Ohio State has become a near‑automatic presence in the College Football Playoff conversation, but the 2026 schedule introduces a level of difficulty that could test that reputation.
A Grueling Opening Test
The Buckeyes open the season with a road trip to Texas, a venue where they have won the past two meetings, yet the Longhorns are expected to field one of their strongest rosters in years, making the outcome far from guaranteed.
Conference Powerhouses Loom
Within the Big Ten, Ohio State must navigate contests against Oregon, Michigan, USC and Indiana, each of which could finish the season among the nation’s top teams, meaning any slip could jeopardize playoff positioning.
Health Issues Add Pressure
Injuries to key playmakers, notably receiver Jeremiah Smith, have already raised concerns; Smith missed the final games of last season, and any setback this year could diminish the offense’s explosiveness, underscoring the need for the Buckeyes to stay fully fit.
If the team can keep its stars on the field and avoid unexpected losses, the challenging schedule may still culminate in a playoff berth; otherwise, the Buckeyes could find themselves watching from the sidelines.