Ohio State QB Julian Sayin is returning for his junior season.

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Ohio State dominated the 2025 regular season from start to finish without breaking a sweat.

Dismantling teams with their methodical and efficient offense, and demoralizing them with a dynamic and stifling defense, they cruised to a flawless record and went to the Big Ten Championship as the betting favorites to keep on cruising to back-to-back National Championships.

However, they would lose to Indiana 13-10 in Indianapolis, and then they would lose again 24-14 to Miami, finishing the season with a 9.46 BiteScore (3rd overall). Its cautious and calculated approach that had worked all season was ultimately the reason for its demise.

So, after one of the most disappointing 12-2 season of all time, what is in store for the Buckeyes in 2026?

Despite losing 11 players to the NFL draft, including four in the first round, Ohio State returns 122 starts from last year’s team. It’s bringing back playmakers like sophomores Julian Sayin and Bo Jackson, and of course, Jeremiah Smith is back for his final college season. It returns three starters from the offensive line, including two All-Big Ten honorees in guard Luke Montgomery and tackle Austin Siereveld.

Outside the hashes is where the Buckeyes will need to find new production. Senior Brandon Inniss is the only returner who has seen opportunities besides Smith. Five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. will be asked to contribute immediately, along with Devin McCuin from UTSA and Kyle Parker from LSU, each of whom bring experience to the receiver room. Hunter Welcing from Northwestern and Mason Williams from Ohio rounds out their tight ends.

There are more question marks on the defensive side of the ball. Safety Jaylen McClain and corner Jermaine Matthews Jr. are the only consistent starters from 2025 to return. As a result, they will have to look to their pool of sophomores and their eight defensive transfers in what will be a major transition year for their defense.

Their schedule was on the weaker side in 2025, but that is not the case for 2026. They travel to Texas week 2 for the rematch of last year’s game. They also travel to Indiana, USC, and Iowa, and will also face Oregon at home. Last year method of keeping the training wheels on Sayin and putting it in cruise control will most likely not work this year, and the presumptive preseason No. 1 will have their work cut out for them in 2026.