Ohio State Buckeyes 2026-2027 Season Outlook: Schedule, Odds & Tickets

The Ohio State Buckeyes entered the 2025 season as the defending national champions after defeating Notre Dame 34–23 in the previous season’s College Football Playoff National Championship. A repeat appeared well within reach as the Buckeyes completed a perfect 12–0 regular season, highlighted by victories over Texas and Michigan. The win over Michigan snapped Ohio State’s four-game losing streak in “The Game.” However, the Buckeyes’ championship hopes unraveled after a 13–10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game, followed by a defeat to Miami in the Cotton Bowl.

Head coach Ryan Day hired Arthur Smith to oversee the offense after emphasizing his desire to add a veteran play-caller capable of coordinating the unit and managing play-calling in big games. Smith previously served as the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offensive coordinator, where he helped establish one of the NFL’s most physical rushing attacks. The Steelers ranked 11th in the league with 127.4 rushing yards per game and fourth with 533 rushing attempts. Pittsburgh also scored 42 offensive touchdowns and averaged 23.4 points per game last season, with both figures representing the team’s highest marks since 2020. Smith’s offensive philosophy could place greater physical demands on Ohio State’s offensive line while creating more opportunities for wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to work in space through pre-snap motion and crossing routes.

Cortez Hankton left LSU to become Ohio State’s newest wide receivers coach, while Robby Discher was hired as the special teams coordinator. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia became the highest-paid coordinator in college football after signing a three-year, $11.45 million contract in February 2026. Patricia’s defense led the nation in scoring defense (9.3 points per game), total defense (219.1 yards per game) and passing defense (129.7 yards per game) last season.

Ohio State had nine players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Four players were selected in the first round, all within the first 11 picks. Wide receiver Carnell Tate was selected fourth overall by the Tennessee Titans, giving quarterback Cam Ward an elite playmaker to aid his development. Tate did not drop a pass last season and recorded an 85.7% contested-catch rate. The New York Giants selected edge rusher Arvell Reese fifth overall, giving head coach John Harbaugh a versatile defensive weapon who can provide an immediate boost to the pass rush.

Reese can line up as a weak-side linebacker, drop into coverage or be deployed in various defensive schemes. Linebacker Sonny Styles was selected seventh overall by the Washington Commanders, who did not renew Bobby Wagner’s contract and needed to improve their run defense. Styles’ athleticism allows him to line up as an off-ball linebacker or blitzer, while his coverage ability gives Washington a defender capable of matching up with tight ends and slot receivers. Safety Caleb Downs rounded out the first round after being selected 11th overall by the Dallas Cowboys. Downs will provide a needed upgrade to Dallas’ secondary because of his versatility in coverage, allowing just 6.7 yards per reception and a 46.5 passer rating when targeted.

The Houston Texans selected defensive tackle Kayden McDonald early in the second round, while fellow Buckeye Max Klare was selected by the Los Angeles Rams later in the round. Lorenzo Styles Jr., Caden Curry and Ethan Onianwa were selected later in the draft.

Quarterback Julian Sayin finished fourth in Heisman voting last season after throwing for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing 77% of his passes. Running backs Bo Jackson and CJ Donaldson combined for 1,451 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns to lead Ohio State‘s ground game. Smith and Tate powered Ohio State’s receiving corps, combining for 2,118 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. Smith finished sixth in Heisman voting last season and was named a Consensus All-American, while Tate’s departure leaves Ohio State with significant production to replace at wide receiver. Curry led the pass rush with 11 sacks, while Kenyatta Jackson Jr. added 6.5 sacks. Cornerbacks Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Matthews Jr. both recorded two interceptions and combined for eight pass deflections.

247Sports ranked Ohio State’s 2026 transfer class seventh in the nation. The Buckeyes added reinforcements to the pass rush after defensive linemen James Smith and Qua Russaw transferred from Alabama. Smith was the top defensive tackle in the transfer portal and totaled 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season. He is expected to play either the three-technique or nose tackle this season.

Russaw’s versatility gives defensive coordinator Matt Patricia several options, as he can line up as a defensive end, stand-up pass rusher or outside linebacker. Despite missing the 2025 season with a torn ACL, safety Terry Moore transferred from Duke to provide a boost to the secondary after Downs and Igbinosun departed. Moore earned Second-Team All-ACC honors after recording 71 tackles, four interceptions and a sack in 2024. The former Blue Devil is expected to contribute to the secondary alongside Jaylen McClain and Florida State transfer Earl Little Jr. Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro will be tasked with helping replace the production left by Reese and Styles Jr. after recording four sacks and 53 total tackles last season.

Ohio State’s 2026 schedule is ranked eighth in the nation according to ESPN’s College Football Power Index. Notable matchups include a visit to Texas, road games against Iowa and Indiana, a home matchup with Oregon and the annual rivalry game against Michigan. The game at Texas could have College Football Playoff implications for the Buckeyes, as a primetime win in Austin would boost their résumé, while a loss could leave them with little margin for error for the remainder of the season. Playing in front of roughly 100,000 fans, Ohio State will also have an opportunity to impress top high school recruits in one of the sport’s biggest environments.

Ohio State’s visit to Iowa could be a trap game, as Kinnick Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the country. The stands sit just seven yards from the visiting bench, which could create major communication problems and contribute to false starts. This will mark Ohio State’s first game in Iowa City since 2017, when the Buckeyes lost to an unranked Hawkeyes squad in a shocking 55–24 blowout. The home matchup against Oregon could be another important test for Ohio State’s playoff résumé. The Ducks reached the College Football Playoff in 2025 and will provide the Buckeyes with an opportunity to earn a quality win against a fellow Big Ten contender.

Ohio State has the talent to compete for another national championship, but the margin for error will be smaller than it was in 2025. If Sayin takes another step forward, the transfer additions help fill the holes left by the NFL departures and Patricia’s defense remains elite, the Buckeyes should be among the nation’s top teams once again. The Buckeyes’ preseason over/under win total is set at 9.5, while some analysts project Ohio State to finish with 11 wins. FanDuel Sportsbook lists Ohio State at +180 to win the Big Ten Championship and +550 to win the National Championship, reflecting the high expectations surrounding the Buckeyes despite their significant offseason losses.

Ohio State Buckeyes 2026-2027 Schedule & Tickets:

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Article by Christian Bongiorno