Ohio State Football Announces Noon Kickoff for Nov. 22 Game vs. Rutgers
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The stage is set for a major Big Ten matchup, as the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday, November 22, at Ohio Stadium. On Monday the conference confirmed that the kickoff will take place at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with the game to be televised on FOX. Eleven Warriors+2247Sports+2
The announcement caps weeks of speculation over the exact time and television window. At one point, the Big Ten had indicated the kickoff could be one of three slots — noon, 3:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. — as part of the network scheduling process. Buckeye Sports+1 But with the game now locked into the high-profile noon slot, the Buckeyes’ regular-season home finale is officially part of FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” package. 247Sports
Why the Noon Slot Matters
For Ohio State, a noon kickoff has become something of a staple for marquee home games. The early time slot offers national exposure, positioning the game in a flagship broadcast window rather than a later evening time. It also accommodates travel fans, television audiences, and the growing emphasis on midday scheduling in major conferences. Wikipedia
For Rutgers, this represents a significant moment. The Scarlet Knights will travel to Ohio Stadium seeking their first ever victory over the Buckeyes. Ohio State has won all ten previous meetings in the series since Rutgers joined the Big Ten in 2014 — and they’ve often done so by wide margins. 247Sports+1 The 2023 meeting, a 35-16 Buckeye win in Piscataway, remains the closest the Knights have come. Eleven Warriors+1
Stakes on the Line
Ohio State enters the matchup ranked #1 and undefeated at home. The Buckeyes are aiming to carry momentum into their final regular-season showdown — the marquee rivalry game at Michigan a week later. A strong performance on Nov. 22 would reinforce their playoff credentials and further tighten their grip on the Big Ten’s top slot.
On the other side, Rutgers’ season has been uneven. At 5-5 overall and 2-5 in conference play, the Scarlet Knights are fighting for bowl eligibility and for respect in the Big Ten standings. A win in Columbus would be program-changing. Eleven Warriors+1
The Atmosphere at the ‘Shoe
Ohio Stadium — affectionately known as “The Horseshoe” — will be buzzing. With the noon kickoff confirmed, tailgating traditions will kick in early, and the campus game-day atmosphere will build through the morning hours. For the Buckeyes’ faithful, the timing is ideal: arrive on site, enjoy the pre-game build, and be in position for the kickoff without the late-night drive or post-game rush.
For television viewers, the noon window also means greater nationwide accessibility. FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” franchise has become a tent-pole time slot for college football on Saturdays, and Ohio State’s inclusion reinforces the national spotlight on this matchup. 247Sports
What to Watch
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Ohio State Offense – The Buckeyes’ high-powered attack will showcase their depth, speed and physicality. If Ohio State can dominate early, they’ll be in prime position to control the game from the outset.
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Rutgers’ Resilience – Under head coach Greg Schiano, the Scarlet Knights have shown flashes of toughness. They’ll need a near-perfect performance — both offensively and defensively — to break their decades-long losing streak to Ohio State.
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Implications for Both Teams – For Ohio State, another win keeps momentum heading into the rivalry game at Michigan. For Rutgers, a win would be historic and potentially bowl-saving.
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Television & Exposure – With the national noon slot on FOX, the audience will be vast. The players know this and the network knows it: this is more than a regular Big Ten game — it’s a showcase.
Scheduling and Visibility
By announcing the kickoff time this early, the Big Ten and FOX are giving fans, campuses and broadcasters a full runway to build the event. Travel arrangements, tailgates, team preparations — all benefit from the confirmed noon start time. The earlier slot also allows for a more complete day of football to follow, with other games on later in the afternoon and evening.
Some critics of early kickoffs argue the midday slot diminishes traditional night-game atmosphere or tailgate culture. But for major programs like Ohio State, the trade-off often falls in favor of national visibility and optimal broadcast positioning.
Final Thoughts
When the Buckeyes meet the Scarlet Knights on November 22, they’ll do so under the lights of one of college football’s most iconic stadiums — but at a time when nearly the whole country can watch. The noon kickoff on FOX means no clouds of uncertainty, no late evening commute for fans, and no question about the national scope of the contest.
Whether Ohio State extends its dominance or Rutgers finally rewrites the script will be revealed in real time. One thing is certain: the early start means the game won’t sneak up on anyone. It will be seen, heard, and remembered.
