Ohio State Buckeyes
· 2026-06-29
The Ohio State Buckeyes will face Ball State Cardinals on September 5, 2026, in their next game.
The Buckeyes earned the No. 1 ranking after defeating Texas in Week 1 of the 2025 campaign.
They looked unstoppable until running into Indiana in the Big Ten championship.
The Hoosiers knocked off Ohio State 13-10 in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will have his hands full replacing seven starters for the upcoming season.
The offense should be in better shape in 2026, with quarterback Julian Sayin set to be a starter for his second season.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith should be the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
The Buckeyes will look to make a run for the CFP national championship this fall.
They will face tough opponents, including Texas, USC, and Oregon.
Ohio State at Texas on September 12 will be a key game, as the Longhorns will be a much more complete opponent than the team Ohio State beat in 2025.
The Buckeyes earned a 14-7 win at home against Texas in Week 1 last year.
Sayin went 13 of 20 passing for 126 yards and one touchdown in that game.
Ohio State at USC on October 31 could be tricky for head coach Ryan Day.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley is under enormous pressure to make the CFP this season.
Oregon at Ohio State on November 7 will be another crucial game, as the Ducks have their most loaded roster under head coach Dan Lanning.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore returned to Eugene to compete for a national title and boost his stock for the 2027 NFL Draft.
A win could put the Buckeyes on track to make the Big Ten Championship Game.
A loss could put their CFP hopes on the ropes.
The Buckeyes will need to be at their best to come out on top in these key games.
Their next game against Ball State Cardinals on September 5, 2026, will be a good test of their skills.
The team is looking strong, with a good mix of experienced players and new talent.
They will need to work together to achieve their goal of winning the Big Ten Championship.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are ready to take on the challenge and make a run for the CFP national championship.