Ohio State Buckeyes are projected as the No. 1 seed for the 2026 College Football Playoff following their success in the inaugural 12-team playoff in 2024. The team is led by Heisman finalist QB Julian Sayin and features a formidable offense with standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Despite losing key defensive players to the NFL, the Buckeyes return 71% of their offensive production. However, they face a challenging schedule, including five tough road games against ranked opponents.

By the Numbers
  • Ohio State's offense ranked 5th in the Big Ten last season, averaging 33.4 points per game.
  • The Buckeyes have a 73% chance to make the Playoff, placing them third nationally behind Notre Dame and Oregon.
State of Play
  • Ohio State's offense retains 71% of its production from last year.
  • The defense returns only 50% of its production, ranking 78th in the nation for returning defensive talent.
What's Next

The Buckeyes must navigate a challenging schedule featuring several ranked teams. If they achieve a 12-1 record and win the Big Ten championship, they will be strong contenders for the No. 1 overall seed in the playoff.

Bottom Line

Ohio State is in a strong position to dominate the 2026 season, but their playoff aspirations hinge on the performance of a restructured defense and their ability to overcome a grueling schedule. Success will require significant improvement from the defense and consistency in their offensive output.