Offense
The quarterback position is manned by Julian Sayin, who lived up to the hype and more last season. He completed an eye popping 77% of his passes for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. If he can remain efficient and can continue to develop as a pocket passer than the sky is the limit. He is on every Heisman shortlist entering 2026.
The running back room features Bo Jackson and Isaiah West. Jackson burst onto the scene last season. Rushing for 1,090 yards and 6.1 yards per carry. This season the Buckeyes add Florida transfer Ja’kobi Jackson, who had over 500 yards rushing for the Gators last season. This is a very deep room.
The wide receiver room features the best player in college football, Jeremiah Smith. This will undoubtedly be his final season in Columbus, so enjoy it. He is joined by Brandon Inniss. The additions of Kyle Parker (LSU), Devin McCuin (UTSA), true freshman Chris Henry Jr., and a plethora of tight ends, among others, continue to make this an elite group.
The offensive line room returns four starters in Carson Hinzman, Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, and Phillip Daniels. Ian Moore, Josh Padilla, Gabe VanSickle, and Dartmouth transfer Vasean Washington also have experience. There is always young talent waiting in the wings.
Defense
The defensive line room returns experience in Kenyatta Jackson, Eddrick Houston, Zion Grady, Beau Atkinson, Will Smith, and Jason Moore. The additions of James Smith (Alabama), John Walker (UCF), Qua Russaw (Alabama), and 5-star true freshman Khary Wilder are absolutely vital to this units success.
The linebacker room returns Payton Pierce but will need to develop plenty of young talent around him and Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro. This is Ohio State, of course there is talent on the roster. 5-star true freshman Cincere Johnson could be the next great Buckeye linebacker.
The secondary returns experience in Jermaine Matthews Jr., Jaylen McClain, and Devin Sanchez. Ohio State wil also rely upon the additions of Dominick Kelly (Georgia), Earl Little Jr. (Florida State), Cam Calhoun (Alabama), Terry Moore (Duke), and 5-star true freshman Jay Timmons.
Specialists
Punter Joe McGuire returns but was middle of the pack in the Big 10 last season. Kicking duties should belong to Baylor transfer Connor Hawkins, who has a strong leg. Brnadon Inniss can be a weapon as a punt returner.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Ball State
- 9/12 at Texas
- 9/19 Kent State
- 9/26 Illinois
- 10/3 at Iowa
- 10/10 Maryland
- 10/17 at Indiana
- 10/31 at USC
- 11/7 Oregon
- 11/14 Northwestern
- 11/21 at Nebraska
- 11/28 Michigan
Final Analysis
This is one of the best coaching staffs in the country, led by Ryan Day. There are over 50 newcomers on this roster, a program record. So, they may need time to gel. The schedule does them no favors, as the Buckeyes haven’t faced a schedule this daunting in quite some time. Yet, this is Ohio State, and they will be one of the best teams in the country.
