Big Ten, to have a greater say in its kickoff times, particularly for marquee home games. This isn’t about eliminating noon games entirely, but about achieving a more balanced schedule that allows for a healthy mix of kickoff times, ensuring that the gameday experience at Ohio Stadium remains fresh, vibrant, and aligned with fan desires.
The ongoing discussions will involve delicate negotiations. The networks hold significant power due to the massive financial investments they’ve made. However, programs like Ohio State, with their immense fan base and consistent viewership numbers, also wield considerable influence. The argument from Ohio State’s perspective is compelling: they are a primary driver of the Big Ten’s media value, and that value is maximized when the gameday experience is at its peak, which often includes night games for the biggest matchups.
Beyond kickoff times, Bjork is also focused on broader gameday improvements within Ohio Stadium. He mentioned plans for a new video board, new LED ribbon boards, and a distributed sound system, all aimed at modernizing the stadium and enhancing the fan experience. These improvements, coupled with more strategically placed night games, would collectively create an even more formidable home-field advantage for the Buckeyes and a more memorable experience for attending fans.
The conversation around night games also touches on the delicate balance between fan experience and broadcast revenue. While fans crave the primetime atmosphere, noon games often avoid direct competition with major SEC matchups and other primetime events, potentially maximizing unique viewership for Fox. The networks analyze viewership data meticulously, and their scheduling decisions are driven by algorithms designed to maximize ratings and advertising revenue. Bjork’s challenge is to convince them that the added value of a night game atmosphere at Ohio State, especially for a marquee opponent, outweighs the perceived advantages of a noon slot.
Ultimately, Ross Bjork’s public stance on more night games for Ohio State is a strategic long play. He’s signaling the Buckeyes’ priorities well in advance of the next media rights negotiation cycle. By openly expressing the desire for more flexibility, he’s building a narrative that will inevitably shape future discussions. The Ohio State brand is arguably the most powerful in the Big Ten, and its athletic director is making it clear that their immense contribution to the conference’s media value should be reciprocated with a scheduling framework that optimizes both broadcast reach and the unparalleled gameday experience at the Horseshoe. The fight for primetime at Ohio Stadium is far from over.
