Mark your calendars, Buckeye fans! While the 2026-27 college basketball season may feel like a distant horizon, we already have a thrilling opening act to anticipate. According to reports, Ohio State will kick off its campaign with a high-profile, cross-country trip to face the BYU Cougars in Salt Lake City.

This marquee matchup is set for Monday, November 2nd, 2026, at the Delta Center, serving as a neutral-site showdown. As part of the agreement, a return game in Columbus is expected in a future season, promising an exciting home-and-home series for fans. It will be just the second-ever meeting between these two programs, with BYU winning their first clash back in 1997.

Both teams are coming off NCAA Tournament appearances in 2024, though each suffered a first-round exit. The game promises a fascinating look at two programs navigating the modern era of college basketball. With the transfer portal and NIL reshaping rosters annually, both the Buckeyes and Cougars will field vastly different squads by the time this tip-off arrives, adding an element of mystery to this early-season test.

For Ohio State, starting a season against a Power 4 opponent like BYU is a bold statement of intent. It's the kind of challenging, resume-building game that excites players and prepares a team for the grueling Big Ten schedule ahead. It’s a perfect early-season litmus test and a must-watch event for any college basketball enthusiast.