Ohio State the season came to a shocking and premature end in the quarter-finals of the tournament. College football playoffs. Losing back-to-back games after starting the season an incredible 12-0 won't sit well with the fans in Columbus. However, the future looks bright for Columbus as the Buckeyes are expected to once again have one of the most talented rosters in the country in 2026.
The Buckeyes (12-2) failed to repeat as national champions, something that is clearly becoming increasingly difficult to achieve in this new era of sports, but don't be surprised if Ryan Day's team finishes in the top three in the preseason polls next season. The Buckeyes, who have qualified for the CFP in five of the last seven seasons, will return a ton of talent on offense but will be forced to rebuild on defense for the second straight offseason after several former role players emerged as superstars at pillars such as safety. Caleb Downs.
However, the Big Ten is as tough as ever. Michigan And Penn State — the Buckeyes' two biggest rivals — will undergo significant changes under new head coaches. Plus, there is Indianathe defending Big Ten champion, who broke out this season by defeating the Buckeyes in the conference title game.
But Ohio State will likely be the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten.
Ryan Day faces new unnecessary pressure
Ryan Day's record is a fantastic 82-12, but he will face unnecessary pressure after losing back-to-back games to end the season.
The Buckeyes' four-game winning streak in the CFP is over, and critics will be looking for new chinks in Day's armor only after he seemed to silence “big play” criticism last season by winning the national championship. He deserves grace, but he failed to beat Indiana in the Big Ten championship game and failed to reach the conference title game in 2024 after losing to rival Michigan. The Buckeyes haven't won the Big Ten since 2020.
The good news is that Day finally beat Michigan to end the regular season, ending a four-year losing streak, but Ohio State fans expect nothing but the best from Columbus. They're hungry for titles, and missing a Big Ten title and losing the first game of the CFP raises more questions about Day as a big-game coach. It's not fair. He is an elite coach. Still, questions will arise, especially after Ohio State scored just 14 points and Day called a foul in the quarterfinals.
How does Day handle the pressure? Does it motivate him more? Does he make any amendments?
The country's best players return to attack
Youth is the best gift. Defender Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith they are expected to return next season as they are not yet eligible to participate in the tournament. NFL Draft.
Sain completed nearly 80% of his passes during his first full season as a starter and could (should?) be the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy when the season starts. He also has his best weapon back: Smith, who will undoubtedly be motivated after being left out of the Heisman Trophy conversation at the end of the 2025 season.
He topped 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight season, but his production fell even as his targets increased as he averaged nearly two more catches per game than his freshman year.
Recipient Carnell Tate expected to leave for NFLand could be the first receiver to be selected in April.
Up to eight starters could return on offense, including four offensive linemen. This offensive line has been incredible for most of the season, allowing only six sacks in 12 games, but then allowed 10 combined sacks in losses to Indiana and Indiana. Miami to end the season. If this offense isn't ranked in the top five next season, something is seriously wrong.
Another rebuild in defense
Most of Ohio State's starting defense is expected to head to the NFL Draft, including Thorpe Award winner Caleb Downs.
It can't be overstated how impressive this defense has been despite losing eight starters from the 2024 team. Five defensemen earned All-America honors, proving just how deep this roster can be each season.
Will the trend of simply rebooting top-5 defenses continue? It won't be as “easy” as in 2025. First-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has retooled the defense admirably, but with proven backups stepping up in the fall, the Buckeyes will likely have to turn to the portal for some big plays in the trenches.
Loss of American linebackers Sonny Stiles And Bill Reese as intimidating as Downs and the defender Davison Igbinosun at the rear end. Reese was the heart of the defense, and he was arguably the most important piece to replace. The future will be determined by the underclassmen, such as the linebackers. Payton Pierce And Riley Pettyjohnwho were both former four-star prospects.
The defensive line will be revamped with all-American tackling. Kayden McDonald probably destined for the first round and edge Jackson Jr.. And Kayden CurryThe team's leaders (17.5 overall) are projected to be selected in the first three rounds. The Buckeyes could quickly reboot here through the transfer portal but lack proven depth in the starting lineup. The thought here is that the Buckeyes could go after as many as three linemen/edge rushers.
Senior man in red shirt Beau AtkinsonA North Carolina transfer could make a difference on defense, but depth is an issue heading into the portal season.
Who's next in OC?
Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline has played a critical role in Ohio State's success on the field and in the recruiting process. He is leaving to become the head coach at South Florida after eight seasons with the Buckeyes.
Hartline signed eight five-star wide receivers during his time in Columbus. Most of these blue chips have turned into household names and first-round draft picks. He signed at least 12 receivers ranked in the top 10 at their position in the country, including five No. 1 overall picks, according to 247Sports.
Who does Day hire to replace him as CEO? Hartline stepped aside to focus on receivers in the CFP. Will Day continue to simply call games next fall like he did in the postseason?
More importantly, who is Ohio State's wide receiver recruiter?
