What to know about Ohio State football in 2026
What to know about Ohio State football in 2026
Paul White, Nittany Lions WireFri, June 5, 2026 at 10:09 AM UTC
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As we get ready to embark on another long, grueling college football season, it's important to gain perspective about the teams going to battle. We will be discussing the Big Ten conference, which has made a strong running in recent years to be considered the best conference in the nation, taking home each of the last three national championships. There's no guarantee that it will be four years in a row, but there is more than enough firepower in the Big Ten to get the job done. Today, we'll be discussing Ohio State, who is consistently one of the top teams in the country and won the national title in the 2024 season. They had a bit of a backslide in 2025, but they are looking to return to contention this season.
Here is a quick look at the Ohio State Buckeyes heading into the 2026 season.
Quick 2025 recap -
Record: 12-2, 9-0 Big Ten
Bowl result: Lost Cotton Bowl to Miami, 24-13
It's not often that a 12-2 season is considered a disappointment, but that's exactly what happened to Ohio State last season. Riding high off a national championship victory, they had a dominant regular season that was spoiled in the last game by Indiana in the Big Ten championship game. Despite having nearly a month off after their first defeat of the season, the Buckeyes couldn't shake off the rust against the Hurricanes, dropping their first and only Bowl Game to the eventual runner-ups. There are no participation trophies or moral victories for a school like Ohio State, so they'll be exhausting all their energy into trying to get back to the top of the mountain.
Head coach: Ryan Day, 9th season -
Record: 82-12
The Buckeyes have been a college football juggernaut for more than 30 years and head coach Ryan Day has continued that legacy. He's lead the team to double-digit wins in seven of his eight seasons and has never finished a year with a losing record. Day has also given the team their second national championship game victory and will try to capture another one after three of their last four seasons ended in losses. Ohio State seemed to become a bit of an afterthought thanks to the cinderella run by the Hoosiers, so Day and his players will try to remind the world of who they are this season.
Offensive player to know: Jeremiah Smith, Wide receiver
You'd be hard pressed to find a single football fan on the planet who hasn't heard the name Jeremiah Smith. The soon-to-be junior standout is widely considered to be a once-in-a-generation talent who has been torturing opposing defenses since he was 18 years old. He's already accumulated 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns in his two-year career, and another campaign with eye-popping numbers may see him secure his position as the No. 1 selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. Smith is one of the best prospects that this sport has seen in decades, so make sure you pay close attention to what is almost assuredly his final college season.
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Defensive player to know: Kenyatta Jackson, Edge rusher
Ohio State football Sub Zero gray sleeves jersey Kenyatta Jackson
Kenyatta Jackson is hoping to have an explosive 2026 season, as it will ultimately be his last. After being relatively quiet for his three years in college, the former four-star recruit finally showed the talent that brought him to Ohio State last year, racking up 6.5 sacks. Arvell Reese and Caden Curry, the team's two sack leaders last season, have now moved on to the NFL, which should mean a much bigger role for Jackson. Another successful season for the promising edge rusher could see him walking across the stage next year joining his former teammates.
Does Penn State face Ohio State in 2026?
No, the Nittany Lions don't play the Buckeyes this season, marking a rare occurrence where the two teams don't face off. They could always meet in the Big Ten championship or a Bowl Game, but that's about it.
Full 2026 Ohio State football schedule
Ohio State cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. in the 2026 core away football uniform, featuring the new Buckeye stripe on the shoulder sleeves.
Home games in all CAPS
September 5 vs. BALL STATE
September 12 at Texas
September 19 vs. KENT STATE
September 26 vs. ILLINOIS*
October 3 at Iowa*
October 10 vs. MARYLAND*
October 17 at Indiana*
October 31 at USC*
November 7 vs. OREGON*
November 14 vs. NORTHWESTERN*
November 21 at Nebraska*
November 28 vs. MICHIGAN*
"*" designates Big Ten Conference game
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: What to know about Ohio State football in 2026
Source: “AOL Sports”
