The road back to college football’s mountaintop won’t be a stroll through the Horseshoe for Ohio State in 2026 - it’s shaping up to be a full-on marathon through a minefield. The Buckeyes’ upcoming schedule is as loaded as we’ve seen in recent years, with seven opponents ranked in the final 2025-26 Coaches Poll. If Ryan Day’s squad is going to make another run at a national title, they’ll have to earn every inch of it.
Let’s break it down.
Ohio State’s 2026 Schedule:
- Sept. 5 - vs. Ball State
- Sept. 12 - at No. 13 Texas
- Sept. 19 - vs. Kent State
- Sept. 26 - vs. No.
25 Illinois
- Oct. 3 - at No.
17 Iowa
- Oct. 10 - vs.
Maryland
- Oct. 17 - at No.
1 Indiana
- **Oct.
24** - BYE
- Oct. 31 - at No.
21 USC
- Nov. 7 - vs.
No. 4 Oregon
- Nov. 14 - vs. Northwestern
- Nov. 21 - at Nebraska
- Nov. 28 - vs.
No. 22 Michigan
This isn’t just a tough schedule - it’s a gauntlet. And it starts early.
**Circle Week Two. ** That’s when Ohio State heads to Austin to face No.
13 Texas in what’s likely to be a primetime showdown under the lights. This one has all the makings of a national headline-grabber.
On one sideline, you’ve got Julian Sayin, the Buckeyes’ quarterback looking to take that next step and show he can deliver in big moments - something that slipped through his fingers at times in 2025. On the other, Arch Manning is still chasing the breakout performance that could solidify his legacy in burnt orange.
Two blue-chip QBs, two powerhouse programs, and one early-season measuring stick.
After that, Ohio State gets a breather with Kent State at home - but the calm won’t last long.
The Buckeyes launch into Big Ten play with a home matchup against No. 25 Illinois, followed by a trip to Kinnick Stadium to take on No.
17 Iowa - a place where dreams go to die if you’re not ready for the grind. Then comes a sneaky-tough home game against Maryland, a team that’s been known to play spoiler when you least expect it.
But the game that everyone’s circling? October 17 in Bloomington.
**Ohio State at No. 1 Indiana.
** Yes, Indiana - the defending national champions - are sitting atop the mountain, and the Buckeyes are coming to their house. Ryan Day is 1-1 against Curt Cignetti, and this one could be the rubber match that defines the Big Ten race.
Expect intensity, expect fireworks, and expect national attention.
The Buckeyes get a much-needed bye week after that heavyweight clash, but the hits keep coming. Back-to-back matchups against No.
21 USC in Los Angeles and No. 4 Oregon in Columbus will test every ounce of this team’s depth and resolve.
The Trojans bring speed and flash, while Oregon’s physicality and balance make them a brutal November opponent.
If Ohio State can navigate that stretch, they’ll still have to stay focused. Northwestern comes to town in mid-November - a classic trap game sandwiched between two road trips. After that, it’s off to Lincoln to face Nebraska, a team that’s been steadily improving and always brings the energy at home.
And then, of course, it’s The Game.
November 28. Ohio State vs.
No. 22 Michigan.
No matter the records, no matter the stakes, this one always matters. But in 2026, it could decide more than just bragging rights - it could be the final hurdle before a Big Ten title shot or a College Football Playoff berth.
So, if you’ve ever questioned Ohio State’s strength of schedule, this year puts that conversation to bed. Seven ranked opponents.
Road trips to Texas, Iowa, Indiana, USC, and Nebraska. Heavyweights like Oregon and Michigan waiting late in the season.
The Buckeyes aren’t just trying to get back to the top - they’re trying to climb Everest in full pads. And if they make it, there won’t be any doubt: they’ll have earned every step of the way.