Watching an Ohio State vs. Northwestern game, whether it's football or basketball, is an exciting experience for any college sports fan! The Big Ten Conference always delivers competitive matchups, and these two teams often provide some thrilling moments. But how exactly do you tune in? Let's break down all the ways you can catch the action, step by step, so you don't miss a single play.
Your Ultimate Guide to Watching Ohio State vs. Northwestern
Step 1: Are you ready to witness some epic Big Ten action?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of channels and streaming services, let's get you pumped! College sports, especially games involving powerhouses like Ohio State and determined teams like Northwestern, are all about the energy, the rivalries, and the sheer unpredictability. So, get your snacks ready, pick out your team colors, and prepare for an exciting game. Now, let's figure out the best way for you to watch!
Step 2: Identify the Game's Broadcast Channel
The first and most crucial step is to determine which network will be broadcasting the specific Ohio State vs. Northwestern game you want to watch. This can vary based on the sport (football, basketball, etc.), the time of year, and the specific game itself.
Sub-heading: The Usual Suspects: Big Ten Networks
For most Ohio State and Northwestern athletic events, especially football and men's basketball, you'll find them on one of these core channels:
Big Ten Network (BTN): This is often the primary destination for Big Ten Conference games. If it's a Big Ten matchup, there's a very high chance it will be on BTN.
FOX: As a major broadcast partner for the Big Ten, FOX frequently airs high-profile games, including some involving Ohio State and Northwestern.
CBS: CBS has also become a significant broadcaster for Big Ten football and basketball, often featuring key matchups in their afternoon slots.
ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU: While less common for direct Big Ten matchups since the new broadcasting rights deals, some non-conference games or early-season contests might still appear on the ESPN family of networks.
Peacock: NBC's streaming service, Peacock, has also secured rights to stream some Big Ten games exclusively.
Sub-heading: How to Find the Specific Channel for Your Game
The best way to confirm the channel is to check reliable sports sources as the game approaches.
Official Team Websites: Both Ohio State Athletics (ohiostatebuckeyes.com) and Northwestern Athletics (nusports.com) will list their schedules with broadcast information.
Major Sports News Websites: ESPN, CBS Sports, FOX Sports, Yahoo Sports, etc., will all have detailed schedules and TV listings for college football and basketball.
Your TV Provider's Guide: Once you know the date and time, check your cable or satellite TV guide a few days before the game.
Step 3: Choose Your Viewing Method: Cable, Satellite, or Streaming
Once you know the channel, you have several options for how to actually watch the game.
Sub-heading: Traditional Cable or Satellite TV
If you have a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription, this is often the most straightforward way.
Check Your Package: Ensure your current TV package includes the channel broadcasting the game (e.g., Big Ten Network, FOX, CBS, ESPN). If not, you might need to upgrade your package temporarily or explore other options.
Tune In: On game day, simply navigate to the correct channel on your television.
Sub-heading: Cutting the Cord: Live TV Streaming Services
For those without traditional cable, live TV streaming services are your best friend. These services offer live access to many popular TV channels over the internet.
FuboTV: Known for its strong sports offerings, FuboTV often includes BTN, FOX, and CBS, making it an excellent choice for Big Ten games. They frequently offer free trials.
Sling TV: Sling TV is a more budget-friendly option. Their "Sling Blue" package typically includes FOX and potentially BTN (depending on add-ons).
YouTube TV: A comprehensive streaming service that offers a wide array of channels, including BTN, FOX, and CBS. They also often provide a free trial.
Hulu + Live TV: Similar to YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV bundles live channels with Hulu's on-demand library, often including the necessary sports channels.
DirecTV Stream: Another robust option that provides a wide range of channels, including those you'll need for Ohio State vs. Northwestern games.
Remember to check the channel lineup of any service before subscribing to ensure it carries the specific network you need. Most offer free trials, so you can test them out before committing.
Sub-heading: Direct Streaming from Network Apps/Websites
If you have a cable or live TV streaming subscription that includes the channel, you might be able to stream directly through the network's app or website.
BTN+ (Big Ten Plus): This is the streaming service for the Big Ten Network. While some games are exclusive to BTN+, many games aired on the linear BTN channel can be streamed here by authenticating with your TV provider credentials.
FOX Sports App/Website: If the game is on FOX, you can usually stream it live through the FOX Sports app or website by logging in with your cable or streaming service provider.
Paramount+ (for CBS games): If the game is on CBS, you can often stream it live on Paramount+ (with the Showtime plan or the basic plan that includes live CBS).
ESPN App/ESPN.com: For games on ESPN networks, the ESPN app and ESPN.com allow live streaming with a valid TV provider login.
Peacock: As mentioned, some Big Ten games might be exclusively on Peacock. You'll need a Peacock Premium subscription for these.
Step 4: Consider VPNs for Geographic Restrictions (If Necessary)
Sometimes, despite having the right subscriptions, you might encounter geographic blackouts – meaning the game isn't available in your specific area due to broadcasting rights. In such cases, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a useful tool.
How a VPN Works: A VPN allows you to connect to servers in different locations, effectively masking your actual location. This can make it appear as if you're streaming from a region where the game is available.
Choosing a VPN: Reputable VPN services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark are popular choices for streaming. Look for services with fast speeds and a wide range of server locations.
Steps to Use a VPN:
Subscribe to a reliable VPN service.
Download and install the VPN app on your device (computer, phone, smart TV).
Connect to a server in a different state or region where the game is not blacked out.
Open your streaming app/website and try to access the game.
Be aware that using a VPN might violate the terms of service for some streaming providers, so proceed with caution.
Step 5: Audio-Only Options (When Visuals Aren't Possible)
If you're on the go or prefer to listen, there are excellent radio options:
Local Radio Affiliates: Both Ohio State and Northwestern have extensive radio networks. For Ohio State, their games are typically broadcast on 97.1 FM (WBNS-FM) in Columbus and other affiliates across Ohio. Northwestern also has its own radio network.
Team Apps/Websites: Often, the official team apps or websites will offer a live audio stream of the game for free or as part of a subscription.
SiriusXM: College football and basketball games are often broadcast on SiriusXM radio, allowing you to listen from almost anywhere.
Step 6: Enjoy the Game!
Once you've navigated the options and successfully found your stream or channel, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the thrilling competition between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Northwestern Wildcats! Cheer loudly (or quietly, if you're in a public place!), follow every play, and experience the excitement of college sports.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to watch Ohio State vs Northwestern football games?
Ohio State vs. Northwestern football games are most frequently broadcast on the Big Ten Network (BTN), FOX, or CBS. You can watch them via traditional cable/satellite, or live TV streaming services like FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. Some games may also be exclusively on Peacock.
How to stream Ohio State vs Northwestern basketball games?
Similar to football, Ohio State vs. Northwestern basketball games are typically streamed on the Big Ten Network (BTN), FOX Sports App, or Paramount+ (for CBS games). Live TV streaming services that carry these channels are your best bet.
How to find the exact channel for an upcoming Ohio State vs Northwestern game?
Always check the official athletic websites for both Ohio State Buckeyes and Northwestern Wildcats, or reputable sports news sites like ESPN, CBS Sports, or FOX Sports for the specific game's broadcast details as the game approaches.
How to watch Ohio State vs Northwestern without cable?
You can watch without cable by subscribing to live TV streaming services such as FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. Ensure the service includes the Big Ten Network, FOX, and CBS.
How to use a VPN to watch Ohio State vs Northwestern?
Subscribe to a VPN service (like NordVPN), connect to a server in a non-blacked-out region, then access your streaming service or network app as usual. Be aware of terms of service.
How to listen to Ohio State vs Northwestern on the radio?
Tune into the flagship radio stations for each team (e.g., 97.1 FM for Ohio State in Columbus) or find local radio affiliates. SiriusXM often carries college sports broadcasts as well.
How to watch past Ohio State vs Northwestern games?
You might find replays on the Big Ten Network (BTN), BTN+, or on demand through the streaming services that aired the original broadcast (e.g., FOX Sports app, Paramount+). YouTube often has highlights or full game repl posted by fans or official channels.
How to know if an Ohio State vs Northwestern game is on Peacock?
Always check the official game schedule from Ohio State or Northwestern athletics, or major sports news outlets. If a game is a "Peacock Exclusive," it will be clearly noted in the broadcast information.
How to get a free trial to watch Ohio State vs Northwestern?
Many live TV streaming services like FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV offer free trials for new subscribers. You can sign up for a trial, watch the game, and then cancel before the trial period ends if you don't wish to continue the subscription.
How to watch Ohio State vs Northwestern if I'm outside the US?
If you're outside the US, your best option is likely a live TV streaming service that carries the necessary channels, combined with a VPN to access US-based servers and overcome geo-restrictions. BTN+ may also have international streaming rights for certain games.
