Ohio State to Install New Turf Field for 2026 CFB Season, Ryan Day Calls It 'Welcomed Upgrade'

Ohio State will be playing on brand-new field turf during the 2026 college football season.

The Buckeyes announced the upcoming installation of new turf at Ohio Stadium Friday alongside a first look at the team's new uniforms.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day described the new turf in a statement as "a welcomed upgrade to Ohio Stadium to maintain the safety and performance of our players on gamedays."

Ohio Stadium first installed artificial turf in 1970. The Buckeyes had played since 2022 on Shaw Sports' Turf Momentum Pro.

The new turf, installed by field construction company The Motz Group, is from a different series but also designed by Shaw Sports.

This edition is part of the Forge Series and designed to meet NFL synthetic turf requirements, according to Shaw Sports.

This turf features markings including numbers, hash marks and yard lines built directly into the turf rather than cut and glued or sewn in separately. Separate installation of these markings can cause vulnerable points in the turf, the company noted.

The Buckeyes said the new turf will be in place in time for the start of the 2026 football season.

Ohio State is kicking off next season by hosting Ball State at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5.

That matchup will feature a new look for the home team, whose players will be wearing the "Buckeye Stripe" on both home and away jerseys next season.

The Buckeyes are also adding a black alternate uniform to their wardrobes for 2026.

After winning a national championship in 2024 and making it to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals in 2025, Day and the Buckeyes will be favorited to once more receive an invite in the next 12-team CFP.