In college football, preseason rankings always stir up debate, and Phil Steele’s top-40 list is no exception. For 2026, Steele has Ohio State at No. 3, which says a lot about their depth and potential.
Notre Dame grabs the top spot, with Georgia right behind. The Buckeyes face a tough schedule, too, with games against Texas, Indiana, and Oregon looming.
Ohio State’s High Ranking and Key Players
Landing at No. 3 in Steele’s rankings, Ohio State’s roster looks stacked and ready for a big year. Steele points to their strong NIL game and an offense that could easily be among the best in the country.
Quarterback Julian Sayin leads the charge, with Bo Jackson at running back and Jeremiah Smith catching passes. The offensive line? Veterans like Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, and Carson Hinzman bring experience—91 career starts between them.
Offensive Strengths
The Buckeyes’ offense looks scary—plenty of veterans, but also some rising stars. Some highlights:
- Julian Sayin: Talented quarterback with the poise to lead this team.
- Bo Jackson: Electric running back who could be a real difference-maker.
- Jeremiah Smith: Receiver with the kind of talent that turns heads (and maybe breaks some records).
There’s depth, too. Behind Jackson, they’ve got Isaiah West, Ja’Kobi Jackson, and Legend Bey ready to step in. The receivers’ room is crowded with talent: Brandon Inniss, Chris Henry Jr., Devin McCuin, Kyle Parker, and Brock Boyd.
Defensive Outlook
The offense gets a lot of attention, but the defense shouldn’t be overlooked. Even after losing seven players to the draft—three in the top 11 picks, no less—they’re expected to stay strong under coordinator Matt Patricia.
Steele thinks the Buckeyes will still put out a top-10 defense, building on last year’s No. 1 marks in total and scoring defense.
Challenges and Road Games
Ohio State’s schedule is no cakewalk. Road games at Texas, Iowa, Indiana, and USC are going to test them in ways that don’t always show up in the rankings.
But honestly, with this much depth and experience, you’d have to like their chances to weather the storm.
Broader Implications for College Football
Steele’s rankings offer a peek at how wild the 2026 season could get. With Notre Dame and Georgia holding the top two spots, it’s shaping up to be a fight at the top.
Ohio State at No. 3? Feels like they’re ready to crash the party and maybe even shake up the whole playoff picture.
Other Top Contenders
Steele’s top-40 isn’t short on heavy-hitters:
- Texas: Sitting at No. 4, and a big test for Ohio State.
- Indiana: No. 5, and another tough matchup.
- Oregon: At No. 6, rounding out the group of main threats.
Throw in Miami, Alabama, USC—it’s going to be a wild ride. Every week could feel like playoff football.
The Future of Ohio Stadium
Off the field, athletic director Ross Bjork has been talking about what comes next for Ohio Stadium. Naming rights aren’t a priority, but he hasn’t ruled them out for the future.
Bjork wants a real plan for the stadium—mechanical, electrical, and experience upgrades all in the mix.
Jersey Patches and Sponsorships
It sounds like sponsor patches on jerseys are coming soon, maybe even this season. College football’s moving in that direction, whether fans are ready or not.
Honestly, fans might get used to it pretty quickly, just like they did with the Safelite Field logos. Change is coming, for better or worse.
Conclusion
Ohio State sits at No. 3 in Phil Steele’s preseason top-40, which says a lot about the team’s potential and depth. It’s a nod to the Buckeyes’ strong offense and their defense, which has shown some real grit.
The schedule ahead? Not exactly a walk in the park. Still, that’s part of what makes the season so interesting for fans.
College football keeps changing—new sponsorships, maybe even stadium naming rights up for grabs. Through it all, Ohio State stays right in the thick of things.
If you’re curious about the full rankings or just want to dig deeper into what Steele thinks, the full article is here.
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