Ohio State Buckeyes Face Challenges in 2026

The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for the 2026 season with a roster that has undergone significant turnover, particularly on the defensive side.

What happened to the defense?

The Buckeyes lost 11 players to the NFL Draft, including key members of the defense that was the best in the country last year.

This has raised questions about which position groups have the most to prove in 2026-27.

Who will step up on defense?

The linebacker position group has the most to prove next year, with Riley Pettijohn and Payton Pierce likely to fill the shoes of last year's top performers.

These two had some great experience last year in significant roles during blowout games.

What about the offense?

The Buckeyes offense has to step up next year, particularly after costing the team a chance at the National Championship last year.

Julian Sayin needs to be better, and the offensive line needs to improve.

Who will fill the wide receiver spots?

Behind Jeremiah Smith, there are major question marks about who will be the wide receivers two, three, and four, with Brandon Inniss, Kyle Parker, Devin McCuin, Chris Henry Jr., and Brock Boyd competing for spots.

The Buckeyes' next game is vs Ball State Cardinals on 2026-09-05, and they will look to prove themselves with new faces on both sides of the ball.

And with the expectation of getting back to the playoffs and making a run to the National Championship, the Buckeyes have a lot to prove.

So, the team will rely on players like Riley Pettijohn and Payton Pierce to step up and fill the gaps left by last year's departures.

But the offense also needs to improve, with Julian Sayin and the offensive line being key to the team's success.

The wide receiver position is also up for grabs, with several players competing for spots behind Jeremiah Smith.

The Buckeyes will look to make a statement in their next game and prove that they are still a top team in the country.