Ohio Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Ban Noon OSU Football Games vs Top-10 Teams

Ohio State Republican Representative Tex Fischer has introduced a bill that would ban Ohio State football games from starting before 3:30 p.m. when both teams are ranked in the top 10, with an exception for the traditional noon kickoff against Michigan. The legislation aims to enhance the game day atmosphere by preserving tailgating and fan engagement, responding to widespread frustration among fans over frequent noon starts, especially on Fox's Big Noon Kickoff broadcasts. Violations of the bill would result in a $10 million fine imposed on the hosting team's athletic conference or the broadcasting network responsible for scheduling. The bill also prohibits Ohio state universities from entering contracts requiring noon kickoffs that violate this rule. While Fox Sports defends noon games by citing higher viewership and exposure benefits, the bill reflects efforts to prioritize fan experience over broadcast ratings. Additionally, separate legislation is being proposed to restrict exclusive streaming contracts for Ohio State games, though that is not part of Fischer's bill.