As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for what could be a huge national title run in 2026, the buzz is already building. Seven Buckeye players just landed on the Athlon Sports 2026 Preseason All-American teams, which says a lot about how loaded this roster is.
Ohio State tied for the fourth-most selections in the country. That’s a pretty clear sign they’re not just participating—they’re aiming to take over college football this season.
Let’s take a closer look at these standout players and what their recognition might mean for the Buckeyes’ shot at glory.
Jeremiah Smith: The Electrifying Wide Receiver
Jeremiah Smith has been turning heads since he first suited up as a true freshman in 2024. Now he’s snagged first-team preseason All-American honors, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that.
Back in his freshman year, Smith broke Cris Carter’s 40-year-old Buckeye freshman receiving records—yeah, that’s a real stat—hauling in 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns on 76 catches. He didn’t slow down as a sophomore either, putting up 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and 12 scores.
Looking at 2026, Smith is right up there as a Biletnikoff Award favorite. He’s the clear centerpiece of this passing game, and let’s be real, Ohio State’s title hopes probably ride on his playmaking.
Julian Sayin: The Reliable Quarterback
Quarterback Julian Sayin grabbed second-team preseason All-American honors after a pretty stellar debut season as Ohio State’s starter. He came in from Alabama with a lot of hype, and honestly, he lived up to it.
Sayin completed 77% of his passes, throwing for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and just eight picks in 2026. That’s efficiency you just don’t see every day.
His steady hand and leadership have been exactly what this loaded offense needed. He might not always make headlines, but he keeps the machine running smooth when it matters.
Offensive Line Standouts: Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, and Carson Hinzman
The Buckeyes’ offensive line is stacked this year. Three guys earned preseason All-American nods, which tells you all you really need to know.
Austin Siereveld made the second team and has been huge for Sayin’s protection, shifting from right guard to left tackle without missing a beat. He’s the kind of lineman every quarterback wants watching their blind side.
Luke Montgomery and Carson Hinzman
Luke Montgomery and Carson Hinzman both landed on the fourth team. Montgomery started every game at left guard last year, and it looks like he’ll keep that spot locked down. Hinzman’s versatility—he can play center or guard—makes him the glue in the middle, which is never flashy but always important.
Bo Jackson: The Emerging Running Back
Bo Jackson’s rise has been quick. He’s now a third-team preseason All-American, which is wild considering he started last year as a backup.
Jackson took over the starting job just four games into 2025 and finished his freshman campaign with 1,090 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 179 carries. Not bad for a guy who wasn’t even supposed to be the top back at first.
Heading into 2026, Jackson’s expected to get even more touches. If he keeps finding ways to move the chains and hit paydirt, Ohio State’s offense is going to be tough to stop.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr.: The Defensive Force
Kenyatta Jackson Jr. rounds out the group, earning a fourth-team spot at defensive end. In his first year as a starter, he made a real impact, posting 28 tackles, 11 for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
He’s got a knack for getting into the backfield and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. If he keeps progressing, he could be the anchor for a defense that’s looking to be one of the Big Ten’s best.
Conclusion: Depth and Talent Fueling Ohio State’s 2026 Aspirations
Seven Buckeyes landed on the Athlon Sports 2026 Preseason All-American teams, which really says a lot about just how stacked Ohio State’s roster is right now. Names like Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin, Austin Siereveld, Bo Jackson, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. are all in the mix.
They’re a pretty exciting group, honestly, and it feels like the Scarlet and Gray have a real shot at chasing another national title. With the season creeping closer, the buzz just keeps growing—there’s something about this team that makes you want to see what’s next.
Curious for more? If you want the latest on Ohio State’s prep and player updates, check out 247sports for deeper dives and fresh news.
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