Ohio State University’s football program is gearing up for what could be an electrifying season under head coach Ryan Day. There’s a mix of fresh coaching hires, experienced players coming back, and some new faces on the roster.
The Buckeyes are eyeing a push for their tenth national title. Let’s take a closer look at the changes and expectations as they get ready for the season ahead.
The Ryan Day Era: A Blend of Professional and Collegiate Expertise
Ryan Day heads into his eighth season determined to get Ohio State back to the top of college football. Last year’s early playoff exit stung more than a little.
Day made a bold move by bringing in veteran NFL offensive mind Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator. Smith’s been a head coach for the Atlanta Falcons and just finished running the offense for the Pittsburgh Steelers, so he’s got plenty of pro experience.
Transitioning from NFL to College Football
Smith will have to adjust to the college game, and Day knows it won’t be totally smooth. “When you go from coaching Aaron Rodgers to a college quarterback, you can certainly imagine what that has been like for Arthur,” Day said at Big Ten Football Media Days.
Day isn’t new to this kind of transition. He brought in NFL defensive coordinator Matt Patricia last season, and it worked out—three defensive players went in the first 11 picks of the 2026 NFL draft.
Standout Players: Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith
Fans are buzzing about the return of Julian Sayin, last year’s Big Ten Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year. Sayin, now a redshirt sophomore, passed for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns, leading the nation with a 77% completion rate.
Day has been quick to praise Sayin’s accuracy and leadership. He’s got that rare combination of talent and presence, both on and off the field.
Julian Sayin’s Leadership and Performance
Sayin knows how to get his teammates fired up and seems to really own his leadership role. “For Julian, you look for some traits that are extraordinary—the first being his accuracy,” Day noted. “He’s highly motivated and he really embraced this leadership role.”
Jeremiah Smith, a consensus All-American wide receiver, is back as a junior. Smith pulled in 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
He’s already racked up over 2,500 career yards and 27 touchdowns. Most folks think he’ll be one of the top picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Smith’s influence stretches beyond the field; Day thinks he could inspire future Buckeyes, too.
Jeremiah Smith’s Aspirations
Smith is keeping his eyes on the team’s big goals. “I’m really just about the team first,” Smith said. “My goals are a national championship.”
The connection between Sayin and Smith keeps getting stronger. They’re shaping up to be a tough duo for any defense to handle.
Defensive Overhaul: New Faces and Key Additions
With eight defensive starters gone, Ohio State isn’t exactly rebuilding—they’re reloading. Junior safety Jaylen McClain is stepping in to replace national champion Caleb Downs, who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.
Day says he’s confident McClain can handle the responsibility, both on and off the field. That’s a big ask, but McClain seems ready.
Jaylen McClain’s Role
McClain’s offseason has been impressive. He’s taken on ownership and responsibility, which is no small feat with so many new faces around.
“[McClain] is somebody that we’re counting on to replace not just some of the stuff that Caleb did last year [on the field], but what he did off the field,” Day said. “Jaylen’s had an excellent offseason. He’s taken a lot of ownership and responsibility with a lot of new faces on defense.”
Recruiting and Transfers: Building for the Future
Ohio State landed the nation’s fourth-ranked recruiting class, pulling in five-star linebacker Cincere Johnson and standout four-star corner Jay Timmons. These guys are expected to jump in and make a difference right away.
The defense also got a boost from transfers. Safety Terry Moore from Duke and defensive lineman James Smith from Alabama are two of the top additions.
Immediate Impact from Newcomers
McClain’s set to mentor these newcomers, hoping to channel the professional mindset of former Buckeyes. “They had that pro mentality,” McClain said, thinking back.
“They prepared [like professionals] every day. I feel like taking that on.”
The schedule’s not doing anyone favors, either. Texas, Indiana, USC, Oregon, and Michigan are all on deck, so the new guys have to get up to speed fast.
If you’re curious about how Ohio State’s getting ready for the season, there’s more to dig into. You can find thoughts from Coach Ryan Day, Julian Sayin, and Jeremiah Smith in the Big Ten’s official article.
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