Ohio State Faces High Stakes in 2026 College Football Season

Ohio State begins the 2026 college football season ranked first in the coaches' poll, featuring a roster filled with future NFL talent and a lingering frustration from the previous season's outcomes.

The Buckeyes, who finished last season with a 12-2 record and reached the College Football Playoff, are expected to contend for a national championship. Quarterback Julian Sayin, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, and running back Lamar 'Bo' Jackson are key players, all named to the Maxwell Award preseason watch list, highlighting the team's offensive strength.

Ohio State's schedule includes tough matchups against Texas, Indiana, and USC, along with a home game against Oregon and a season finale against Michigan. While the expanded postseason format allows for some margin of error, the pressure remains high for the Buckeyes to perform well and avoid another early playoff exit, especially given their offensive capabilities.