Ohio State Could Get Into CFP With 3 Losses in 2026: Insider
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The Ohio State Buckeyes should have more than enough talent to fight for a national championship.
The Buckeyes are reloading on defense after sending numerous prospects to the draft. The offense should be better with quarterback Julian Sayin, receiver Jeremiah Smith and running back Bo Jackson adding another year of experience.
However, the Buckeyes have a daunting schedule this fall that could cause some drama for the College Football Playoff selection committee.
The Buckeyes will travel to play Texas, Iowa, USC and 2025 national champion Indiana. OSU will host rival Michigan and Oregon.
it's very possible Ohio State could be in a position similar to what Texas had last year where it has three losses, but wins convincingly near the end of the year.
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports argued that nine wins could be enough for the CFP selection committee to put the Buckeyes in the tournament.
"No longer is Ohio State's roster head-and-shoulders better than the other elites in the Big Ten," Crawford wrote. "USC just signed the No. 1 class in recruiting for the first time in 20 years, while the Ducks and Hoosiers continue to go on shopping sprees in the transfer portal.
"Nine wins might be enough to garner attention from the CFP selection committee when you consider this overall gauntlet the Buckeyes must endure."
Alabama became the first three-loss team to make the CFP last season. However, that No. 3 loss came in the SEC Championship Game.
It remains to be seen if a three loss team in the regular season could make the 12-team format.
Ohio State head coach said the team is embracing the tough schedule.
"We embrace the expectations," Day said, via Fox Sports. "Nobody is making excuses for the tough schedule next year. Nobody is making excuses for all these different things. That's it, man. That's it. That's never going to change."
With a ridiculously tough schedule, the committee should absolutely look take an extra look at the Buckeyes resume at the end of the season if the team has multiple losses.
Losing three competitive games shouldn't keep this OSU team out of the CFP.
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