The Ohio State Buckeyes have surged to the top spot in CBS’s post‑spring college football rankings, a placement that reflects both the program’s pedigree and the high expectations for the upcoming 2026 season.
A Rankings Surge
The Buckeyes' ascent to No. 1 is anchored by a potent offense that returns quarterback Julian Sayin for his second year and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who will once again line up on the outside.
Defensively, Ohio State is rebuilding after a mass exodus to the NFL, prompting a coordinated overhaul that includes new schemes and personnel changes.
The schedule, released earlier this week, pits the Buckeyes against a gauntlet of ranked opponents, beginning with a road test against the No. 2 Texas Longhorns in Week 2, followed by matchups with No. 3 Oregon, No. 6 Indiana, No. 14 USC, No. 16 Michigan and No. 23 Iowa.
Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline’s departure has been filled by Arthur Smith, a former NFL assistant whose arrival has generated considerable buzz among analysts and fans alike.
The team finished the previous season 12‑2, dropping games in the Big Ten Championship and the opening round of the College Football Playoff, experiences that have only intensified the pressure to capitalize on this year’s talent.
With the offseason now in full swing, the Buckeyes are shaping a narrative of redemption, aiming to translate preseason hype into on‑field dominance.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the program’s leadership, including head coach Ryan Day and veteran assistants such as Jim Knowles and Matt Patricia, remains focused on fine‑tuning the roster and instilling a culture of resilience.