With Week 1 just around the corner, Ohio State’s first look at its 2026 lineup is starting to come into focus. The Buckeyes open at home against Ball State as 49.5-point favorites, and the No. 1 team in the country will be trying to set the tone early on a run they hope ends with the program’s 10th national title.
Here’s where things stand after fall camp.
At quarterback, Julian Sayin is in front of Tavian St. Clair and Luke Fahey. That order gives Ohio State a clear starter heading into the opener, even if the depth behind him still carries plenty of interest.
Running back looks like one of the more fluid spots on the roster. Bo Jackson sits at the top, but Isaiah West got a heavy dose of work with the first group over the last few weeks, so this could be a true rotation right out of the gate.
Ja’Kobi Jackson, the former Gator, is also expected to mix in. Legend Bey rounds out the group.
The receiver room has plenty of bodies, but it may not have the same kind of top-heavy feel Ohio State has enjoyed in recent years behind Jeremiah Smith. Brandon Inniss is next in line, followed by Chris Henry Jr., Devin McCuinn, Kyle Parker and Brock Boyd. McCuinn and Parker, both transfers, are the names most likely to push for bigger roles.
Tight end is led by Nate Roberts, with Mason Williams and Hunter Welcing behind him.
Up front, the offensive line starts with Ian Moore at left tackle and Luke Montgomery at left guard. Carlos Hinzman is the center, Austin Siereveld is at right guard, and Phillip Daniels is at right tackle.
Jake Cook backs up at left guard, while Josh Padilla is the top reserve at center or guard. Siereveld could also kick out to tackle if the Buckeyes need help on the left side, where Moore is expected to get the first crack.
Ohio State’s defensive front is loaded with options. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is the headliner at defensive end, with Beau Atkinson, Qua Russaw, Zion Grady, Khary Wilder and Epi Sitanilei all in the mix.
Inside, James Smith and Eddrick Houston lead a group that also includes John Walker, Will Smith Jr., Jason Moore and Damari Simeon. That interior looks like the deepest spot on the team, with four players who could all factor as starters.
At linebacker, Payton Pierce is the name to watch from the start. Christian Alliegro, the incoming transfer, brings experience, while Riley Pettijohn should see plenty of snaps.
T.J. Alford, Cincere Johnson and Garrett Stover are also part of the rotation, and Johnson is already getting the “baby Arvell Reese” label.
The secondary has its own strong foundation, even after losing Caleb Downs. Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Devin Sanchez headline the cornerback group, with Dominick Kelly, Cal Calhoun and Jordan Thomas behind them.
Earl Little Jr. is listed first at nickelback, but true freshman Jay Timmons is expected to get a lot of work there too. Miles Lockhart is also in that mix.
At safety, Jaylen McClain and Terry Moore sit at the top, followed by Leroy Rocker III, Khmari Bing and Blaine Bradford.
Special teams will be worth watching closely. Connor Hawkins is the placekicker Ohio State is counting on to clean things up after last season’s struggles. Joe McGuire handles punting duties, and Dalton Riggs is the long snapper.
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