by Led by Julian Sayin at quarterback and featuring a reloaded group of skill position talent, Ohio State’s offense enters 2026 with both high expectations and key unknowns. While some units project as national strengths, others are still searching for answers before the season begins.
With that in mind, here’s a preseason report card grading each Ohio State offensive position group based on its talent, depth and overall outlook entering 2026.
Quarterback: A
The most important position on the field appears to be in good hands for Ohio State entering the 2026 season. Returning starter Julian Sayin enters 2026 after earning a trip to New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist in his first season as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback.
The depth behind Sayin is equally encouraging. Former five-star recruit Tavien St. Clair is widely viewed as Ohio State’s quarterback of the future and gives the Buckeyes one of the nation’s top backup options despite his lack of game experience.
Ohio State also has a veteran presence in Justyn Martin, who enters his fourth collegiate season after stops at UCLA and Maryland. While his on-field opportunities may be limited, Martin provides valuable depth and another veteran voice for younger quarterbacks like St. Clair.
Running Back: B+
Headlined by returning starter Bo Jackson, who rushed for 1,090 yards as a true freshman last season, Ohio State’s running back room has no shortage of talent at the top.
The biggest question lies behind Jackson. Sophomore Isaiah West flashed potential in limited action last season, while Florida transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson rushed for 509 yards as a freshman in 2024 before seeing a more limited role with the Gators last season. True freshman Legend Bey could also work his way into the rotation thanks to his elite speed and explosiveness.
The uncertainty behind Jackson keeps this group from earning an A, but the overall talent and upside still make it one of Ohio State’s stronger position groups.
Wide Receiver: A
Once again, Ohio State enters the season with one of the nation’s premier wide receiver rooms. Even after the departure of longtime position coach Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes have more than enough talent to continue their tradition of producing elite receivers.
Jeremiah Smith returns for his third and likely final season in Columbus as the unquestioned No. 1 option. Senior captain Brandon Inniss brings experience and leadership to the room, while LSU transfer Kyle Parker adds polished route-running ability and UTSA transfer Devin McCuin provides another explosive deep threat.
The future is just as bright. True freshmen Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd impressed during spring camp, and Henry Jr., the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver recruit in the 2025 class, is expected to compete for a starting role immediately. With proven stars, experienced veterans and elite young talent, Ohio State’s receiver room remains among the best in college football.
Tight End: C
Tight end is one of the biggest question marks on Ohio State’s roster entering the 2026 season. Replacing the production and reliability of Max Klare and Will Kacmarek will be no easy task, leaving Ohio State with plenty to prove at the position.
Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing and returning sophomore Nate Roberts are expected to compete for the starting role. While Roberts has plenty of upside, neither player has accomplished much at the collegiate level to this point.
Behind them, Ohio transfer Mason Williams provides additional experience, while Bennett Christian returns after serving primarily as a blocking tight end in recent seasons. There is potential within the room, but until someone emerges as a reliable every-down option, tight end remains one of Ohio State’s weakest position groups entering 2026.
Offensive Line: B+
Returning four of five starters along the offensive line gives Ohio State a strong foundation heading into the 2026 season. While the unit showed inconsistency in key moments a year ago, another year of experience and the departure of what was arguably its weakest link in Tegra Tshabola should help stabilize the group.
The biggest swing factor is redshirt sophomore Ian Moore at left tackle. If he can hold up against top competition, this group has the potential to develop into one of the best offensive lines in the country. The interior already projects as one of the strongest units in the nation, meaning much of the ceiling will depend on how the tackles settle in, with Moore on the left side and Phillip Daniels returning on the right after a solid 2025 campaign.
Final Takeaways
Ohio State’s offense has no shortage of talent entering 2026, with several position groups projecting among the best in the country. Still, a few key questions remain that could determine how high this unit ultimately climbs.
If the Buckeyes get steady play at left tackle and find answers at tight end, this offense has the potential to be one of the most complete units in college football.
