In an unexpected turn of events, an Ohio politician has introduced a proposal that has sparked both intrigue and debate among college football fans, particularly those who follow Ohio State University (OSU) and the Buckeyes. Representative Tex Fischer, who serves the 58th district in Ohio (Boardman), has proposed a bill that would have a significant impact on the scheduling of Ohio State’s football games, especially those involving high-profile matchups.
The Proposed Legislation
Fischer’s proposal focuses on limiting the timing of games for Ohio State University and other state universities if both teams are ranked in the top 10 of the Associated Press (AP) Poll. Specifically, the bill would prevent any Ohio state university from participating in a game scheduled before 3:30 PM ET, should both teams be ranked in the top 10. This move, as Fischer states, is designed to ensure that such high-profile matchups occur at times that maximize viewership and fan engagement, while also giving the teams adequate time to prepare and recuperate before facing off.
However, there is one notable exception to this rule: when Ohio State faces off against Michigan. These games, which are some of the most storied and heated rivalries in all of college sports, would still be allowed to take place in the earlier timeslot, regardless of whether both teams are ranked in the top 10. Fischer’s proposal acknowledges the unique importance of the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry and provides flexibility for this specific matchup.
Another major component of the proposed legislation is the penalty for violating the rule. If a game involving an Ohio state university is scheduled before 3:30 PM ET, either the conference or the television network responsible for the scheduling would be subjected to a $10 million fine. This hefty fine aims to deter early kickoffs for high-stakes games and underscores the seriousness of Fischer’s bill.
Why This Legislation is Coming Forward
This proposal comes at a time when the Ohio State Buckeyes have become a frequent fixture in the noon ET slot on FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” program. Since 2019, when FOX introduced this new tradition of featuring high-profile college football games at noon ET, Ohio State has been scheduled in these early kickoffs multiple times each season. The Buckeyes played six games during the 2024 season that kicked off at noon ET, despite the fact that some of these matchups included top-tier teams.
Fischer’s concern is that these early games disrupt both the players and the fans. He believes that the timing doesn’t do justice to the caliber of teams involved, often placing them at a disadvantage due to early starts that can clash with the natural rhythm of the game and preparation time. Moreover, the early start times might also reduce fan participation, as many supporters are less likely to tune in for a game that kicks off at noon, especially on weekends when tailgating and other traditions are part of the experience.
By pushing for these games to be played later in the day, Fischer hopes to see more prime-time opportunities for the Ohio State Buckeyes, which could increase viewership and create a more substantial atmosphere for both players and fans. Late afternoon and evening games tend to generate higher TV ratings, so it’s easy to understand why the timing of these games is so important to the success of a program like Ohio State.
The Reactions from Fans
Naturally, Fischer’s proposal has sparked a wide range of reactions from fans of Ohio State, college football enthusiasts, and sports media personalities alike. The idea of limiting early kickoffs has prompted discussions around the country, with many Buckeyes supporters praising the bill as a means of enhancing their game-day experience. Some fans argue that the 3:30 PM start time gives both teams more time to prepare and would lead to a better game atmosphere, particularly for home games at Ohio Stadium, where tailgating and other traditions thrive in the late afternoon and evening.
On the flip side, not everyone is sold on the proposal. Many college football fans enjoy the early start times, particularly the noon ET games, which allow for a full day of football action. Some believe that early games help to build anticipation for the day’s slate of matchups and that having an Ohio State game in the noon slot creates excitement that carries over into the rest of the day. These fans also argue that the early start times help accommodate the broader television schedule, which features several important games across different conferences throughout the afternoon and evening.
There is also the consideration of logistics and scheduling for conferences and networks. With the rise of the Big Ten Network and the dominance of FOX, there is a push to accommodate TV networks’ prime programming needs, which sometimes involves placing teams in less-than-ideal time slots. A bill that imposes a $10 million fine on networks for scheduling early kickoffs could have unintended consequences, such as forcing a shift in the overall landscape of college football broadcasting, with some fearing it could even impact the way networks approach other high-profile matchups.
The Future of the Bill
As the bill makes its way through Ohio’s legislative process, it remains to be seen whether it will gain traction or if it will eventually fade away. The Ohio State Buckeyes’ involvement in early kickoffs has drawn attention, and Representative Fischer’s proposal certainly adds another layer of conversation to the ongoing debate over college football scheduling. Fans are likely to continue weighing in on this proposal, with some praising it for supporting the traditional college football experience, while others may be reluctant to see such drastic changes to a system that has already become well-established in the sport.
Whether this bill will be passed into law remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: it has ignited a conversation about the scheduling of college football games and the importance of timing when it comes to high-profile matchups. For Ohio State fans, it’s certainly an issue worth watching in the months ahead.