Ohio State's 2026 Schedule Features the Top-3 Big Ten Games in 2026
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The 2026 Ohio State Buckeyes football team has the hardest schedule in the country for my money.
As it stands right now, they have six opponents on their schedule that are ranked in the top-25, seven opponents that are in the top-30, and four of their challengers are in the top-15.
It will truly be a ridiculous schedule, and if they can come out alive, they will be primed for a run at the title. While it will be an incredible challenge, the Buckeyes are going to be primetime TV week after week.
On3's Crain and Cone ranked the top-five Big Ten games in 2026, and you guessed it, the Buckeyes are not only all over it, but they are the top-three in the conference for next year.
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No. 3: Ohio State vs. Michigan
This game will have the eyes of America on it. Michigan is under a totally new regime, one that actually has some respect behind it, but that doesn't mean anything. When the Maize and Blue come to Columbus, it means war, and the last two battles in central Ohio have not gone Ohio State's way.
It is time for Ryan Day to get off the mat in this rivalry at home against the Wolverines, and if it plays out that this is a game to get into the playoffs, it is going to be an incredible football game to take in.
No. 2: Ohio State vs. Oregon
This matchup has become a little bit of a rivalry since the Ducks joined the Big Ten. Right now, Ohio State has the last laugh as the lasting memory is the Buckeyes thumping the Ducks in the Rose Bowl two years ago.
However, the last time that Oregon traveled east to play the Buckeyes, they put on a show inside Ohio Stadium. It was all the way back in 2021 when Oregon took down the Buckeyes 35-28.
Again, Ryan Day has a little bit of revenge on his mind, but furthermore, this is a potential postseason matchup that is taking place inside Ohio Stadium.
No. 1: Ohio State at Indiana
As we stand here in July, this is the game that has everyone's attention. The Hoosiers are coming off an incredible run to the title, and on that run, they took down the mighty Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship game.
However, I believe that this game has the highest potential for some volatility.
There is a legitimate reality that this is a top-3 matchup come the middle of October, but there is also a chance that Indiana has assumed its rightful place at the bottom of the conference. It will be one or the other, and I think everyone hopes it's the former.
Ohio State probably could have added one more game to this top-five, and it would have been when they traveled west to take on the USC Trojans. That's a matchup that will have the eyes of the conference and the country all over it as well.
The schedule is hard, but it is going to make for an awesome regular season. As they always are, the Buckeyes will be at the center of attention again in 2026.
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