Ohio State Aims for Best Passing Season Since 2018

Why 2025 Was Only Part of the Story

Ohio State’s passing attack in the 2025 season fell short of expectations despite surface‑level numbers. The Buckeyes compiled 3,755 yards and 33 touchdowns as a unit, with starting quarterback Julian Sayin accounting for 3,610 yards and 32 scores. Sayin posted a 77 % completion rate, tied for fourth in the Heisman voting, yet he struggled in the postseason. Two late‑season losses to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship and to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal saw him sacked five times each game, exposing offensive‑line weakness. The departure of offensive coordinator Brian Hartline further destabilized play‑calling, leaving the offense looking disjointed.

Key Returning Pieces

The core of the 2025 offense is returning for a full 2026 season. Julian Sayin is back as the seasoned starter, and Jeremiah Smith enters his third year as the nation’s top receiver. The offensive line lost one starter to the transfer portal but will still feature five players with prior starting experience. The biggest absence is Carnell Tate, taken fourth overall by the Tennessee Titans, a loss that cannot be fully replaced.

Wide Receiver Depth Chart

Ohio State retained five‑star prospect Chris Henry Jr., a 6‑foot‑5 freshman ready for an immediate role. Top‑50 talent Jerquaden Guilford also joins the class, providing another immediate contributor. Veteran transfers Kyle Parker (LSU) and Devin McCuin (UTSA) add experience to the room. Brandon Inniss, who produced only 271 yards in 2025, could become the missing piece—if he takes the next step. Together, the rotation could exceed last year’s production even without Tate.

Running Back Concerns

Bo Jackson’s sophomore season showed promise with over 1,000 rushing yards, despite earning the starting job mid‑season. Isaiah West also flashed potential in limited duty, and they are expected to anchor the backfield. However, both missed spring practice with injuries, and the depth pool remains thin. Freshmen Legend Bey, Turbo Rogers, Stanley Jackson Jr., and Favour Akih have yet to prove themselves, leaving the run game heavily dependent on two players.

Schedule Boosts Pass Opportunities

The 2026 slate includes high‑profile matchups against Texas, Indiana, USC, Oregon, and Michigan, promising more tightly contested games. Ohio State averaged 29.25 points per win in 2025, rarely needing to pass in the fourth quarter. Adding several quality opponents will keep starters in longer and increase pass attempts late in games. With a potential 16‑game season, the team would need roughly 312.5 passing yards per game to breach the 5,000‑yard threshold for the first time in eight years.

Looking Ahead: The Bold Prediction

All signs point to a resurgence of Ohio State’s passing attack. A more experienced quarterback, a mature Jeremiah Smith, and a deeper receiver room create the ingredients for a high‑octane offense. Even if the run game struggles, a longer schedule and tougher opponents should force more passing plays. The prediction: Ohio State will record its best passing season since 2018, eclipsing 5,000 yards as a team for the first time since that historic campaign.