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Ohio State reloaded rather quickly after winning the national championship in 2024. 

The Buckeyes' young roster went 12-0 before falling to Indiana in the Big Ten championship and Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. 

OSU is losing several key defensive players to the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Ohio State's offense should improve before the fall, as young players like quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith return.

How Ohio State does in 2026 could come down to how incoming players perform.

ESPN's Craig Hubert and Billy Tucker recently ranked the newcomer classes for the upcoming season.

They ranked Ohio State at No. 2. LSU and new head coach Lane Kiffin appear to have the momentum heading into the season, as ESPN ranked the Tigers No. 1.

Here's who they have as the key incoming players for Ohio State.

Top Recruits:

• WR Chris Henry Jr.
• CB Jay Timmons
• S Blaine Bradford
• WR Jerquaden Guilford
• CB Jordan Thomas
• LB Cincere Johnson
• DL Khary Wilder
• ATH Legend Bey

Top Transfers:

•  DT James Smith
• Edge Qua Russaw
• NB Earl Little Jr.
• S Terry Moore
• CB Dominick Kelly

When speaking to reporters in January, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said he still puts an emphasis on high school recruiting, but understands he needs to bring in transfer players to plug holes here and there.

"Well, I think philosophically, when you look at it, I think it's important to still make sure that we're recruiting really good high school prospects and getting them into the program," Day said, via 247 Sports.

"And making sure we're developing them at a high level. I think anytime you want to sustain a certain level of play, you need to have a culture that carries over year-to-year to year. It can't be a year-to-year roster at Ohio State, in my opinion."

Last season, Ohio State proved it could reload with young players. The Buckeyes were close to winning another title.

That experience could pay dividends in the upcoming season. 

Sayin was more of a game manager last season. He should take on more responsibility in 2026.

Smith was arguably the best player in college football last year, and would have likely been a top draft pick in the this year's draft if he were eligible. 

Look for home-grown talent to fuel another CFP run for Ohio State in 2026. 

It'll look much different than what Kiffin amassed at LSU, hiring mercenaries in the transfer portal to bring glory to Baton Rouge.

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