Ohio State opens the 2026 season Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET against Ball State at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes are ranked No. 1 and enter the year with national title expectations.
That does not automatically mean this roster is better than last year’s team right now.
Last season Ohio State allowed 9.3 points per game and 219.1 yards per game, both No. 1 nationally. The offense was efficient with Julian Sayin completing 77 percent of his passes for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. This year’s team still has star power. It also has more unanswered questions, especially on defense.
Why the Defense Is the Biggest Question
Ohio State must replace eight defensive starters for the second straight year. The biggest losses are safety Caleb Downs and linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, three players who went in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The returning foundation is real. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is back on the edge. Jaylen McClain returns at safety. Payton Pierce steps into a larger linebacker role after posting 44 tackles last season. Matt Patricia is also back as defensive coordinator after last year’s historic unit.
The rest of the defense includes a large group of transfers and players who have not started for Ohio State. Christian Alliegro arrived from Wisconsin. Earl Little Jr. came from Florida State. Beau Atkinson, Eddrick Houston, Qua Russaw and others are expected to take on bigger snaps. Until those pieces prove themselves against Power Four competition, it is fair to say the defense is not clearly better than the 2025 group.
Why the Offense Should Be Ahead of Last Year
The offense has a stronger case.
Sayin is no longer a first-year starter. He finished fourth in Heisman voting, completed 77 percent of his passes, and has been named a captain. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the former Atlanta Falcons head coach, takes over play-calling.
Jeremiah Smith remains the centerpiece after 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. The question is who replaces Carnell Tate as the second featured receiver. Brandon Inniss, UTSA transfer Devin McCuin and freshman Chris Henry Jr. are the leading candidates. Until one of them consistently wins that job, the passing game still has a hole.
The running game looks more settled. Bo Jackson rushed for 1,090 yards as a freshman and is expected to be the lead back. Isaiah West returns as the complementary piece. Freshman Legend Bey adds another explosive option.
The offensive line also returns significant experience, including Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Ian Moore and Phillip Daniels.
What Week 1 Can and Cannot Answer
Ball State is not the measuring stick. Ohio State is a massive favorite in a first-time matchup with a 4-8 MAC team that is also breaking in a new quarterback.
The opener can show whether Jackson and West get going early, whether a second receiver emerges next to Smith, and whether the rebuilt defense can dominate a lesser offense. It cannot prove the Buckeyes are better than last year’s team.
That test arrives Sept. 12 at Texas.
The Bigger Picture
Ohio State does not need to be better than last year’s team in Week 1 to win the Ball State game. It does need answers before the schedule turns.
The offense has the talent and continuity to take a step forward. The defense has the coordinator and enough returning pieces to stay elite, but it also has more new names than last September. Until those names prove themselves, the honest answer is that this team is not clearly better than the 2025 Buckeyes — yet.
The next two weeks will start to change that, one way or the other.
13. FAQ Section
When does Ohio State open the 2026 season?
Saturday, Sept. 5 vs. Ball State at 12:30 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
Who did Ohio State lose on defense?
Eight starters, including first-round picks Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese.
Is Julian Sayin back as the starter?
Yes. He threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns last season.
Who replaces Carnell Tate?
That job is still open among Brandon Inniss, Devin McCuin and Chris Henry Jr.
When is the first true test?
Week 2 at Texas on Sept. 12.
Reader Question
Do you think the 2026 Buckeyes are better than last year’s team right now, or do they still have too many questions on defense?
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