Big Ten · 2026

Ohio State

2025 record 12–2 9–0 conference
Postseason Big Ten title L 10–13 vs Indiana; Cotton Bowl CFP QF L 14–24 vs Miami
Head coach Ryan Day
Scheme Spread Option / 4-2-5
Conference
A−

overall #1 + Portal #2 + 9–0 Big Ten floor; title-game / Cotton losses and defensive turnover keep it a hair under Indiana’s A

Portal
A−

Portal #2 (quality 17 commits, avg 88.88)

Depth
B+

Depth chart is deep; D replacement cycle is the variance

Market odds

To Win Big Ten
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 9.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #1 46 commits · 351.73 pts
Portal #2 17 commits· avg 88.88

Roster notes

Leading story

Julian Sayin is listed QB1 over Tavien St. Clair

Offense

RB Bo Jackson; WR Chris Henry Jr. (Fr — no 2025 line) / Jeremiah Smith / Brandon Inniss; TE Nate Roberts. OL: Ian Moore / Luke Montgomery / Carson Hinzman / Austin Siereveld / Phillip Daniels

Defense

Defense is portal-reinforced after heavy starter losses: Kenyatta Jackson Jr. / John Walker / James Smith / Beau Atkinson; Christian Alliegro / Payton Pierce; Jermaine Mathews Jr. / Jaylen McClain / Terry Moore / Devin Sanchez / Earl Little Jr

Key offense

  1. 01
    Julian Sayin QB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl/CFP): 301/391, 3,610 yds, 32 TD, 8 INT
  2. 02
    Jeremiah Smith WR
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl/CFP): 87 receptions, 1,243 yds, 12 TD
  3. 03
    Bo Jackson RB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl/CFP): 179 carries, 1,090 yds, 6 rushing TD
    • 19 receptions, 200 yds, 1 TD

Key defense

  1. 01
    Earl Little Jr. DB
    Portal
    • 2025: 76 tackles, 4 INT, 2 PD
  2. 02
    Kenyatta Jackson Jr. DE
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl/CFP): 28 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 2 PD
  3. 03
    Christian Alliegro LB
    Portal
    • 2025: 49 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 1 PD in 10 G