Week 3 of the 2026 college football season is here, and already the network scheduling wars are sparking outrage. This time, it's Fox's flagship noon slot that's under fire, with the network choosing Ohio State vs. Kent State as its Big Noon Kickoff showcase. The decision has fans and pundits alike scratching their heads, calling the matchup an "embarrassment" for a premier time slot.
The Buckeyes are reeling from a stunning last-second loss to Texas, a game that saw them blow a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter. That defeat, which marked their first September loss in five years, naturally has fans eager to see how they respond. But the Golden Flashes are hardly the opponent to test that resilience. As of now, Ohio State is favored by a staggering 52.5 points—a spread that suggests this game could be over by halftime, if not sooner.
Zach Barnett of FootballScoop didn't mince words on social media, writing, "It's embarrassing for all involved that Kent State at Ohio State is Fox's Big Noon game this week." Even some Buckeyes fans agree, with one replying, "Ohio State isn't at fault cause they played Texas, but the Big Ten needs to require every team play a P4 team in the non con. And they also need to go to 10 conference games. Us and Indiana shouldn't be allowed to do the BS we've done this year."
The criticism isn't just about the lack of competition—it's about the missed opportunities. Fox had several more appealing options for the noon window. USC-Rutgers, a matchup between two traditional powers, ended up on CBS, while Colorado-Northwestern, featuring Coach Prime's squad, is a night game. But the biggest head-scratcher is Virginia Tech-Maryland, which is buried on FS1 at night. That game is expected to be competitive, and while it might not draw the massive Ohio State audience, it would offer far more drama than a 52-point blowout.
One fan summed up the frustration: "The issue is OSU v Air gets 5M viewers. Colorado with Deion 2 years ago @ Northwestern is a no brainer Big Noon Kickoff game. Instead FOX just runs the football and makes the safe choice." Another added, "Sadly, I can't tell if this was the last or second to last week in the TV contract draft. That said, FOX owns the VT @ Maryland. Why the hell is that not featured?"
This isn't the first time network scheduling has come under scrutiny. Earlier this season, ESPN faced backlash over misleading kickoff times, and now Fox is catching heat for a different reason. The pattern suggests a broader issue with how networks prioritize ratings over competitive balance.
For Ohio State, the game is a chance to bounce back, but it's also a reminder of the painful collapse against Texas. Meanwhile, Coach Prime's Colorado squad is coming off a 52-point win that still left him frustrated, as he noted in his postgame comments. These are the storylines that could have made for a compelling noon showcase, but instead we get a glorified scrimmage.
So, which game should Fox have featured? The answer seems obvious to many: Virginia Tech-Maryland. It's a game with real stakes and real uncertainty, the kind of matchup that makes college football great. Instead, we're left with a prime-time slot that's about as exciting as watching paint dry. Fox had a chance to elevate the product, and they chose the safe, boring route.
