Ohio State Hosts Maryland for Homecoming on October 10, 2026

Ohio State returns to Columbus for its 114th Homecoming celebration on Saturday, October 10, 2026, hosting Maryland at Ohio Stadium in a Big Ten matchup scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET. The Buckeyes enter the game with a 4-1 overall record and a 2-0 conference mark, while the Terrapins arrive at 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play.

According to Sports Illustrated's On SI coverage, Ohio State aims to extend its conference winning streak and build momentum before a challenging stretch of games. The contest will air on the Big Ten Network and marks the Buckeyes' first home appearance in two weeks.

Ohio State has dominated this matchup since Maryland joined the Big Ten, winning all nine previous meetings, according to the published game preview. The Buckeyes defeated the Terrapins 37-17 in their 2023 meeting.

Ohio State has also responded positively to its September 12 loss to Texas, recording three consecutive double-digit victories. Its latest win was a 17-point decision against Iowa in a matchup featuring two top-15 teams, according to Sports Illustrated's analysis.

Maryland, meanwhile, has lost three straight games after opening the season with two victories. The Terrapins surrendered a combined 76 points in losses to UCLA and Nebraska, while their defense has struggled to contain opposing rushing attacks against major-conference opponents.

Sports Illustrated contributors offered three predictions for the Homecoming game. Zain Bando projected a 45-3 Ohio State victory, Chip Minnich predicted a 42-7 result, and Dylan Buganski forecast a 52-10 win for the Buckeyes.

Buganski highlighted Ohio State's potential to emphasize its running game against a Maryland defense that has allowed nearly 180 rushing yards per game against Power Five opponents. Senior Ja’Kobi Jackson and sophomore Bo Jackson are among the players to watch as the Buckeyes continue adjusting their rushing workload during conference play.

Quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith also represent key offensive options for Ohio State. The game offers an opportunity for the Buckeyes to continue developing their offensive balance before facing stronger opposition later in the season.

Maryland quarterback Malik Washington could provide the Terrapins with opportunities to challenge the home team, although the published predictions favor Ohio State by substantial margins. Maryland coach Mike Locksley faces additional pressure as his team attempts to reverse its losing streak.

Ohio State's upcoming schedule includes a road game against defending national champion Indiana on October 17, followed by additional tests against prominent conference opponents, including USC and Oregon. The Buckeyes also have scheduled matchups with Northwestern, Nebraska and Michigan later in the regular season.

In separate commentary published by Yahoo Sports, the writer argued that Ohio State could use the Maryland game to distribute playing time more widely, protect players dealing with injuries and give younger athletes meaningful experience before the tougher games ahead.

That commentary identified Brandon Inniss, Christian Alliegro, Phillip Daniels and Khary Wilder as doubtful in the information available Friday night. It suggested that the coaching staff consider their health carefully while providing additional opportunities to less-experienced players.

Potential opportunities include increased playing time for young receivers and defensive players, as well as expanded roles for emerging contributors such as Legend Bey, Kyle Parker, TJ. Alford, Brock Boyd, Simeon Caldwell, Riley Pettijohn and Epi Sitanilei. The commentary also identified Cincere Johnson, Blaine Bradford, Jerquaden Guilford and Jordan Thomas as possible candidates for more substantial action.

The Yahoo Sports piece additionally proposed experimenting with creative offensive formations, misdirection and defensive pressure packages. Such approaches could give Ohio State additional experience with different tactical options while its starters prepare for the remainder of the Big Ten schedule.

Ohio State enters the Maryland game under head coach Ryan Day, whose record with the Buckeyes stands at 86-13, including an 8-6 mark in postseason bowl games and College Football Playoff appearances, according to Sports Illustrated. The Homecoming matchup precedes the team's October 17 trip to Indiana.