A newly proposed bill by Ohio State Senator Bill DeMora has sparked intense debate across the college football world. The legislation seeks to prevent the Ohio State Buckeyes football team from being scheduled for noon kickoff games against select high-profile opponents — a move that has been met with both praise and criticism from fans, media networks, and university officials.
The proposal comes after growing frustration among Buckeye fans and alumni over what many see as an excessive number of early start times, particularly for marquee matchups. In the 2024 season, Ohio State was scheduled for six consecutive noon games to end the regular season, including critical contests against Penn State and Michigan State. These games often aired on Fox’s flagship “Big Noon Saturday” broadcast, a slot that has become closely associated with the Buckeyes in recent years.
Senator DeMora argues that the frequency of noon games diminishes the traditional game-day experience for fans, places recruiting efforts at a disadvantage, and disrupts the competitive balance by limiting Ohio State’s exposure during primetime hours.
“Our fans deserve better,” DeMora said in a public statement. “Night games offer a more electric atmosphere, better national exposure, and more flexibility for families and alumni traveling to the stadium. Noon games against top-tier opponents are not in the best interest of the program or its supporters.”
Supporters of the bill point to other powerhouse programs, such as Alabama and Georgia, which typically receive more evening game slots and higher-profile television treatment. They believe Ohio State is being overused in the noon time slot due to its ability to consistently draw massive television audiences, sacrificing fan experience for ratings.
However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from some, who view it as government overreach. Critics argue that game times should be determined by television contracts and university discretion — not by state legislation. Media executives have also expressed concern that the bill, if passed, could interfere with existing agreements between Ohio State and broadcast partners like Fox Sports and ESPN.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day weighed in cautiously, noting that while the team will play at any time they’re scheduled, he understands the fan frustration.
“We’ll always be ready to go, no matter when the kickoff is,” Day said. “But I do recognize that game time can affect the atmosphere in the stadium and the way people experience Buckeye football.”
For now, the bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process. If it moves forward, it could set a major precedent not just in Ohio, but across the NCAA, potentially prompting other states to consider similar actions for their major programs.
Whether it becomes law or not, one thing is clear — the conversation around Ohio State football and its place in national broadcast schedules is far from over. As fans await the outcome, the debate continues: should game times serve networks, or the traditions and experiences that make college football special?
