Ohio State Buckeyes Ranked Third in Lindy's CFB 2026 Preseason Rankings

Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for the 2026 season, and according to Lindy's Sports College Football preview, they're ranked third behind Oregon and Texas. Ryan Day's team lost a lot of talent to the NFL last year, but with Heisman-capable talents like Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, they're expected to make another run towards a College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes started 12-0 last season but ended with a two-game losing streak, giving them an angry edge heading into the fall. Lindy's believes replicating the impact of three first-round picks on defense could be a problem for coordinator Matt Patricia, unless Power 4 transfers like James Smith and Qua Russaw pan out. The top ten rankings also include Notre Dame, Indiana, Georgia, and Michigan, who's listed at No. 16. Ohio State opens the season at home against Ball State on Saturday, Sept. 5. The schedule is daunting, but if the Buckeyes make the College Football Playoff again, it will be well earned. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are expected to create a weekly highlight reel, and their numbers will soar as they continue to develop their pitch-and-catch duo. The Buckeyes have a long road ahead, but with their talented roster and experienced coaching staff, they're poised to make a deep run in the playoffs. And with the College Football Playoff expansion on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever. But for now, the focus is on the upcoming season, and Ohio State is ready to take on the challenge. The team's first game is just a few months away, and fans are eagerly awaiting the kickoff. Ohio State's recruiting class is also looking strong, with several top prospects committing to the program. The future is bright for the Buckeyes, and this season is shaping up to be an exciting one.