Ohio State’s offense is bringing back serious firepower in 2026-and that should have the rest of the Big Ten on high alert.
After a 12-0 regular season that ended with a stumble in the Big Ten Championship and a tough loss in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, the Buckeyes are reloading with continuity on their side. Eight of 11 starters from last year’s offense are back, and that kind of returning experience is gold in college football, especially when you’re talking about a unit that already ranked among the best in the nation.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t the most explosive Ohio State offense we’ve seen in the last decade, but it was still plenty potent. The Buckeyes averaged 422.6 yards and 33.4 points per game-good for 26th and 21st nationally. That level of production, paired with the kind of talent they’re bringing back, sets the stage for a group that could take a significant step forward this fall.
At the center of it all is quarterback Julian Sayin. The Heisman finalist lived up to the hype in his first season as a starter, showing poise, accuracy, and the kind of decision-making that makes coaches sleep better at night. Sayin’s return gives the Buckeyes a clear leader and a true difference-maker under center.
Joining him in the backfield is Bo Jackson, a physical, downhill runner who brings balance to the offense. Jackson’s ability to churn out tough yards and keep defenses honest was a key part of last year’s success-and with another offseason under his belt, he’s primed for an even bigger role.
Out wide, Jeremiah Smith is back after a Biletnikoff Award finalist campaign. Smith’s combination of size, speed, and route-running polish makes him a nightmare for opposing secondaries. He’s the kind of receiver who forces defensive coordinators to game-plan around him-and even then, it might not be enough.
Up front, the Buckeyes return two critical pieces in center Carson Hinzman and left tackle Austin Siereveld. Hinzman brings stability and leadership to the middle of the line, while Siereveld anchors the blind side with a physical edge and solid technique. In a conference known for trench warfare, having experienced linemen like these is non-negotiable.
But it’s not just the returning stars who make this offense intriguing-it’s the next wave of talent ready to break out. Receiver Brandon Inniss is a name to watch.
He flashed big-play ability in limited snaps last season and should see a much larger workload in 2026. Tight end Bennett Christian is another player poised for a bigger impact.
Known more for his blocking early in his career, Christian has developed into a reliable target in the passing game and could become a key safety valve for Sayin.
On the offensive line, Ian Moore is expected to step into a more prominent role. He’s got the frame, the footwork, and the upside to be a major contributor, especially as the Buckeyes look to solidify the right side of the line.
As we move through the offseason, one of the most telling indicators of Ohio State’s offensive outlook is the sheer volume of experience returning. Snap counts from last season-tracked by Pro Football Focus-offer a clear picture of where these players lined up and how often they were on the field. That data doesn’t just reflect experience; it helps project where these returning Buckeyes will fit in 2026 and how the coaching staff might shape the offense around them.
A deeper dive into the defensive side of the ball is coming later this week, but for now, it’s clear: Ohio State’s offense isn’t starting from scratch. With a Heisman-caliber quarterback, elite skill talent, and a veteran offensive line, the Buckeyes are built to contend-and possibly to dominate.