Ohio State Football: Ranking the 5 Toughest Games for the Buckeyes in 2026

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With quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith headlining a talented roster, Ohio State is among the top favorites to win a national title for the 2026 college football season. Rising star running back Bo Jackson and an experienced line should power an improved ground game to pair with the Buckeyes’ prolific passing game. A standout defense is in rebuild mode under coordinator Matt Patricia, but the roster isn’t hurting for talent.

Although Day’s team seemingly has all of the pieces to win its second national title in three years, the progression of a rebuilt defense and how this team navigates one of the nation’s toughest schedules will determine just how high it will climb in the postseason.

In addition to a massive non-conference showdown at Texas, Ohio State meets Oregon and Indiana—two potential top-five teams this preseason— in Big Ten play.

Could a tough schedule derail the Buckeyes’ hopes for a national title in ‘26? Athlon Sports ranks the five toughest games for Day’s squad this fall:

Ohio State Football: Ranking the 5 Toughest Games for the Buckeyes in 2026

Nov 15, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) drops back to pass during the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images© Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

5. at USC (Oct. 31)
This matchup marks the first time Ohio State has faced USC since the Trojans joined the Big Ten prior to 2024. These two teams last played in the ‘17 Cotton Bowl, with the last regular season meeting in Los Angeles coming in ‘08.

4. Michigan (Nov. 28)
Ohio State ended a four-game losing streak to rival Michigan last season. On paper, the Buckeyes have an edge over the Wolverines in their first year under coach Kyle Whittingham. However, as history as shown throughout this rivalry, you can never count out the underdog.

3. Oregon (Nov. 7)
This early November showdown against Oregon should be another matchup of top-five teams. The Ducks and Buckeyes combined for 18 selections on Athlon’s All-America Team for 2026, meaning this game will showcase some of the best individual talent in the nation on the same field.

2. at Indiana (Oct. 17)
The Buckeyes are out for revenge in Bloomington after last year’s loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State hasn’t dropped a road matchup against the Hoosiers in Bloomington since 1988.

1. at Texas (Sept. 12)
Considering Ohio State plays one of the toughest schedules in the nation, there is no shortage of candidates for the No. 1 spot. However, a road trip to Austin to take on a top-five Texas team gets the nod over a rematch of the Big Ten title game.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Ohio State Football: Ranking the 5 Toughest Games for the Buckeyes in 2026

Ohio State Football: Ranking the 5 Toughest Games for the Buckeyes in 2026

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