If you are trying to watch the Ohio State vs. Michigan game (or other live sports) right now, the ESPN app is likely struggling due to extremely high viewer traffic.
While there is no “total” blackout, many users are reporting buffering, login loops, and “Unable to Play” errors specifically for this game.
Here are the quickest fixes to get your stream back:
1. The “TV Provider” Re-Login (Most Effective Fix)
During big games, the “handshake” between ESPN and your TV provider (like YouTube TV, Xfinity, Spectrum) often breaks.
Go to Settings: Inside the ESPN App, go to Settings > TV Provider.
Sign Out: completely unlink your provider.
Force Close App: Close the app entirely.
Sign Back In: Re-link your TV provider. This refreshes the authorization token.
2. Switch to the “Provider” App Instead
If the ESPN app is crashing, try watching the feed directly through your TV provider’s app. The stream is often more stable there because it bypasses ESPN’s specific authentication servers.
YouTube TV / Fubo / Hulu Live: Watch directly on those apps.
FOX Sports App: Since “The Game” is on FOX, try the FOX Sports app instead of ESPN. (Note: Ohio State vs. Michigan is a FOX broadcast, not ESPN, though ESPN covers the news/highlights).
Also Read : Why Bet365 is Not Working
3. The “Cellular Data” Toggle
If you are on mobile, your home Wi-Fi might be throttling the connection or blocking the specific CDN node ESPN is using.
Turn off Wi-Fi and try loading the stream on 5G/LTE.
If it loads, turn Wi-Fi back on.
4. Clear App Cache (Android/Fire TV)
If you are getting a spinning circle or black screen:
Android/Google TV: Settings $\rightarrow$ Apps $\rightarrow$ ESPN $\rightarrow$ Clear Cache.
Fire Stick: Settings $\rightarrow$ Applications $\rightarrow$ Manage Installed Applications $\rightarrow$ ESPN $\rightarrow$ Force Stop $\rightarrow$ Clear Cache.
Important Note:
If you are looking for the Ohio State vs. Michigan game specifically, please double-check your channel. It is airing on FOX, not ESPN. You should be using the FOX Sports App or your TV provider’s FOX channel. ESPN is only showing the “ManningCast” or alternate coverage, not the main game feed.
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