Championship Expectations in Columbus: Can Ryan Day Lead Ohio State Back to the Top?
Following a painful 24-14 upset loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl CFP quarterfinal, Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes enter the season with an extra chip on their shoulder. Intent on putting that early playoff exit behind them, the Buckeyes boast a star-studded roster determined to reclaim Big Ten dominance and make a deep national title push. With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith introducing a physical, pro-style scheme alongside defensive coordinator Matt Patricia commanding a reloaded, aggressive defense, Columbus is primed for another title chase.
Quarterback: A Proven Signal-Caller With NFL Traits
Starting at quarterback is returning starter Julian Sayin, and the film shows a passer with legitimate NFL tools. His placement and touch stand out across the board, and the stats back the claim up. Of quarterbacks with at least 250 dropbacks, Sayin owns the third lowest turnover-worthy play rate in the country at 1.4 percent, to go with the highest completion percentage nationally at 76.8 percent. With multiple returning offensive linemen, an intriguing receiver room, and an NFL OC in Smith calling the shots, Sayin should have no trouble producing another strong season.
Running Backs: A Physical, Wear-Down Attack
At running back, Bo Jackson and Isaiah West form a potent one two tandem in the Big Ten. Jackson anchors the group after rushing for 1,090 yards and six touchdowns (6.1 yards per carry) while adding 200 receiving yards. West provides a physical punch behind him, averaging 5.3 yards per carry for 310 yards and two scores. Florida transfer Ja'Kobi Jackson adds steady rotational depth for a ground attack built to wear down opposing fronts.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: One of the Best Rooms in the Country
The wide receiver and tight end room remains one of the premier groups in college football, led by superstar Jeremiah Smith. Smith dominated with 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns across 632 snaps. UTSA transfer Devin McCuin (726 yards, 8 TDs), LSU transfer Kyle Parker (330 yards, 4 TDs), and senior Brandon Inniss round out a loaded pass catching corps. Potential contributors Chris Henry and Brock Boyd could also make some noise this fall. At tight end, Ohio transfer Mason Williams (285 yards, 3 TDs) and Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing (296 yards, 2 TDs) give Smith two proven inline blockers and red zone options.
Offensive Line: Veteran, Battle-Tested, and Built to Control the Trenches
On the offensive line, four returning starters form a veteran trench unit that was dominant during the regular season, allowing just six total sacks, though it will look for more consistency after late-season pressure issues. Left tackle Austin Siereveld (810 snaps) anchors the blind side after a lights-out campaign in which he allowed zero sacks and just two total pressures across non-conference and early Big Ten play. Right tackle Phillip Daniels (762 snaps) brings starting experience to the right edge (1 sack allowed, 11 total pressures). Inside, guard Luke Montgomery (837 snaps) brings second-team All-American level power (3 sacks, 16 pressures allowed) alongside veteran center Carson Hinzman (841 snaps), who proved remarkably resilient in pass protection (0 sacks, 5 pressures allowed). This experienced front gives Arthur Smith the physical presence needed to control the line of scrimmage, and it should help make this one of the best offenses in the nation.
Defensive Line: Deep, Aggressive, and Loaded With Transfers
Moving to the defensive line, edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson Jr. leads the pass rush after bringing down quarterbacks for seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 28 tackles across 549 snaps. Alabama transfer Qua Russaw and UNC transfer Beau Atkinson supply high end rotation off the edge. On the interior, UCF transfer John Walker (31 tackles, 3 TFLs), Alabama transfer James Smith (26 tackles, 7 TFLs, 3 sacks), and Eddrick Houston (21 tackles, 3 sacks) anchor a massive defensive tackle rotation. The Buckeyes have seven defensive linemen with at least 150 snaps played, making this one of the deepest units in the country.
Linebackers: Talented at the Top, Thin Behind It
At linebacker, Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro steps in to lead the unit after putting up 48 tackles, 8 TFLs, and 4 sacks in 449 snaps. Alongside him, junior Payton Pierce added 44 tackles and an interception. Beyond these two, however, the linebacker group is thin on proven depth, and it is the biggest concern on this roster.
Secondary: Athletic and Ball-Hawking Across the Back Four
Finally, the secondary features an athletic, ball hawking back four. Outside cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. logged 26 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups across 695 snaps, while five-star sophomore Devin Sanchez saw 323 snaps of action. At safety, FSU transfer Earl Little Jr. leads the unit with 76 tackles and four interceptions, working in tandem with Jaylen McClain (53 tackles, 3 pass breakups).
Schedule Breakdown and Final Prediction
With 14 returning starters, elite portal upgrades, and a championship level quarterback in Sayin, the Ohio State Buckeyes have the pieces to make a real run at the national championship. Now comes the schedule test. Ohio State opens the year 1-0 before a rematch with Texas in Week 2. A win there should push them to 6-0 heading into a matchup with Indiana. I expect Ohio State to beat Indiana and carry a 7-0 record into the bye week. From there, a win over USC sets up a home date with Oregon that looms as the toughest test on the slate. I believe Oregon will get the better of the Buckeyes in that one, leaving Ohio State at 11-1 and headed to the Big Ten Championship Game for what could be a likely rematch versus the Ducks.