The Ohio State Buckeyes may have fallen short at the end of the 2025 season, but don’t let that fool you - this team is absolutely stacked heading into 2026. With a roster loaded with returning talent and elite playmakers on offense, Ohio State isn’t just aiming to bounce back - they’re eyeing a national title.
At the center of it all is quarterback Julian Sayin, who wasted no time making his presence felt last season. As a first-year starter, Sayin earned a spot as a Heisman finalist - a rare feat that speaks volumes about his poise, arm talent, and command of the offense.
For most of the year, he looked like a seasoned vet, carving up defenses with precision. But when the offensive line began to falter late in the season, so did Sayin’s rhythm.
He struggled in the final two games, often forced to make rushed decisions behind a leaky front.
That’s where 2026 brings new hope. With a retooled and more experienced offensive line, Sayin should have more time to operate - and that’s a scary thought for opposing defenses. Give this guy a clean pocket, and he’ll pick you apart.
Of course, it helps when you’re throwing to the best receiver in the country. Jeremiah Smith is that guy.
He’s not just a big-play threat - he’s a matchup nightmare. Smith and Sayin already have the kind of chemistry that keeps defensive coordinators up at night, and with both expected to take another leap this year, don’t be surprised if they’re both front and center in the Heisman race.
But it doesn’t stop there. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach recently named three Buckeyes as top-tier Heisman contenders - more than any other program in the country. Alongside Sayin and Smith, running back Bo Jackson is also drawing serious attention.
Jackson took over the starting role early last season and never looked back. He runs with vision, power, and that extra gear that turns solid gains into highlight-reel plays. When the offensive line opened holes, Jackson made the most of them - and with four starters returning up front, he’s poised for an even bigger season.
That kind of offensive firepower - a star quarterback, an elite wideout, and a dynamic running back - gives Ohio State a rare triple threat. No other team has three players on ESPN’s shortlist of Heisman hopefuls, which says a lot about the Buckeyes’ depth and top-end talent on offense.
The big question now? Can the defense hold up its end of the bargain. The Buckeyes lost some key pieces on that side of the ball, and how quickly they reload will go a long way in determining whether this team can make a serious run at the national championship.
Still, with this much talent returning, especially on offense, Ohio State isn’t just in the conversation - they might be leading it.