Ohio State enters the 2026 season as one of the clear College Football Futures Odds favorites and national title contenders. They are sitting atop or near the top of early rankings. Including the preseason coaches poll, ESPN’s Football Power Index, and SP+.
The Buckeyes bring back significant offensive production after a strong 2025 campaign that ended with consecutive postseason losses. The talent level remains high enough that many see them as the team to beat in the Big Ten. And as a top seed in the College Football Playoff, if they navigate the gauntlet ahead.
Quarterback Julian Sayin returns after a Heisman-finalist redshirt freshman year. To illustrate, he completed 77 percent of his passes and posted elite efficiency numbers. He will again work with Jeremiah Smith, widely viewed as the best receiver in the country. And already one of the most productive pass-catchers in program history through two seasons. Running back Bo Jackson is also back after a strong freshman campaign. Thus, giving the offense a proven backfield option.
New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has extensive NFL experience. At the onset, he inherits a group that ranked among the national leaders in returning production. The offensive line returns most of its key pieces as well, which should help stabilize the unit early.
Head coach Ryan Day at Big Ten Media Days
Ryan Day took the podium at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago on July 29. Namely, he was alongside quarterback Julian Sayin, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, and safety Jaylen McClain. Speaking in his eighth season as head coach, Day opened by calling the role an honor more than ever. Specifically, thanking commissioner Tony Petitti for the conference’s positioning and emphasized the overall strength of the Big Ten coaching ranks.
He described the 2026 schedule as a “monster” and said the Buckeyes are fired up for it. To show, he noted the early road tests, including the Week 2 trip to Texas. Those games will provide quick feedback on the team’s standing. Day stressed the importance of the group’s summer work in building connections and leadership. He said those traits will matter most when the difficult sportsbook odds moments arrive.
On his quarterback, Day was particularly positive. He said Sayin has “a different look in his eye” this offseason. Specifically, he is stronger physically, more vocal, and further along in his leadership. Working with the new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, has challenged him.
Additionally, Day noted that Sayin has kept up and seems to enjoy the new ideas after Smith’s experience coaching NFL quarterbacks. Also, Jeremiah Smith has stepped more fully into a leadership role, finding his voice in ways Day said have been good to watch.
The College Football Odds schedule is indeed the biggest variable. It ranks among the toughest in the country. To illuminate, it features a Week 2 road rematch at Texas. Following that is a trip to Indiana (the defending national champions in some accounts). And then a first visit to USC since 2008, a home date with Oregon, and the usual closer against Michigan. Road games at Iowa and Nebraska add further difficulty.
Overall, analytic projections generally land Ohio State around 10 wins, with some models favoring 10-2 or 11-1 as the most likely regular-season outcome rather than a perfect run. The Buckeyes are expected to contend for the Big Ten title and a high playoff seed. But the margin for error is thinner than in recent years because of the quality and volume of ranked or competitive opponents.