In a notable shift to its future football schedule, Ohio State University has announced a change in its 2029 season opener. The Buckeyes will now kick off that campaign against the United States Naval Academy, replacing a previously scheduled matchup with Nevada. The university made the announcement on June 4, noting that the change helps solidify its nonconference schedule through the 2029 season.
Ohio State will host Navy on September 1, 2029, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. This marks the first meeting between the two programs since 2014, when the Buckeyes began their national championship-winning season with a 34-17 victory over the Midshipmen in Baltimore. Historically, Ohio State has dominated the head-to-head series, winning all five prior meetings.
The decision to move the Nevada game to the 2030 season gives the Buckeyes a fresh yet challenging nonconference opponent in Navy, a team known for its unique triple-option offense and disciplined play. The 2029 game will also mark the first time Navy visits the Horseshoe, adding historical significance to the matchup.
Following the season opener against Navy, the Buckeyes will continue their nonconference slate by hosting Charlotte on September 8 and Youngstown State on September 15. The game against Charlotte, scheduled two years ago, provides Ohio State with another opportunity to test its depth against a rising Group of Five program. Meanwhile, the matchup with Youngstown State brings back a familiar in-state foe. The Penguins, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team, most recently played at Ohio Stadium in 2023.
These changes complete Ohio State’s nonconference schedule through the 2029 season. The only opening in the future nonconference schedule exists in 2030, where the Buckeyes have yet to fill their season opener on August 31. That year, Ohio State is already slated to host Nevada on September 7 and travel to face Georgia on September 14 in the first leg of a marquee home-and-home series. Georgia will return the favor by visiting Columbus in 2031, with that game scheduled for August 30.
Looking at the broader scope of Ohio State’s upcoming nonconference schedules, the Buckeyes have lined up a compelling mix of Power Five matchups, traditional regional contests, and games against Group of Five and FCS opponents.
In 2026, Ohio State will face Ball State on September 5, travel to Texas on September 12, and return home to host Kent State on September 19. The 2027 schedule includes Bowling Green (Sept. 4), New Hampshire (Sept. 11), and a high-profile home game against Alabama on September 18.
The 2028 campaign features Buffalo on September 2, a road trip to Alabama on September 9 to complete the home-and-home series, and a game against Northern Illinois on September 16.
These schedules reflect Ohio State’s consistent strategy of mixing elite-level competition with regional opponents, maintaining tradition while also building a résumé worthy of College Football Playoff consideration. The addition of Navy in 2029 is emblematic of that balance—offering historical significance, competitive intrigue, and a nod to the program’s past and future aspirations.
With nearly every nonconference slot filled for the remainder of the decade, Ohio State continues to prepare strategically for seasons to come, ensuring that each fall begins with a compelling start and a strong foundation for national contention.