Football season is almost here for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and fall camp is right around the corner. With the 2026 college football campaign on the horizon, all eyes will turn to the practice fields in Columbus as Ryan Day and his staff fine-tune a roster loaded with talent and expectations. While returning stars like quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith will draw plenty of attention, several players stepping into larger roles for the first time could prove just as important.
These potential first-year starters represent the next wave of contributors who could lock down starting jobs and make an immediate impact. Fall camp will be their proving ground a chance to separate themselves in position battles, build chemistry, and show they are ready for the bright lights of the Big Ten and a potential College Football Playoff run. Here are three players Buckeye fans should keep a close eye on as practices ramp up.
1. Chris Henry Jr., Wide Receiver
Chris Henry Jr. arrives in Columbus with massive expectations as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. The five-star talent, standing 6-foot-5 and around 195 pounds, brings a rare combination of size, vertical ability, and route-running polish that has already turned heads.
During spring practices, Henry stood out as one of the most impressive newcomers. He showcased his deep-threat ability and willingness to work the middle of the field, including a standout spring game performance that featured multiple big catches and a long touchdown. With Carnell Tate departed for the NFL, a starting spot opposite Jeremiah Smith and alongside Brandon Inniss is very much up for grabs.
Henry has the physical tools to win contested catches and stretch defenses vertically, traits that fit perfectly in Ohio State’s explosive offense under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Fall camp will be critical for him to refine his understanding of the playbook, build timing with Sayin, and prove he can handle the physicality of Big Ten cornerbacks from day one. If he continues his rapid development, Henry could become the latest in a long line of true freshman receivers to make an instant impact in scarlet and gray. Fans should watch how he handles press coverage, his consistency in the red zone, and whether he earns first-team reps early in camp.
2. Ian Moore, Offensive Tackle
The offensive line returns a wealth of experience, but left tackle remains one of the more intriguing battles heading into the season. Redshirt sophomore Ian Moore has positioned himself as a strong candidate to claim a starting role after showing promise in limited action the previous year.
At 6-foot-6 and over 310 pounds, Moore has the frame and athleticism to protect the blind side. He stepped up effectively when called upon last season and used spring practices — when several veterans dealt with injuries — to gain valuable first-team reps. Multiple depth chart projections have him listed as the starting left tackle, a testament to the trust the coaching staff has developed in him.
Fall camp will determine whether Moore solidifies that spot or if competition from other linemen forces a shuffle. Key areas to monitor include his footwork against speed rushers, his ability to sustain blocks in the run game, and how he communicates with the interior line. A strong camp from Moore would give Ohio State continuity and reliability on the edge, something the unit struggled with at times late last season. His growth into a full-time starter could be one of the quieter but most important developments of the summer.
3. Devin Sanchez, Cornerback
On the defensive side of the ball, the secondary underwent significant change after several veterans moved on to the NFL. Sophomore Devin Sanchez has emerged as a leading candidate to step into a starting cornerback role opposite veteran Jermaine Mathews Jr.
Sanchez showed flashes of potential in previous seasons and now has a clear path to consistent playing time in Matt Patricia’s defense. At a position that demands consistency, physicality, and instincts, he has the tools to lock down receivers and contribute in run support. Projections have him as a starter, and fall camp will be his opportunity to prove he belongs in that role full-time.
Watch for Sanchez’s ability to stay disciplined in coverage, his tackling reliability, and how he handles the volume of snaps that come with a starting job. With new faces like transfer Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore also competing for secondary minutes, the competition will be fierce. A strong showing from Sanchez would help stabilize a secondary that lost key pieces and give the Buckeyes confidence heading into a challenging schedule.
Why These Players Matter Heading into Fall Camp
Ohio State enters the 2026 season with high expectations once again. A successful campaign will require more than just the established stars performing at a high level. It will demand contributions from players stepping into larger roles for the first time. Chris Henry Jr. offers playmaking upside on offense. Ian Moore provides stability up front. Devin Sanchez brings continuity and upside in the secondary.
Fall camp is where these battles will be decided. Coaches will evaluate consistency over flash, mental processing under pressure, and the ability to handle the physical toll of repeated practices. Injuries, scheme fits, and chemistry with teammates will also play major roles. Fans following practices and reports should pay special attention to first-team reps, how these players respond to coaching, and any special teams contributions that could further solidify their value.
The Buckeyes have the talent to contend for another Big Ten title and deep playoff run. How quickly these potential first-year starters settle into their roles could go a long way toward determining just how high this team can climb. As fall camp gets underway, these three names deserve extra attention they could be the difference-makers Ohio State needs in 2026.
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