Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio State Buckeyes have been voted the preseason No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2015. The ranking comes after the Buckeyes fell to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal last season, ending a bid for a second straight national title.
Offensive firepower returns
Ohio State’s offense remains one of the nation’s most explosive units. Quarterback Julian Sayin, a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2025, returns after completing 77 percent of his passes for 32 touchdowns last season. Sayin’s deep‑ball accuracy, combined with a talented receiving corps that includes senior Jeremiah Smith, junior Brandon Inniss and freshman Chris Henry Jr., gives the Buckeyes a potent aerial attack.
Running back Bo Jackson also returns after posting six 100‑yard rushing games, highlighted by a 117‑yard effort at Michigan. With former NFL offensive coordinator Arthur Smith now leading the offense, the Buckeyes are expected to improve their ground game, a strength of Smith’s previous coaching roles.
Schedule tests the team
The 2026 schedule is among the toughest in the nation. Ohio State will travel to face No. 5 Texas, No. 6 Indiana, No. 16 Southern California and No. 22 Iowa. Home games in November include a matchup against second‑ranked Oregon and a showdown with No. 14 Michigan. The demanding slate, coupled with three former Buckeyes selected in the top 11 of the NFL draft, raises questions about whether the defense can repeat last year’s feat of holding most opponents under 11 points.
Defensive outlook
Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia returns for a second season with only three starters back from the previous year. Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., who recorded 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season, is expected to anchor the line. Junior safety Jaylen McClain brings experience to the secondary, while the linebacker corps offers depth but also some inexperience.
Coach Ryan Day has addressed special‑teams concerns by adding transfer quarterback Connor Hawkins, though Hawkins has struggled in recent drills. Fans remain critical of a missed chip shot by kicker Jayden Fielding in the fourth quarter of the Big Ten title game against Indiana.
Key players to watch
- Julian Sayin – quarterback, Heisman contender
- Jeremiah Smith – wide receiver
- Bo Jackson – running back
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr. – defensive end
- Jaylen McClain – safety
Additional roster notes include transfers from Alabama (DT James Smith, EDGE Qua Russaw) and a freshman wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. The Buckeyes also have several former players now in the NFL, such as linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs, and wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Looking ahead
If Ohio State can navigate its demanding schedule and shore up defensive consistency, the team is positioned to make a third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. The Buckeyes’ blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent will be tested from the season opener at Texas on September 12 through the pivotal home game against Michigan on November 28.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
