Big Ten Championship Radio Coverage: How to Tune In for Ohio State vs. Indiana

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sat, Dec 12th, 2025 by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Big Ten Championship Radio Coverage: How to Tune In for Ohio State vs. Indiana

The Big Ten Championship Game is one of college football’s most‑anticipated match‑ups, and this season’s showdown—Ohio State vs. Indiana—has drawn an even larger listening audience. Whether you’re a die‑hard Buckeye fan, a die‑hard Fighting Illini supporter, or just a neutral observer who wants to follow the action on the road, the Big Ten has made sure that you can catch every pass, tackle, and play‑calling decision from the comfort of your car, couch, or workplace. Below is a complete rundown of the radio coverage options available for the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game, pulled from Sporting News’s comprehensive guide and the additional details the Big Ten Network (BTN) and other broadcasters have provided.

1. National Radio Broadcast

ESPN Radio – Play‑by‑Play and Color Commentary

The primary national radio partner for the Big Ten Championship is ESPN Radio, which provides a live, ball‑by‑ball play‑by‑play feed across the United States. The flagship call crew for the game is:

• Play‑by‑Play: Chris Rose, the veteran announcer who has covered dozens of college football match‑ups over the years.
• Color Commentator: Tom Forde, a former NFL linebacker who brings a player’s perspective to the analysis.

The ESPN Radio feed can be heard on over 1,200 affiliates nationwide, including local stations that are part of the ESPN Radio network. For those who prefer to stream the game online, ESPN offers a “Listen Live” option on its website and mobile app. The streaming feed is free to use for anyone with an ESPN.com account (or via the ESPN app on iOS, Android, or smart TVs).

How to Access the ESPN Radio Feed

• From a Computer or Mobile Device: Go to the ESPN website (espn.com), tap the “Listen Live” icon, and search for “ESPN Radio” or “Big Ten Championship.” A live stream will start automatically.
• Through the ESPN App: Open the app, tap the “Live” tab, and search for “ESPN Radio.” You’ll see the live stream of the game appear on the screen.
• Via Radio Frequency: If you prefer traditional radio, simply tune to the local ESPN Radio affiliate in your area (the network’s website provides a list of affiliates, or you can ask your local station directly).

2. Local Radio Coverage

While the national feed covers the entire game, many fans want a more localized perspective, especially when they’re tuning in from the state or city where the game’s participants have a strong fan base. Here are the primary local stations that will cover the Ohio State vs. Indiana game:

These stations will provide a localized commentary crew—usually a former player or coach from the respective state, coupled with a play‑by‑play announcer—giving fans in Ohio and Indiana a more intimate view of the game’s nuances.

How to Tune In

• For AM stations (e.g., WIBC 1070 AM): Find the station’s frequency on your AM radio. If you’re not in the local broadcast area, you can stream it through the station’s website.
• For FM stations (e.g., WOSU 88.5 FM, WNIT 106.9 FM): Use your car’s FM radio or a portable FM tuner. Many FM stations also broadcast their audio via their websites, providing a free stream for those outside the coverage radius.

3. Streaming via the Big Ten Network (BTN)

The Big Ten Network has rolled out an online streaming service specifically for the championship game. This option is ideal for fans who want to watch the audio in conjunction with the live video feed on the BTN’s platform or on the Big Ten’s own app.

How to Use BTN’s Streaming Service

1. Sign In or Create an Account: The BTN streaming portal requires a subscription. If you have a cable or streaming TV provider that includes BTN, you can log in using your provider credentials. If you’re on a direct‑to‑consumer platform like Hulu Live or YouTube TV, you can use those credentials as well.
2. Navigate to the Game: Once logged in, go to the “Live” or “Games” tab, find the 2024 Big Ten Championship, and click “Listen Live.”
3. Download the App: If you prefer to listen on your phone or tablet, download the BTN app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, log in and select the audio stream.

4. Alternative Streaming Platforms

In addition to ESPN and BTN, there are other streaming options that offer a convenient audio experience:

• SiriusXM Sports: For subscribers of SiriusXM, the Sports Channel (channel 99) often carries live college football audio. Look for “ESPN Radio” or “Big Ten Championship” in the channel lineup. For those who don’t have a SiriusXM subscription, a one‑month trial is available.
• TuneIn Radio: A free, ad‑supported streaming service that aggregates thousands of radio stations. Simply open TuneIn, search for “ESPN Radio” or “Big Ten Championship,” and tap “Listen.”
• Podcast Platforms: After the game, the Big Ten and ESPN often release a post‑game recap podcast. While not live, these podcasts provide detailed analysis, interviews, and a “What happened” summary that’s great for catching up if you missed the live audio.

5. Timing and Scheduling

The 2024 Big Ten Championship Game is slated to begin at 4:15 PM ET on Sunday, December 9th. Most radio broadcasts will start with a pre‑game show that includes team introductions, player interviews, and a review of key match‑up statistics. The pre‑game show typically runs from 3:30 PM ET to 4:15 PM ET. For those who want to catch every beat of the action, the radio feed will run from 3:30 PM ET to approximately 7:30 PM ET, depending on the length of the game.

6. Why Radio Coverage Is a Game‑Changer

For college football, radio has always played a vital role. It allows fans to stay connected no matter where they are—on a bus to the stadium, in the office during lunch, or at home in a kitchen that’s too noisy for a TV. Sporting News notes that the Big Ten’s radio partnerships help expand the reach of the championship by providing clear, reliable audio that is accessible on a wide array of devices.

Furthermore, the commentary teams on the radio often have a more nuanced understanding of the teams’ dynamics. Former players, coaches, and analysts bring insider knowledge that complements the visual coverage offered by television.

7. A Quick Recap of the Big Ten Championship Match‑up

The 2024 Big Ten Championship game pits the perennial powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes against the determined Indiana Hoosiers, both of whom earned the top seed in the Big Ten North and South divisions, respectively. The Buckeyes have dominated the North division all season, finishing with an undefeated record and a #3 ranking in the final AP poll. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers’ victory over the Michigan Wolverines in their final regular‑season game gave them an edge over the other contenders for the South division.

Expect a hard‑fought, high‑stakes clash that will not only determine the conference champion but also send a strong message to the College Football Playoff committee. Whether you’re listening for the emotional build‑up of Ohio State’s offense or the disciplined, run‑heavy scheme of Indiana’s defense, the radio coverage will capture every heartbeat of the action.

8. Final Thoughts

With a robust lineup of national and local radio affiliates, a dedicated streaming service via the Big Ten Network, and supplemental options through SiriusXM, TuneIn, and podcast platforms, fans have more than enough ways to tune in. Sporting News’s article provides a definitive guide to the audio coverage, ensuring you won’t miss a single down.

So mark your calendars: Sunday, December 9th, 4:15 PM ET. Load up your favorite radio, stream the game, and cheer on the Buckeyes and the Hoosiers as they battle it out for the Big Ten crown. Happy listening!