The 2025 season ended on a sour note for Ohio State, as the team dropped two consecutive games that capped a disappointing campaign. The loss not only highlighted the gaps left by departing seniors but also set the stage for a vigorous rebuilding effort heading into the next cycle.
Spring practice is now in full swing, and the coaching staff is using every drill to assess how the roster will look when the 2026 season begins. With twelve starting positions to fill, the focus is on integrating returning talent with highly touted newcomers.
Key Offensive Pieces Set to Return
Quarterback Julian Sayin will step into the starting role after earning the trust of the coaching staff during the previous season. His experience under center gives the offense a solid foundation as the team looks to rebuild its passing attack.
At running back, Bo Jackson is projected to carry the load, bringing a blend of power and agility that the program hopes will revive the ground game. The receiving corps will be anchored by Jeremiah Smith, the top wideout returning from last year, while Devin McCuin, a transfer from UTSA, is expected to line up opposite him and add depth.
Brandon Inniss is slated to man the slot, providing a reliable option in short‑route concepts, and tight end Nate Roberts will look to extend the middle of the field. The offensive line will be anchored by Ian Moore at left tackle, Luke Montgomery at left guard, Carson Hinzman at center, Austin Siereveld at right guard, and Phillip Daniels at right tackle, forming a unit that aims to protect the quarterback and open running lanes.
Beyond the current roster, Ohio State is actively leveraging the transfer portal and recruiting classes to shore up positions that remain in flux. The staff’s ability to blend home‑grown talent with external additions will likely determine how quickly the Buckeyes can turn the page from last season’s setbacks and re‑establish themselves as a contender in the Big Ten.