Ohio State opens its 2026 season at home against Ball State. The Silver Bulletin’s staff makes their predictions for the matchup.

Welcome back, College Football! Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes begin their 2026 campaign with championship expectations, because what other option is there in Columbus?

The Buckeyes are Big Ten and National Championship favorites, which seems crazy for a roster that’s had 25 NFL draft picks over the last two seasons and has 51 new players. Not to mention, Ohio State has a new offensive coordinator, its third in as many years.

Check out our day at The Shoe learning what’s new from the turf to concessions, and so much more ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/noS3DMg8JQ

— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) August 26, 2026

Still, the standard is the standard at Ohio State, and the Buckeyes are embracing it. Our team believes this will be an exciting group to watch and cover all season. So here is the first edition of TSB Staff Picks of the season as Ohio State hosts Ball State:

David:

The Buckeyes win with ease to open the season.

Ohio State 38, Ball State 3

Blake Biscardi:

It’s always a good day when Ohio State football is back. The scoreboard will reflect the Saturday morning Week 1 mood when it hits triple zeros. Julian Sayin and the wide receivers have a big day, but the ground game gets going as three running backs find their way into the end zone.

Saturday will also be the day of true freshmen, from Chris Henry Jr to Jay Timmons. At least two true freshmen will score a touchdown against the Cardinals. Ohio State overpowers Ball State and wins handily.

Ohio State 48, Ball State 3

Grant Kincaid:

Read Grant’s full game preview and prediction here.

Ohio State 59, Ball State 10

Dan Smyth:

The Shoe is dead silent, and the crowd is on edge. Ball State lines up for the kick. And it’s goooooood! The Cardinals have done it! They have shocked the football world today with a clutch 4th-quarter field goal! Ohio State wins 70-3.

Ohio State 70, Ball State 3

Josh Cassinger:

It’s been a long offseason since the Buckeyes lost to Miami on New Year’s Eve. Ohio State brings in 51 new faces. New Year, New Beginnings! Honoring Seniors and Jim Tressel is a great way to kick off the 2026 Season.

Ohio State 52, Ball State 6

Carson Hutton:

The Buckeyes cruise in the opener but step off the gas late in order to prepare for the high-stakes game at Texas in week two. The scarlet and gray get all of their young players and transfers into a rhythm, with Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith connecting on offense for two scores.

Matt Patricia’s defense forces two or three turnovers, and Legend Bey sets up good field position on special teams. Ohio State moves to 1-0, setting up a big-time clash with the Longhorns next week.

Ohio State 52, Ball State 6

AJ Mahoney:

It will be a blowout, of course, and I think you see the backups in after halftime. I think we need to look more closely at how the DL has rebuilt and who will take the keys from Sonny Styles at LB. We know Bo Jackson and Isaiah West have both been great this fall camp, so I’m interested to see how they split the workload. We also get to see who the QB2 is between Tavien St. Clair and Luke Fahey.

Ohio State 42, Ball State 7

Cody Croy:

I have the Buckeyes winning this one 42-0. Ultimately, I think Ryan Day will call off the dogs early in this one. Look out for Isaiah West and Jeremiah Smith in the end zone. Matt Patricia will have his men ready for a dominant performance defensively. 

Ohio State 42, Ball State 0

Alex Biscardi:

Arthur Smith will emphasize the running game, and Bo Jackson will find the end zone twice as a result. Isaiah West, Jeremiah Smith, and Chris Henry Jr. also score their first touchdowns of the season in a dominant win. I also think Legend Bey will make a few electrifying plays. The Buckeyes roll at home.

Ohio State 49, Ball State 3

Join Us for TSB LIVE at Hoggy’s BBQ on Sunday, September 6 to Preview Ohio State-Texas

Join us at Hoggy’s BBQ on Sunday, September 6, from 1-2 p.m. for a special edition of TSB LIVE to preview a massive Top 5 Week 2 showdown between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 5 Texas in Austin.

NEXT: Read Ohio State Football 2026 Season Predictions: TSB Staff Picks for the Buckeyes