Ohio Bill Seeks Later Kickoffs for OSU Football

Ohio Representative Tex Fischer has introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting Ohio State football games against Top 10 opponents from beginning before 3:30 p.m., with an exception for the traditional noon rivalry game against Michigan. The legislation would impose a $10 million fine on broadcasters or conferences that violate this rule. This response comes after fan frustration over frequent noon kickoffs driven by Fox's Big Noon Kickoff, which some argue diminishes game-day atmosphere and local economic impact despite high TV ratings. The bill seeks to preserve the fan experience and boost recruit appeal by encouraging later kickoff times. While similar measures have failed previously, Fischer's proposal underscores the ongoing conflict between maximizing television viewership and maintaining traditional college football experiences. The bill's scope is limited to Ohio State games and does not apply broadly to all Ohio state universities.