Ohio State Remains Title Contender Despite Toughest Schedule

How Preview Magazines View the Buckeyes

Athlon Sports has tabbed Ohio State to capture the national championship for the second time in three years, while other preseason rankings still place the Buckeyes inside the top five. Even though Oregon is Lindy’s pick to hoist the trophy and Phil Steele leans toward Notre Dame, both publications list the Columbus team at No. 3. The magazines’ bullish stance persists despite a 2026 slate that could include as many as six preseason top‑25 opponents.

Key Players Driving the Championship Talk

Quarterback Julian Sayin, a Heisman Trophy finalist as a red‑shirt freshman last fall, is expected to take another leap in his sophomore season. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith remains one of the nation’s most dominant playmakers, earning a spot on all three magazines’ preseason All‑America first‑teams. The dynamic duo outweighs concerns about the grueling schedule and the loss of seven defensive starters who signed with the NFL.

The defensive side of the ball faces its own narrative of renewal. Coordinator Matt Patricia led a stellar debut last fall and is trusted to keep the unit near the top of the Big Ten this season. Ohio State lost seven starters to the NFL, but comparable attrition occurred a year earlier without derailing the program.

Coaching Moves Shape the Offensive Future

Ryan Day bolstered the offensive staff by hiring Arthur Smith, who brings NFL head‑coaching and play‑calling experience mirroring Patricia’s background. The addition aims to fix a red‑zone offense that sputtered during last season’s postseason defeats. Smith’s presence could help the Buckeyes avoid the wilted drives that led to losses in the Big Ten championship and the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

National Title Picture Across the Big Ten

Lindy’s has Oregon as its championship pick, citing quarterback Dante Moore and an elite defensive line. The Ducks have lost offensive and defensive coordinators, yet their roster depth is viewed as a weapon for a long, bruising season. If Oregon breaks through, the Big Ten would claim a fourth consecutive national champion, following Michigan (2023), Ohio State (2024) and Indiana (2025)

Phil Steele’s forecast centers on Notre Dame, which returns starter CJ Carr at quarterback and boasts the nation’s top linebackers and defensive backs. “If defense wins championships then you have found your team,” Steele writes. The Irish’s defensive emphasis aligns with a trend of rugged, stop‑the‑run football that has defined recent titles.

Schedule Strain Meets Expanded Postseason

Even with a formidable slate, the expanded 12‑team playoff format could soften the blow of a difficult regular season. The 2024 tournament gave Ohio State a second chance after two regular‑season losses, a safety net that may factor into how voters view the Buckeyes’ title prospects. Coach Ryan Day’s squad opens preseason camp next month and kicks off against Ball State on Sept. 5.

Looking Ahead to September

The Buckeyes’ preseason preparation will set the tone for a season where every win feels like a statement. As the Big Ten’s recent championship run continues, Ohio State’s ability to navigate a packed schedule and a rebuilt defense will determine whether the preseason hype turns into a realistic title run. Fans can expect a fast‑paced, high‑stakes campaign from the program that refuses to accept “good enough” as a final grade.