Ohio Representative’s New Ohio State Bill Will Directly Impact FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated May 15, 2025 11:24 AM ET

Since launching in 2019, Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff has become a ratings powerhouse in the noon ET window, positioning itself as a direct challenger to ESPN/ABC’s 7:30 p.m. primetime slot and CBS’s long-held 3:30 p.m. ET SEC showcase.

While Big Noon Kickoff frequently highlights high-profile matchups, often starring Big Ten or Big 12 programs, its popularity hasn't come without pushback. In Ohio, one state legislator is taking aim at the Buckeyes’ noon starts. Representative Tex Fischer has proposed legislation that would curb early kickoffs for Ohio State.

The bill would prohibit state universities from playing home games before 3:30 p.m., with the exception of the annual rivalry game against Michigan. It would also block noon kickoffs in Ohio when both participating teams rank inside the AP Top 10.

Breaking this proposed law comes with a significant penalty. According to the bill, if the law is violated, a fine of $10 million will be imposed on either the host team's conference or the television network that scheduled the game. Additionally, no state university will be allowed to affiliate with the NCAA, a conference or a network that requires a school to schedule a noon kickoff.

Ohio State has been a prominent presence in the Big Noon Kickoff timeslot due to its popularity and high ratings. According to the Sports Business Journal, the Buckeyes played in six games that started at noon last season.

Their noon game against Michigan drew 12.30 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched college football game of the season. Ohio State played in four of the 10 most-watched games of the season, with three of those starting at noon.

Ohio State faced little competition for the noon timeslot last season. Normally, Michigan would have taken some of the noon slots, but the Wolverines had a disappointing season. The Indiana Hoosiers performed well but were not a major draw for television, according to the Sports Business Journal article. Oregon also had a strong season, but scheduling them for noon ET starts can be challenging since they play on the West Coast.

It remains unclear whether any changes will be made regarding this situation and, if so, when they will take effect. The Buckeyes will open the season on Aug. 30 against the Texas Longhorns at noon on Fox.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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