Ohio State Buckeyes Football: 2026 Offensive Preview

Ohio State is absolutely loaded on offense as they head into the 2026 season. They have established veterans and exciting newcomers. They also have a wide receiver who might be the best player in the nation and a returning Heisman finalist at quarterback. The team has a difficult schedule and might drop a couple of games, but one thing is for certain. They will score a lot of points.

The Buckeyes have started practice, and there are some surprises on the offensive side of the ball. First, a freshman who rushed for 1,095 yards might be unseated at tailback. Second, a transfer wide receiver may start in a crowded Buckeye wide receiver room. How many games do you think Ohio State will win in 2026?

Ohio State 2026 Offensive Preview

It is not certain at this point how many games Ohio State will win this season, but one thing is for certain: the Buckeyes are going to score a lot of points. We should start with the most important offensive player, the quarterback. He touches the ball on every possession.

Quarterback

At quarterback, Ohio State is fortunate to have Heisman finalist, as a freshman, Julian Sayin returning. He is experienced and has proven to be very accurate. Tavion St. Clare is the backup, but he is being pushed in training camp by third-stringer Luke Fahey. Justin Martin provides experienced depth.

Before moving on, we should mention the Buckeyes are set at this position for the foreseeable future. Brady Edmonds and Christopher Vargas are in the pipeline. When you consider that Ohio State has good backups, good recruits, and a proven ability to attract experience depth at the position.

Wide Receiver

At wide receiver, Ohio State has probably the best player in the nation in Jeremiah Smith. He has said that the wide receiver room is as deep as he has seen in his career. Starting with him will likely be returner Brandon Inness. The third receiver could be Devin McCuin. He has the speed to stretch the defense and become a serious deep threat. Kyle Parker and freshmen Bock Boyd and Chris Henry Jr. are among the many who provide depth.

Tight End

Ohio State has historically not used their tight ends; however, that may change this year with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Nate Roberts returns and should start. He will likely be backed up by transfer Hunter Welching. Another transfer, Mason Williams, could be the third-string tight end. Christian Bennett returns and should play on the fourth string.

Running Back

There is a budding surprise at running back for Ohio State. Last year, Bo Jackson ran for 1,095 yards as a freshman. He should be the clear first-string rusher. However, Iasiah West came to camp in great shape and has been running well. He may start. Transfer in, 7th year back, Ja’Kobi Jackson provides depth at this volatile position. Legend Bey is a freshman who could get some snaps lining up in the slot and coming out of the backfield for the Bucks. He has run into some problems early in training camp; however, when he touches the ball, he is a touchdown waiting to happen.

Offensive Line

The offensive line for Ohio State is interesting. It is deep and experienced, returning over 90 starts. However, they were manhandled at the end of the season by both Indiana and Miami. Some combination of Ian Moore, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Austin Siereveld, and Phillip Danielson should start. Though they have moved around a lot in training camp, Siereveld got hurt.

Conculsion

This group of players will give the Buckeyes an explosive offense. They have the star power to outscore the tough opponents on their schedule. They might not outscore everyone in a challenging schedule. Therefore, their defense must play well. It is to a preview of that unit we turn next.