Ohio State’s 2026 CFP Path: Connelly’s Three Must‑Haves

What ESPN Calls the Top Title Contenders

ESPN analyst Bill Connelly identified nine teams as potential national‑championship contenders for the 2026 season. The list includes Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas, Indiana, Oregon, Georgia, Miami (FL), LSU, and Texas Tech. Michigan is noted as an outlier, requiring five separate conditions rather than the typical three to capitalize on its talent.

Three Conditions Connelly Set for Ohio State

• Pass‑defense fill‑ins. Ohio State must replace the defensive losses that have moved players to the NFL, and the upgrades need to arrive through the transfer portal. If Earl Little Jr., Terry Moore, Qua Russaw, and James Smith all remain productive, the secondary will be less vulnerable and the offense can stay aggressive.

• J ampio receiving support. Jeremiah Smith is a game‑changing talent, but the Buckeyes still need complementary options at wide receiver. Senior Brandon Innis is locked in as a reliable target, but depth beyond him will be essential. Greater depth than last year could make the 1‑2 punch as dangerous as Smith‑Tate were in 2023.

• Tempo tweaks from the new OC. Arthur Smith, the fresh offensive coordinator, must give Ohio State more flexibility to shift pace when the game demands it. The slower approach used in the regular season worked, but the postseason exposed the need for quicker adjustments; faster tempo could make the offense harder to contain against elite competition.

Why Those Conditions Matter for 2026

The defensive turnovers that have moved to the NFL can be mitigated if the portal supplies capable replacements; that stability directly eases pressure on the offense and allows Ohio State to stay aggressive on the field.

Holding up Jeremiah Smith’s performance means ensuring the whole receiving corps can create separation and yards after the catch. Without reliable backup options, even a Heisman‑worthy season may fall short against stacked defensive schemes.

Arthur Smith’s ability to manipulate tempo gives the Buckeyes a strategic edge in playoff settings, where variations in pace can disrupt even the most disciplined defenses. If the new staff can dial up the right speed at the right moments, Ohio State’s offense becomes a more complete weapon.

Connelly’s three “what‑ifs” summarize the areas where Ohio State must improve to move from contender to champion. Meeting those goals could set up a promising run for the Buckeyes in the 2026 College Football Playoff.