by The faces may change, but the expectations at Ohio State never do.
Despite significant roster turnover, Ohio State enters 2026 with enough talent to check every box on its preseason checklist: beat Michigan, capture a Big Ten title and contend for a national championship. There are still questions to answer before Week 1, but there is plenty of reason to believe this team could be one of Ryan Day’s best. With that in mind, here are three bold predictions for Ohio State’s 2026 season.
The Buckeyes’ Secondary Will Reach New Heights in 2026
Yes, this prediction may sound bold at first. Losing players of Caleb Downs, Davison Igbinosun and Lorenzo Styles Jr.’s caliber would be enough to set most programs back. Instead, Ohio State has reloaded with so much talent that I expect the Buckeyes’ secondary to be even stronger in 2026.
The secondary has a strong argument for being the best position group on the roster. It starts with proven veterans Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Jaylen McClain, both of whom are coming off productive 2025 campaigns and should take another step forward this season.
Ohio State also reinforced the room through the transfer portal. Duke transfer Terry Moore and Florida State transfer Earl Little Jr. bring valuable experience, while former Georgia defensive back Dominick Kelly arrives in Columbus with plenty of hype after earning praise from Bulldogs beat writers as a future star.
Then there’s Devin Sanchez. The former five-star recruit has all the tools to become the next standout cornerback in Ohio State’s pipeline, and early reports suggest he has already looked the part. If those reports carry into the fall, Sanchez could emerge as one of the biggest breakout players on the roster.
I’ll go one step further with another prediction: Earl Little Jr. will earn All-American honors this season. Replacing a player of Caleb Downs’ caliber is nearly impossible, but Little Jr. has the versatility and playmaking ability to make a major impact. Spring practice buzz consistently pointed to him as one of the defense’s most disruptive players and a perfect fit in Matt Patricia’s scheme. If that momentum continues into the season, don’t be surprised if Little Jr. becomes one of the nation’s top defensive backs.
Arthur Smith Will Elevate Ohio State’s Offense in 2026
When Ohio State hired Arthur Smith as its offensive coordinator, the reaction from fans was mixed. Some pointed to his inconsistent NFL results and questioned whether he was the right fit in Columbus. I never saw it that way.
If last season taught us anything, it’s that bringing in experienced NFL minds can pay off. Matt Patricia helped produce one of the nation’s top defenses in his first year in Columbus, and I think Smith has a chance to do something similar on the offensive side of the ball.
Regardless of how his NFL tenure is viewed, Smith couldn’t ask for a much better situation in Columbus. Ohio State returns eight starters from an offense that averaged 33.4 points and 422.6 yards per game last season. The Buckeyes have consistently excelled through the air under Ryan Day, and Smith’s expertise in the run game could make an already dangerous offense even more complete.
While replacing Carnell Tate won’t be easy, Ohio State added veteran transfers Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker to help fill the void. Then there’s Chris Henry Jr., who already looks like the next star wide receiver to emerge in Columbus. If he’s ready to contribute right away, this offense could be even more explosive than it was a year ago.
The Buckeyes Will Go 11-1 in the Regular Season
At first glance, predicting an 11-1 regular season for Ohio State hardly seems bold. But a closer look at the Buckeyes’ schedule tells a different story.
Ohio State faces one of the nation’s toughest schedules in 2026, featuring road trips to Texas, Indiana, USC, Iowa and Nebraska and home showdowns with Oregon, Michigan and Illinois. With a schedule this demanding, the Buckeyes can’t afford many slip-ups from start to finish. Oddsmakers seem to agree, as Ohio State’s preseason win total is set at 9.5 wins, reflecting just how challenging the road ahead will be.
If I had to pick a loss today, it would be Ohio State’s Week 2 trip to Texas. The Longhorns will once again be one of the nation’s most talented teams, and winning a primetime road game in Austin is a difficult challenge for any program. With several new faces stepping into larger roles, that environment may come a little too early in the season for the Buckeyes.
That said, I don’t think a loss in Austin would derail Ohio State’s championship aspirations. In fact, it could do the opposite. The Buckeyes would still have plenty of time to find their footing before critical Big Ten road tests at Iowa in Week 5 and Indiana in Week 7. By then, I expect this roster to be playing its best football and positioned for another run at the College Football Playoff.
Final Takeaways
If these predictions come to fruition, Ohio State could be an even more complete team than it was in 2025. The schedule may be tougher and the margin for error smaller, but those challenges should only strengthen the Buckeyes as the season progresses. By the time the postseason arrives, Ohio State should be battle-tested and ready for another championship run.
