Ohio State's Playoff Collapse Exposes Bigger Questions Heading into 2026
For a team that steamrolled through the regular season, Ohio State’s abrupt exit from the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals at the hands of Miami was more than just a loss-it was a wake-up call. The Buckeyes didn’t just get beat on Wednesday night; they were exposed. And with back-to-back losses to end the year, a season that once looked destined for a title run now ends in disappointment and uncertainty.
Let’s be clear: this Ohio State squad was absolutely loaded. On paper, they might’ve had the most talented roster in the country.
But talent alone doesn’t win championships, and now, that talent is heading for the NFL. Players like Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate, Sonny Styles, and Kayden McDonald are all projected to be first-round picks this spring.
That’s a staggering amount of production and leadership walking out the door in one offseason.
The Offensive Line: A Pain Point That Can’t Be Ignored
If there’s one area that stood out as a consistent issue, it’s the offensive line. Against Indiana and again versus Miami, the Buckeyes’ front five struggled to protect the quarterback and generate push in the run game.
The result? A sputtering offense that couldn’t find its rhythm when it mattered most.
But here’s the thing-this was a young group. And while the struggles were real, there’s also real potential for growth.
With the right additions through the Transfer Portal and another offseason of development, this unit could take a leap forward in 2026. Still, it’s a position group that can’t afford to be ignored if Ohio State wants to get back to championship form.
Three Key Additions Could Shape Ohio State’s 2026 Outlook
With so many stars heading to the NFL, the Buckeyes will need immediate-impact players to step in. Here are three names that could be pivotal for Ohio State’s bounce-back campaign:
- Boo Carter - Safety (via Transfer Portal)
Losing Caleb Downs is like losing your queen in chess-he was the ultimate do-it-all piece in the secondary. A projected Top 10 pick, Downs leaves a massive hole in the back end of the defense.
Enter Boo Carter. The Tennessee product might not be a one-for-one replacement, but he brings serious playmaking ability.
He’s shown a knack for creating turnovers and has the versatility to be a difference-maker. Ranked as the No. 1 safety in the Transfer Portal, Carter could be exactly what the Buckeyes need to stabilize their secondary.
- Chaz Coleman - Edge Rusher (via Transfer Portal)
Ohio State saw firsthand what elite pass rushers can do when Miami’s front tormented their offense. With their own edge talent heading to the NFL, the Buckeyes will be looking for new disruptors off the edge.
Chaz Coleman didn’t get a ton of snaps as a true freshman at Penn State, but when he was on the field, he flashed. Ranked as the top edge rusher in the portal, Coleman has the traits to become a star in this defense-if Ohio State can land him.
- Nick Marsh - Wide Receiver (via Transfer Portal)
With Carnell Tate heading to the draft and questions around Brandon Inniss’s ability to step up as a consistent WR2, the Buckeyes need another weapon to line up opposite Jeremiah Smith. Nick Marsh could be that guy.
Despite Michigan State’s quarterback carousel, Marsh put up 100 catches for 1,311 yards and six touchdowns over the past two seasons. He’s a proven producer, and in Ohio State’s offense, he could thrive as a reliable target who keeps defenses honest.
Looking Ahead
Ryan Day has work to do. The Buckeyes are losing cornerstone players on both sides of the ball, and the pressure is on to reload quickly.
The good news? There’s still a strong foundation, and the Transfer Portal offers a lifeline.
Ohio State's 2026 season will hinge on how effectively they can replace departing stars and shore up key position groups-starting with the offensive line and secondary. If they can hit on the right portal additions and develop the talent already in-house, this team can absolutely contend again.
But after the way this season ended, there’s no more margin for error. The Buckeyes have to get this offseason right.