Ohio State enters the 2026 season in a familiar position: loaded with elite talent, armed with championship expectations, and carrying a roster most programs would envy. Yet despite returning some of the nation's biggest stars in quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes still face legitimate questions about whether they have enough to capture a national championship.
The biggest concern starts up front.
Ohio State's offensive line struggled badly in the final stretch of last season, particularly against Indiana and Miami. Over those two games, the Buckeyes surrendered 10 sacks while Sayin spent much of the time under constant pressure. Much of the offseason criticism has been directed toward Sayin and his perceived reluctance to create outside the pocket, but that conversation often overlooks the larger issue. Ohio State's offensive line simply has to be better.
If the Buckeyes are going to make a championship run, protecting one of the country's premier quarterbacks must become a priority.
To help address that issue and bring a new voice to the offense, Ohio State turned to former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The hiring removes play-calling responsibilities from the shared arrangement of Ryan Day and Brian Hartline and places them in the hands of an experienced NFL coordinator.
Smith's arrival could also reshape the offense in another important way.
Historically, Smith has made extensive use of tight ends throughout his coaching career. Last season with Pittsburgh, the Steelers regularly featured multiple tight ends in offensive packages, at times utilizing all four players in the position room. If that philosophy carries over to Columbus, opportunities could open for players like Nate Roberts and others at a position that has rarely been a focal point in Ohio State's offense.
Of course, Smith won't be lacking playmakers.
The Buckeyes once again boast one of the deepest skill-position groups in college football. Jeremiah Smith remains one of the sport's most dominant weapons, while Bo Jackson, Brandon Inniss, UTSA transfer Devin McCuin, LSU transfer Kyle Parker, and a long list of talented contributors provide plenty of options for the new-look offense.
Jackson, in particular, could be poised for a breakout season. Despite not serving as Ohio State's featured running back for much of last year, he became one of only three true freshmen nationally to surpass 1,000 rushing yards. With an expanded role, he could emerge as one of the country's most productive backs.
While the offense appears ready to thrive, the defense is a different story.
Ohio State must replace a significant amount of NFL-caliber talent across the depth chart. This year's unit will feature a blend of transfers and young players who are looking to make an immediate impact.
Among the newcomers are former Alabama standouts James Smith, Qua Russaw, and Cam Calhoun, all of whom arrive in Columbus hoping to strengthen a defense undergoing major changes. Their experience should help, but chemistry is never built overnight.
The linebacker room may face the biggest adjustment of all.
The departures of Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, both projected top-15 NFL Draft selections, leave enormous shoes to fill. Their versatility, athleticism, and leadership cannot be replaced by any one player. Instead, Ohio State will need a collective effort from linebackers such as Payton Pierce, Riley Pettijohn, and several others expected to take on expanded roles this season.
Those defensive growing pains could be tested immediately.
Ohio State's 2026 schedule is among the toughest in the country, highlighted by a blockbuster Week 2 showdown against Texas. Do not be surprised if the Buckeyes suffer an early loss in that matchup.
Ohio State's offense should have enough firepower to keep pace, but the outcome may ultimately rest on whether a revamped defense can contain Heisman Trophy contender Arch Manning and a Texas roster that aggressively attacked the transfer portal in pursuit of championship glory. The Longhorns have spent the offseason assembling talent with one goal in mind: bringing Austin its first national championship in more than a decade.
The encouraging news for Ohio State is that its floor remains higher than most programs' ceilings.
For many teams, a 10-3 season would be cause for celebration. In Columbus, that would be viewed as a disappointment. That's the reality of a program operating with national championship expectations every year.
The offense has all the ingredients to be one of the nation's best. Sayin has elite weapons surrounding him, Jackson figures to be a star in the backfield, and Arthur Smith's influence could add a new dimension to an already explosive attack.
The defense, meanwhile, may need time. It is a mixture of high-profile transfers, NIL acquisitions, and talented young players stepping into significant roles for the first time. Talent is not the concern. Consistency and cohesion are.
Ultimately, Ohio State's championship hopes may come down to how quickly that side of the ball develops.
If the defense matures and the offensive line takes the necessary step forward, the Buckeyes have every bit of the talent required to win the national championship. If not, they may simply be a very good team navigating one of the toughest schedules in America.
Either way, expect Ohio State to remain squarely in the national title conversation from the opening kickoff to the final weeks of the season.
