Ohio State Buckeyes consider becoming college football independent
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 29, 2026, 2:11 AM
Last updated Oct 29, 2026
The Ohio State Buckeyes, historically part of the Big Ten Conference since 1913, may explore independence in college football. Speculation from Stewart Mandel of The Athletic suggests that independence could be financially beneficial as conference affiliations lose importance. With the impending expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, the current conference structure may not provide the same advantages. Mandel argues that if elite programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Alabama opt for independence, they could craft competitive schedules while securing lucrative broadcasting deals. No formal decisions have been made regarding this shift.
- •Ohio State has been in the Big Ten Conference since 1913.
- •Stewart Mandel suggests independence could enhance financial opportunities.
- •College Football Playoff expansion may lessen the importance of conference titles.
- •Mandel outlines a potential independent schedule for Ohio State.
- •No official announcement about changing conference status has been made.
- 2:11 AMYahoo Sports — Ohio State Buckeyes Might Become College Football Independent
"The Ohio State Buckeyes first played college football as a member of the Big Ten Conference in the year 1913 — so long ago that it was then known as the Western Conference — an ironic name given the expanse of the league now. The current direction of college football, though, may soon send the […] The post Ohio State Buckeyes Might Become College Football Independent appeared first on HEAVY.
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