After hoisting the national championship trophy last season, Ohio State is now on the outside looking in. Instead of defending their title, the Buckeyes are watching two familiar foes-Indiana and Miami-battle it out for college football’s biggest prize. And that has to sting, because both of those teams took down Ohio State this season, and they did it in strikingly similar fashion.
The formula? Win the trenches.
Both Indiana and Miami controlled the line of scrimmage, disrupting Ohio State’s offensive rhythm and keeping the Buckeyes from ever really finding their footing. For a program that prides itself on physical dominance, that’s a red flag-and a clear offseason priority heading into 2026.
Still, despite the back-to-back losses that ended their season, Ohio State isn’t going anywhere. In fact, there’s a strong case to be made that the Buckeyes should enter next season as one of the top contenders to reclaim the crown. Let’s break down why.
Julian Sayin’s Year Two Leap Could Be the Difference
The most compelling reason to believe in the Buckeyes? Quarterback Julian Sayin.
He had his freshman moments this season-flashes of brilliance mixed with the typical growing pains. One area where he’ll need to improve is his ability to extend plays and work through progressions when the first option isn’t there.
That’s not uncommon for a young QB, and it’s exactly the kind of skill that sharpens with experience and reps.
With a full year under his belt and an offseason to digest the playbook, Sayin should come back more poised, more confident, and more in command of the offense. His growth could unlock a new level for this unit, especially if the offensive line takes a step forward and gives him more time to operate.
And then there’s Jeremiah Smith. The star receiver has already made it clear he’s coming back with a chip on his shoulder.
That’s bad news for opposing secondaries. Smith’s combination of size, speed, and route-running already makes him a matchup nightmare-add in a motivated mindset, and he could be in for a monster season.
Stability on Defense with Matt Patricia Returning
On the other side of the ball, continuity matters-and Ohio State looks like it will benefit from some in a big way. Matt Patricia, who took over the defense this past season, appears set to return. That’s huge.
Even with some key departures looming, Patricia’s impact was clear. He elevated the defense statistically and schematically, tightening up a unit that had been inconsistent the year before. His NFL experience and attention to detail translated well to the college game, and having him back gives the Buckeyes a strong foundation to build on defensively.
The OC Hire Will Be Key-But the Talent Is Undeniable
There’s still one major decision looming: who Ryan Day brings in as offensive coordinator. That hire could shape the identity of the Buckeyes’ offense in 2026. They’ll need someone who can not only develop Sayin but also scheme creatively enough to stress defenses and maximize the weapons on this roster.
But even with that question mark, the talent is too overwhelming to ignore. From Sayin and Smith to a defense that’s shown it can be elite under Patricia, Ohio State has the pieces to make another run.
Yes, they came up short this year. But don’t mistake that for a decline.
If anything, it might be the fuel they need. The Buckeyes aren’t rebuilding-they’re reloading.
And come next fall, they’ll be right back in the national title conversation.