As the sun sets on the 2025 college football season, the Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for their 2026 campaign. With a disappointing end to last year's season, the team is determined to turn things around and reclaim their glory. The focus now shifts to the offensive starters who will lead the charge in the upcoming year.
Quarterback: Julian Sayin
In the quarterback position, Julian Sayin emerges as the clear leader. Sayin, the only returning Heisman Trophy finalist, had a productive first season as a starter in 2025, completing an impressive 77% of his passes and throwing for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His performance was a bright spot for the team, and he enters the offseason as the QB1. While backup Tavien St. Clair is ready to step in if needed, Sayin's experience and leadership make him the favorite to start the season.
Sayin's focus on improving his movement in the pocket and using his legs more could make him an even more dynamic playmaker. If he can build on his breakout season, he has the potential to be another star quarterback under Ryan Day. However, the competition remains fierce, and Sayin must continue to work hard to maintain his position.
Running Back: Bo Jackson
At running back, Bo Jackson has emerged as a key player. Last year, he was third or fourth on the depth chart, but he quickly proved his worth. By the fifth game, he became the starting running back, and he finished the year as the fifth true freshman in program history to rush for 1,000 yards. Despite missing spring practice due to a shoulder procedure, Jackson is now entrenched as the Buckeyes' starting running back.
Jackson's ability to make defenders miss and break tackles could make him a more dynamic playmaker this season. As a sophomore, he has the opportunity to build on his breakout season and become a more consistent threat. However, he will face competition from classmates Isaiah West and Florida transfer Ja'Kobi Jackson, as well as freshman Legend Bey.
Wide Receiver: X (Jeremiah Smith) and Z (Devin McCuin)
At wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith and Devin McCuin are the clear leaders. Smith, who has been the best wide receiver in college football since arriving at Ohio State, has caught 163 passes for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns in his first two seasons. Despite teams focusing their defenses on him, he still posted more than 1,200 yards and double-digit touchdowns for the second consecutive year in 2025.
NFL teams are already excited about the chance to draft Smith in 2027, and he is expected to have another stellar season. McCuin, a transfer from UTSA, has also shown promise, catching 152 passes for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns in three seasons. While McCuin has more experience at the Group of 5/6 level, he has also had productive games against top-tier teams.
The slot receiver position is secure for Brandon Inniss, who is expected to become a two-time captain this year. However, McCuin, Kyle Parker, and freshman Brock Boyd could also play this position, giving Ohio State some versatility among its receivers.
Tight End: Nate Roberts
At tight end, Nate Roberts will play his natural position and is in line to start. The former four-star prospect is a solid blocker and has good hands, as evidenced by his 42 receptions for 848 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior in high school. Roberts worked with the first-team offense all spring and earned praise from the staff for his performance.
While Roberts will start, expect Ohio State to play multiple tight ends again this season under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Returning players Bennett Christian and transfers Mason Williams and Hunter Welcing will rotate in, as they appear more effective at the tight end spot than in 2025.
Offensive Line: LT (Ian Moore), LG (Luke Montgomery), C (Carson Hinzman), RG (Austin Siereveld), and RT (Phillip Daniels)
On the offensive line, Ian Moore is a natural fit at tackle and could play either side. He was productive during Ohio State's spring practice, when the team battled offensive line injuries. Luke Montgomery, who took over at left guard last season, will start again, despite allowing the second-most pressures and the most sacks among offensive linemen. Carson Hinzman, who started at center for the Buckeyes to open the year, will mark his third start at the position.
Austin Siereveld's versatility has been important to the Scarlet and Gray offensive line over the last couple of years. He moved to left tackle last season when Ohio State didn't have a better option, where he performed well. Phillip Daniels, who earned the right tackle spot in the offseason, will start at right guard, despite leading the team in pressures allowed and giving up two sacks.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2026 season, the focus is on building on the disappointment of last year and reclaiming their glory. With a strong core of starters returning, the team is poised to make a run at another national championship. However, the competition remains fierce, and the team must continue to work hard to maintain its position at the top of the college football rankings.
