Breaking: Ohio State Prioritizes Prime-Time Spotlight—AD Ross Bjork Asserts “Buckeyes Belong Under the Lights” in Upcoming Season

In a bold and fan-favorite move, Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork has officially confirmed the Buckeyes’ return to the national spotlight with a fresh emphasis on night games in the upcoming college football season. Buckeye Nation, long hungry for more prime-time exposure, can now look forward to a schedule packed with evening kickoffs, signaling a strategic shift aimed at elevating both visibility and atmosphere.

Speaking during a press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Monday, Bjork addressed the significance of night games in the current college football landscape and outlined his intent to secure multiple high-profile evening matchups for the 2025 season. “The Ohio State Buckeyes are a brand that deserves the biggest stage,” Bjork declared. “That means prime-time games. That means the best opponents. And most importantly, that means giving our fans a chance to light up the Horseshoe under the lights.”

The decision marks a clear departure from the more conservative scheduling patterns of recent years, which saw Ohio State play many of its most critical games under early afternoon kickoffs. Bjork—who arrived at OSU in 2024 after a tenure at Texas A&M—emphasized that this pivot is not merely about TV ratings. It’s also about showcasing Ohio State’s elite talent to national audiences and making a statement in the increasingly competitive world of college football recruiting.

You don’t just play at Ohio State—you perform on a stage that reaches millions,” Bjork said. “Night games give us that spotlight. They’re electric, they help recruiting, and they build the kind of memories our players and fans never forget.”

This philosophy aligns with Bjork’s broader strategy to elevate the program’s brand identity. By positioning Ohio State as a regular prime-time contender, he aims to create an atmosphere akin to SEC Saturdays—where night games have become synonymous with spectacle and prestige.

The Horseshoe, already one of the most iconic stadiums in the nation, takes on a whole new energy when games are played under the lights. Fans have often spoken of the palpable difference in atmosphere during night games. The lights, the noise, and the tension combine to turn Columbus into the epicenter of college football.

Every time we’ve had a major night game here—whether it’s Penn State, Michigan, or a national contender—it’s felt like a championship event,” said head coach Ryan Day. “Our guys love it. The recruits love it. The fans thrive on it. There’s nothing like a Buckeye night game.”

In previous seasons, marquee games such as the Whiteout at Penn State or the Saturday night showdowns at LSU or Alabama have drawn enormous ratings and raucous crowds. Ohio State, a perennial top-5 team, is now joining the effort to fully capitalize on the power of prime time.

This renewed night-game push also fits neatly into the evolving media landscape of the Big Ten Conference. With media giants like NBC, CBS, and FOX now vying for premier time slots following the conference’s historic billion-dollar TV deal, the Buckeyes are a natural headliner.

Networks want Ohio State in the spotlight—plain and simple. Bjork acknowledged that the school’s leadership has already been in talks with Big Ten scheduling officials and broadcast partners to ensure the team receives more premium slots in 2025.

We’re working hand-in-hand with our media partners and the Big Ten office to ensure Ohio State gets the stage it deserves,” Bjork said. “We’ve heard from fans, players, and alumni, and we’re responding. Expect more night games. Expect big-time matchups.”

While the full 2025 football schedule has yet to be finalized, early reports suggest that at least three to four of Ohio State’s home games are being slated for 7:00 PM or later starts. Potential high-profile matchups under the lights include

Even road contests are being evaluated for night-game potential, especially with newer Big Ten members like USC and Washington bringing Pacific Time Zone flexibility to the conference schedule.

Unsurprisingly, fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up with praise for Bjork’s forward-thinking approach. “It’s about time!” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Ohio State deserves to be on the biggest stage every single week. Let the lights shine!”

Student groups, alumni, and fan organizations have also applauded the announcement. The “Block O” student section is already preparing for themed blackout nights, and season ticket demand is expected to surge once the finalized schedule is released.

Bjork’s announcement isn’t just a scheduling tweak—it’s a statement of intent. Ohio State is not content to simply be one of the best; it wants to look like the best every single week. That means energy. That means TV exposure. That means the roar of 105,000 fans under the lights, ringing across the college football world.