#2 Ohio State vs. Akron FREE STREAM: How to watch today

COLUMBUS, Ohio – No. 2 Ohio State opens up their college football season with a matchup against the Akron Zips today – Saturday, Aug. 31 – at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. This game is available on multiple streaming services for free.

This game will broadcast live on CBS at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Fans without cable can catch the game at no cost via FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both offer free trials. Another option is SlingTV, which has promotional offers for new customers.

Want to see the Buckeyes live? Buy tickets for this game or every Ohio State football game this season.

This game will also stream on Paramount Plus, which offers a free trial. If you want to stick with it, the service offers the essential package for $5.99 a month and the premium package for $11.99 a month.

The Buckeyes are coming off a familiar scene of a powerful campaign that fell short of stratospheric expectations. Eleven wins is not good enough in scarlet and gray country. Ohio State suffered a third straight loss to Michigan and looked hamstrung against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.

They turn the page once again after an offseason unlike any other with massive changes, a roster overhaul and monstrous additions in the Big Ten.

The most intriguing piece is the addition of newly-minted starter Will Howard. The former Kansas State Wildcat is coming off a career-year and ready to etch his name in OSU quarterback lore. That journey begins today.

After the shocking decision by running backs coach Tony Alford to leave OSU for rival Michigan, the running back room was also bolstered after former back Dallan Hayden left for Colorado. Already with bruiser TreVeyon Henderson in tow, Ryan Day grabbed former Ole Miss stud Quinshon Judkins, giving OSU arguably the best 1-2 backfield punch in college football.

In 2023, Judkins compiled 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns while Henderson hammered out 926 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The receivers are reloaded with sensational freshman Jeremiah Smith expected to grab the nation’s attention early. Emeka Egbuka also figures to turn some heads. Keep an eye on Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss, who will get plenty of run in a game like this.

It will be the first look at offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s offense. Will it be pass heavy, run heavy, or the perfect blend of firepower?

With nine returning starters from a group that was second in points allowed (11.23) and third in yards allowed per game, the defense looks nastier than ever in Jim Knowles’ third year. The group is spearheaded by the menacing line presence of J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. Don’t forget about former Alabama All-American safety transfer Caleb Downs. The group is simply saturated with talent at every angle.

The Buckeyes have won 24 consecutive season-openers. It’s only the 10th time the teams have played each other. The Zips do have one win over Ohio State to their credit. You’ll have to trek back to 1894.

Watch Ohio State vs. Akron on FuboTV for free

The Zips are coming off a disastrous 2-10 showing from last year. The defense allowed 28 points per game and were 123rd in turnovers forced (11).

Akron lost their top rusher and top two wide receivers. Quarterback Ben Finley, A Cal transfer, has Zips fans expecting brighter days ahead, though they might not be this week.

Running back Charles Kellom and receiver Adrian Norton are the biggest threats on offense while Antavious Fish and Bryan McCoy headline the defense. The duo combined for 189 tackles last season. CJ Nunnally IV is also back after racking up seven sacks and one forced fumble in 2023.

Watch Ohio State vs. Akron for free on DirecTV Stream

Who is announcing Ohio State vs. Akron?

Brad Nessler (play-by-play) and Gary Danielson (analyst) will be the announcers while Jenny Dell reports from the sidelines.

What is Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus is a subscription video on-demand streaming service. It includes programs from CBS, BET an, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV and others. You can watch Buckeyes games on CBS for free on Paramount Plus, which offers a free trial for first-time subscribers. After the free trial is up, the streaming service offers the essential package for $5.99 a month and the premium package for $11.99 a month.

What are the latest odds for Ohio State vs. Akron?

Spread: OSU: (-48.5), UA: (+48.5)

Moneyline: N/A

Point total: 57

Odds from DraftKings

Here’s more information on how to watch this game on TV and streaming services.

What: College football: Ohio State vs. Akron

When: Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024

Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern

Where: Ohio Stadium | Columbus, Ohio

Channel: CBS

Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV (half off first month), Paramount Plus

Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon Fios