Ohio State Football: 2026 Buckeyes Season Preview and Prediction

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Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is a proven survivor who has adapted well enough to scale the summit of modern college football. His new CEO-type approach should be empowering to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and defensive signal-caller Matt Patricia, both former NFL head coaches. This staff will have to hustle to fine-tune a roster littered with a program-record 51 newcomers and a loaded schedule, but if the defense is able to reload, all championship possibilities are on the table.

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Ohio State 2026 Season Preview and Prediction

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) celebrates a touchdown by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Previewing Ohio State’s Offense for 2026

If Julian Sayin can remain efficient and further develop his game — perhaps with more bursts from the pocket — there’s no reason why he can’t be a Heisman Trophy contender once again. He looks to build on 3,610-yard, 32-touchdown season in which he completed an eye-popping 77% of his pass attempts.

Sayin still has plenty of firepower at his disposal, headlined, of course, by the beastly Jeremiah Smith and also featuring veteran Brandon Inniss and newcomer Chris Henry Jr.

Sayin also will have the benefit of a power-running game, which is a trademark of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West were borderline sensational last year and figure to help balance the attack while maneuvering behind an experienced offensive line. Four starters return up front, a group led by centerpiece Carson Hinzman and left tackle Austin Siereveld.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day reacts during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Previewing Ohio State’s Defense for 2026

After guiding the nation’s top stop unit last year, coordinator Matt Patricia has major holes to fill, including the loss of Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs, all top-seven overall NFL Draft picks. Still, there are athletes aplenty, and assistants Larry Johnson, James Laurinaitis and Tim Walton are all elite at developing their position groups.

The D-line will feature end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Alabama transfer James Smith, one of several large interior defenders with surprising lateral quickness and an ability to stuff the run. The linebacking corps will need to learn on the fly but already is showing promise.

In the secondary, Jermaine Matthews Jr. is welcoming his new role as the Buckeyes’ top corner, while Duke transfer Terry Moore should emerge as a focal point at free safety.

Previewing Ohio State’s Specialists for 2026

Ill-timed missed kicks, lackluster punt returns and inconsistent kick coverage have haunted OSU over the years. Baylor transfer Connor Hawkins will try to steady the ship at placekicker. Meanwhile, Joe McGuire is back after averaging a middling 42.4 yards per punt last season. Inniss should feature as a top return option.

National Ranking: 1

Big Ten Prediction: 1

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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