3 Ohio State Players Facing the Most Pressure as Fall Camp Begins

Fall camp is officially underway for the Ohio State Buckeyes, which means the start of the 2026 season is right around the corner.

Every player on the roster has work to do over the next month, but a few names will be under a brighter spotlight than the rest. These are the three players facing the most pressure as camp begins.

1. Running Back Bo Jackson

Few players in college football will carry as much weight on their shoulders this season as Bo Jackson.

After a solid but inconsistent freshman year, Jackson showed enough early production to earn the starting job by Week 3. He delivered several strong performances, including multiple 100-yard games as a backup, but also experienced stretches where the explosive burst that won him the job seemed to disappear. He regained some momentum late in the regular season before struggling again in the postseason.

Now entering his sophomore year with the full confidence of the coaching staff, Jackson’s performance could shape the trajectory of his career. A true breakout season that places him among the top running backs in the country would put him on a fast track toward a high draft selection as early as after his junior year. A step back, however, could damage his stock — especially with talented younger backs like Isaiah West pushing for opportunities.

2. Quarterback Julian Sayin

Julian Sayin’s sophomore season carries major implications for both his NFL future and Ohio State’s championship hopes.

As a freshman, Sayin delivered a stellar campaign that made him a Heisman Trophy candidate and led the nation in completion percentage. That performance already projected him as a future NFL player. This year, the focus shifts to proving he belongs in the conversation as a potential first-round — or even first-overall — pick.

Sayin also feels the weight of unfinished business after last season’s playoff exit. Beyond personal goals, his play will directly impact the production of star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who is already viewed as one of the best receivers in college football. A strong year from Sayin would help elevate Smith’s legacy even further. Looking ahead, Sayin’s junior season will likely be more difficult once Smith moves on, making success in 2026 especially important.

3. Defensive End Kenyatta Jackson Jr.

The hype around Kenyatta Jackson Jr. reached new heights last offseason, when many projected him as a potential successor to the likes of Chase Young and the Bosa brothers as Ohio State’s next elite pass rusher.

Injuries slowed his start to the 2025 season, and while he showed flashes, he never fully broke out in the way many expected. Instead of declaring for the NFL Draft, Jackson returned for his senior year with a clear purpose.

He has already emerged as a vocal leader of the defense during the offseason and is expected to be the heart of a younger defensive line this fall. Strong production from the front will reflect directly on his leadership and individual performance. Jackson will be under a microscope as he tries to prove he can stay healthy and reach the high ceiling that once seemed inevitable.

Why These Three Matter Most Right Now

Bo Jackson, Julian Sayin, and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. each enter fall camp with different forms of pressure — developmental expectations, NFL projection, and leadership responsibility. How they respond over the next month and into the regular season will go a long way in determining both their individual futures and Ohio State’s ceiling in 2026.

Camp is just beginning. The next few weeks will offer the first real clues about which of these players is ready to meet the moment.