Ohio State football fans went through a real emotional ride this past season. The Buckeyes kicked things off with a perfect 12-0 run, but then stumbled with two tough losses, including a pretty shocking exit in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
The season’s ending left a sting, but honestly, the future still looks promising. Ohio State’s roster is stacked with talent, and there’s a sense that another national title run in 2026 isn’t out of reach.
Head coach Ryan Day gets his share of criticism, sure. Still, his record is impressive, and the team’s loaded with potential. Let’s dig into some key moments from the past season and what could be next for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State’s Season Recap
Hope was sky-high as the Buckeyes went 12-0, showing off their dominance week after week. But then things took a sharp turn—two losses in a row, including that CFP quarterfinal defeat.
That loss snapped Ohio State’s four-game Playoff win streak. Naturally, people started questioning whether Ryan Day can consistently win the biggest games.
Offensive Strengths and Challenges
The offense was a force, no question. Quarterback Julian Sayin, in his first full season starting, was lights out—he completed nearly 80% of his passes and is already being talked about as a Heisman favorite for next year.
Receiver Jeremiah Smith quietly had another monster year, going over 1,000 yards for the second season in a row. It’s wild he wasn’t in more Heisman talks.
The O-line, though, was a bit of a letdown at the end. Ten sacks allowed over the last two games? That’s not going to cut it, and it’s something they’ll have to address moving forward.
Defensive Overhaul
Ohio State’s defense was better than most expected, even after losing eight starters from 2024. First-year coordinator Matt Patricia really got things clicking, and five defenders made All-America teams.
Now comes the tricky part: rebuilding again. Several key players, including Thorpe Award winner Caleb Downs, are probably headed to the NFL Draft.
Key Departures and Emerging Talent
The team’s losing some real stars—All-American linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, plus cornerback Davison Igbinosun. Up front, tackle Kayden McDonald and edge rushers Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry are also likely gone.
There’s hope, though. Underclassmen like linebackers Payton Pierce and Riley Pettijohn, both former four-star recruits, could step up. Expect Ohio State to hit the transfer portal hard to shore up the defensive line.
Coaching Changes and Recruitment
Big news on the coaching front: Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline is leaving to take the head job at South Florida. Hartline was a recruiting machine, especially with receivers, so that’s a tough loss.
Ryan Day now has to figure out how to replace Hartline’s recruiting firepower and decide who’s calling plays. That decision could shape the offense for years.
Potential Replacements and Strategy
Day could keep calling plays himself, like he did in the postseason, or bring in a new coordinator. Either way, they’ll need a new ace recruiter for receivers to keep the talent pipeline strong.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Even with all these changes, Ohio State looks set to be a top contender again. The offense should return most of its key players, including Sayin and Smith.
With a strong recruiting class and smart moves in the transfer portal, the Buckeyes can patch up the defense and stay in the national conversation.
Big Ten Competition
The Big Ten won’t be a cakewalk. Michigan and Penn State are both dealing with coaching changes, and Indiana—last year’s Big Ten champs—won’t be a pushover after their breakout season.
Still, with this much talent and depth, Ohio State feels like the preseason favorite. But, as always, nothing’s guaranteed in college football.
Conclusion
Ohio State football didn’t get the ending they wanted in 2025. Still, it’s hard not to feel a bit of optimism looking ahead.
The roster’s stacked with talent, and the coaching staff keeps making bold moves. Recruiting is always in focus, which gives the Buckeyes a real shot at bouncing back in 2026.
Folks in Columbus? They’ve got another wild season to look forward to, that’s for sure.
For more detailed insights and updates on Ohio State football, visit CBS Sports.
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