Ohio State Enters 2026 Season With National Championship Expectations
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The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the 2026 college football season with expectations as high as ever. After another season of competing among the nation’s elite, Ohio State begins the year ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP Poll and is viewed as one of the favorites to win the national championship.
Head coach Ryan Day will once again have a loaded roster, but this year’s team will have a different look. The Buckeyes lost several major contributors to the NFL, including defensive stars Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles. Despite those departures, Ohio State returns enough talent and experience to remain one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
The biggest reason for optimism is the offense.
Quarterback Julian Sayin returns after an impressive 2025 season in which he threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and only eight interceptions while completing 77 percent of his passes. Sayin was also a Heisman Trophy finalist, and another strong season could put him firmly in the middle of the national award conversation.
Sayin will have arguably the best receiver in college football at his disposal in Jeremiah Smith. Smith is coming off a season with 1,243 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, and Ohio State will rely heavily on him to lead a talented receiving corps. Sophomore running back Bo Jackson also returns after rushing for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman.
There is also a new voice leading the offense. Former NFL head coach Arthur Smith takes over as offensive coordinator, bringing a more pro-style approach to Columbus. How quickly Smith’s system meshes with Ohio State’s collection of elite talent could determine just how dangerous the offense becomes.
Defensively, Ohio State has more questions. Only three starters return, meaning several young players and transfers will be asked to step into major roles. The defensive line is one of the biggest areas to watch after the Buckeyes lost key contributors from last year’s unit.
The schedule won’t make the path to the playoff easy. Ohio State faces six teams ranked in the preseason AP Top 25, including major matchups against Texas, Indiana and Oregon.
For Ohio State, anything short of a deep College Football Playoff run will likely feel like a disappointment. The Buckeyes have the quarterback, star receiver, depth and overall talent to compete for another championship.
Now, the challenge is turning all that talent into another title.
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