Ohio State has enough talent to make another CFP run, but struggles along either side of the line of scrimmage could quickly turn a championship caliber season into a much more uncertain one.
Yahoo Sports · August 28, 2026

Julian Sayin is entering his second season as the starter, Jeremiah Smith is arguably the best receiver in the country, Bo Jackson rushed for 1,090 yards as a freshman, and the defense still has elite talent at virtually every level. Not to mention the elite coaching staff in place as well.
But if Ohio State actually does end up missing the CFP, the most likely explanation may be much less glamorous: the Buckeyes simply get beaten up front.
The offensive line is the biggest immediate question. Ohio State returns plenty of experience, but last season showed that experience does not automatically translate into dominance against elite competition.
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