When it comes to preseason All-American teams, it’s always a blend of projection, production, and pedigree. And heading into 2026, Ohio State has no shortage of talent that checks all three boxes.
The Buckeyes are once again stacked with players who not only have the résumé but also the spotlight to make serious noise on the national stage. Let’s break down who’s already in the mix - and who could crash the party.
The Lock: Jeremiah Smith
Let’s not overthink this - Jeremiah Smith is as close to a preseason All-American lock as it gets. He’s not just a returning star; he’s already put up numbers that would make most receivers dream of postseason honors, let alone preseason ones.
After torching defenses in 2024 with 76 catches, 1,315 yards, and 16 touchdowns, Smith followed it up in 2025 with 87 grabs for 1,243 yards and 12 scores. And keep in mind - he did that while drawing top billing on every defensive coordinator’s whiteboard.
Double teams, bracket coverage, press-man with safety help - none of it mattered. He still produced.
Smith brings the full package: elite production, highlight-reel moments, and a name that resonates across the college football landscape. In an Ohio State offense that lives on national TV and thrives on explosive plays, he’s the headliner. If there’s one Buckeye you can write in ink on a preseason first team, it’s Jeremiah Smith.
The Quarterback in the Fight: Julian Sayin
Julian Sayin has the numbers, the accolades, and the spotlight - all the ingredients that typically lead to preseason All-American nods. He was firmly in the Heisman conversation last season and wrapped up the year with a second-team AP All-American selection. That’s not just hype - that’s hardware.
Statistically, Sayin had the kind of season that voters gravitate toward: 3,610 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, just 8 interceptions, and a blistering 77% completion rate. Efficient, explosive, and consistent - he checked all the boxes.
But here’s the challenge: quarterback is always a crowded field. And 2026 will be no different.
Names like Arch Manning are already floating around in preseason conversations, and there’s only so much room at the top. Still, Sayin is firmly in the mix.
Even if he starts on some second-team lists, another season in the Heisman hunt could easily push him into first-team territory.
The Trench Anchor: Austin Siereveld
In the trenches, familiarity and reliability go a long way - and that’s where Austin Siereveld enters the chat. He started all 14 games at left tackle in 2025 and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors along the way. For preseason voters, that kind of continuity and recognition matters.
Siereveld’s versatility is also a major asset. If Ohio State opts to slide him back inside to guard - a position many see as his natural fit - that could actually help his All-American case.
Interior offensive line spots can be more open depending on the national depth in a given year. Either way, he’s the Buckeye lineman with the clearest path to preseason honors.
Defensive Backs to Watch
Preseason accolades in the secondary often hinge on visibility and counting stats - picks, pass breakups, big moments in big games. That can make it tough for some deserving players to get early recognition, but Ohio State’s defensive backfield has a few names worth watching.
Earl Little Jr. brings proven experience from the ACC, while Terry Moore arrives with all-conference credentials that could translate quickly if the Buckeyes’ defense hits elite form again. Both have the kind of résumé that can generate preseason buzz, especially if spring practices and early projections highlight their impact.
Then there’s Jermaine Matthews Jr., a corner with All-American talent who might not get All-American votes - at least not yet. Cornerbacks often need signature moments in marquee matchups to get national attention. Matthews has the skillset to deliver those, and if he does, his name could climb fast.
The Backfield Breakout: Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson wasted no time making a name for himself, racking up over 1,000 yards as a freshman. That’s a strong foundation heading into year two, but the running back field is always loaded with returning stars and gaudy stat lines.
Preseason teams tend to lean toward backs with massive yardage and touchdown totals, especially those who’ve already built up national hype. Jackson is on the radar, no doubt.
And if Ohio State is viewed as a top-tier title contender - which they will be - he’ll be in every preseason conversation. He might not crack the first team out of the gate, but he’s right there in the mix.
The Dark Horse: Connor Hawkins
If there’s a surprise All-American candidate in Columbus, it could be the kicker. Yes, seriously.
Connor Hawkins transferred in from Baylor and brings a strong résumé with him: 18-of-22 on field goals (81.8%), perfect on extra points (37-for-37), and 3-of-4 from 50-plus, including a long of 54 yards. That’s the kind of leg that turns heads - especially when it’s paired with a high-profile team.
Kickers don’t always get preseason love, but when they do, it’s usually because they’ve already proven they can hit from distance and they’re in position to deliver in high-pressure moments. Hawkins checks both boxes. If his consistency and range carry over to spring and summer buzz, don’t be surprised if his name starts showing up on watch lists.
So, How Many First Teamers?
Right now, Jeremiah Smith is the clear-cut favorite to land on every preseason first team list. After that, Julian Sayin and Austin Siereveld are the most likely to join him, depending on how the quarterback and offensive line fields shake out nationally.
The rest of the Buckeyes? They’re right on the fringe - and that’s not a knock.
That’s how deep and talented this roster is. Ohio State had four players land on the AP First Team in 2025.
That kind of national recognition doesn’t just disappear - it tends to carry over into the following year’s preseason conversations.
If the Buckeyes are once again viewed as a legitimate national title threat (and they will be), don’t be surprised if a few more names break through by the time the season kicks off. The spotlight’s already there. Now it’s just a matter of who steps into it.