Ohio State faces its toughest schedule yet in 2026. Here are three critical areas that could define the Buckeyes’ season and playoff hopes.

The Buckeyes enter the 2026 season with little margin for error. A grueling schedule, defensive turnover, and questions along the offensive line will test Ohio State’s depth from the opening weeks of the season through the playoff push.

With six preseason ranked opponents on the schedule, including four on the road, Ohio State will need more than star power to navigate the season. Three areas in particular could determine how far Ryan Day’s team goes.

Offensive Line

Yes, it’s been talked about ad nauseam. However, there is good reason for that. The two most recent games Ohio State played in revealed several issues on the line. With a schedule that will feature plenty of formidable defensive lines, including Colin Simmons and the Longhorns in week two, the line play will need to be buttoned up.

It isn’t lost on Ryan Day as to how important this is. After all, he’s been asked about the offensive line in every media availability he’s had. Most recently, Coach Day stated that Austin Siereveld has been working exclusively at right guard and that he sees Austin as “an NFL guard.” With that, Ian Moore seems to be locking down the left tackle spot. This is, of course, subject to change.

Regardless of who starts, the overall play and communication must show noticeable improvement. O-Line coach Tyler Bowen will have even more of a microscope on him to see just how much influence he has had in his unit this offseason. With the experience of four returning starters and a full offseason, Bowen has ample opportunity to prove his worth.

Chemistry on Defense

Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia returned for another year with the Buckeyes. This time, he faces a different set of challenges after sending 7 starters to the NFL. Although Ohio State is no stranger to losing talent to the league, the caliber of talent and leadership lost this past season is arguably unmatched in program history.

Patricia and his staff were plenty busy in the portal as OSU acquired seven defensive players in the portal. For the most part, the additions are experienced and have proven production at a high level. The potential issue lies in assimilating all these new pieces alongside the players already developed in the program. This all must be done while upholding the Ohio State standard on defense, which finished as the nation’s top-ranked defense last year.

Matt Patricia’s coaching pedigree combined with the way the players respond to him bodes well for the Buckeyes. The depth also stands out across the defense, with versatile athletes like Earl Little Jr. and Christian Alliegro. Even with the change, the players seem to buy in and gel well as a unit, but it’s still camp.

As Ryan Day says, “there’s no rebuilding of anything around here.” This year’s defense is no exception.

Pass Rush

With senior captain Kenyatta Jackson heading the rush men this year, the coaching staff has been eager for another edge threat to emerge. Much has been made about the work that Beau Atkinson has put in. However, after recording a single sack in 2025, it’s hard to tell how the work will translate. Qua Russaw possesses the tools to be a threat, but he only had a pair of sacks in his two years in Alabama. Epi Sitanilei and Zion Grady show promise, but their lack of experience raises questions.

Considering the quarterbacks that OSU will face this year (Arch Manning, Josh Hoover, Dante Moore, Jayden Maiava, etc), the need for a dependable pass rush is paramount. Eddrick Houston has been a standout on the line during camp, but with him primarily playing a role on the interior, the Buckeyes can’t be dependent on him to rush the passer. In order to draw double teams away from Kenyatta Jackson, somebody must step up.

The depth and raw talent are evident up and down the roster. As Ohio State enters its first game-week preparation, these final evaluations by the coaching staff will be crucial. How Ryan Day decides to put together this puzzle will be intriguing to watch.

Join Us for TSB LIVE at DICK’s House of Sport’s Tailgate Takeover

Join us at DICK’s House of Sport in Polaris, OH, on Saturday, August 29, from 12-3 pm for a Tailgate Takeover to kick off football season! TSB LIVE returns for an on-site show with special guests previewing Ohio State’s 2026 season. You do not want to miss this event! Register here

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