COLUMBUS — In just a few days, Ohio State will begin another season carrying the weight of enormous expectations.
Nothing new there.
The Buckeyes enter 2026 ranked No. 1 in the country and with as much talent as any roster in college football. Julian Sayin returns after a historic season, Jeremiah Smith may (read: is) already be the nation's best player, and Ryan Day has assembled another roster capable of competing for every championship available.
As always, talent alone guarantees nothing, as Ohio State learned the hard way last season—and dozens of seasons before it.
With that in mind, here are my three predictions for the 2026 Buckeyes.
1. Julian Sayin Wins the Heisman Trophy
Julian Sayin came painfully close a year ago.
This year I think he finishes the job, largely because he couldn't last year.
Quarterbacks generally make their biggest leap after experiencing disappointment. Last season gave Sayin plenty of highs, but it also gave him two games that will stick with him throughout the offseason. Great players have a way of turning those moments into motivation.
Just as importantly, Sayin is surrounded by perhaps the nation's best collection of offensive talent. Jeremiah Smith is already one of college football's elite receivers, the Buckeyes return an experienced offensive line, and Arthur Smith's arrival should help create an offense that's even more balanced than it was a year ago.
If Ohio State plays deep into January, I believe Sayin will be standing in New York holding college football's most prestigious individual award.
2. Jeremiah Smith Will Be the Best Player in College Football
This prediction feels almost as unfair as it is obvious.
Jeremiah Smith has already shown he can take over games against the nation's best competition. Every defense Ohio State faces this season will build its game plan around slowing him down. But that is nothing new, nor do I think it will matter.
The scary part isn't how good Smith already is. It's that he's still getting better.
Whether he's making impossible catches look routine, stretching defenses vertically or turning short completions into explosive plays, I believe Smith will finish the season as the best player in college football regardless of position.
Bonus Prediction: Smith becomes a Heisman finalist alongside Sayin.
3. Ohio State Wins the National Championship
Yes, I'm predicting another title.
Not because Ohio State is perfect. It isn't.
The defensive line has questions to answer, special teams still need to prove they can consistently flip field position—not to mention make kicks when they matter most—and the schedule is anything but forgiving.
But championship teams are built around elite quarterback play, difference-makers on the outside and strong line play. Ohio State checks every one of those boxes.
There will be moments this season where Buckeye fans panic. There always are. A slow quarter, an upset scare or perhaps even a loss along the way will inevitably lead to declarations that the season is over.
Don't buy it.
The expanded College Football Playoff has changed the sport. Perfection is no longer the goal. Peaking in December and January is.
I believe that's exactly what Ohio State will do, and unlike last year, they will be completely battle-tested heading into the most important part of the year.
The lessons Ohio State learns, and earns in November will become the answers it needs to the tests in January.