It’s the ultimate in-state showdown this Saturday as the Ohio University Bobcats head to Columbus to face the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes under the lights at Ohio Stadium.
Call it the battle for bragging rights, the clash of scarlet and gray versus green and white, or just the most Ohio game imaginable.
A Rivalry of Proximity, Not History
On paper, this isn’t exactly a fair fight. The Buckeyes haven’t lost to another team from Ohio in 104 years, and they’ve handled OU comfortably in each of their three matchups since 1999. But that doesn’t mean this weekend will lack drama.
Ohio University is riding high after a nail-biting 17–10 win over West Virginia in front of a record-setting crowd in Athens. Their defense looked sharp, their offense found sparks when needed, and the energy from Bobcat Nation is carrying right into Columbus.
Bobcats Bring the Party
OU might be the underdog, but their fans are showing up big. Central Ohio has one of the largest Bobcat alumni networks in the country, and if you’re tailgating near the Horseshoe this weekend, expect plenty of green mixed in with the scarlet.
Katie Arnold, president of the Central Ohio Bobcat Network, told NBC4 that the group is fired up. “We’re just coming off this huge sellout game where we beat West Virginia. I’m so excited to see what we can bring to the Horseshoe against those Buckeyes.”
The festivities start early. On Friday night, Bobcats will gather for a block party fundraiser at Combustion in Pickerington. Then Saturday brings the sold-out Bobcat Bash, OU’s official tailgate, plus plenty of alumni meetups and watch parties around Columbus for those without tickets.
What to Expect on the Field
Ohio State comes in as the obvious, heavy favorites, fresh off their 2025 national championship and another No. 1 ranking (not to mention a glorious victory over Texas). History says this one won’t be close. But the Bobcats’ stingy defense could make things interesting, and after last week’s upset win, OU isn’t lacking in confidence.
Regardless of the score, Saturday will be an all-Ohio party and a reminder that the state’s love of college football runs deeper than the scarlet and gray.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Ohio Stadium and the game is available to stream on Peacock.
Featured image via Wikimedia Commons.
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