The Big Ten Conference recently unveiled its 2026 Players to Watch list, and the Ohio State Buckeyes are well represented with three of their own earning the honor. The recognition spotlights senior forward Anne Marie Krebs, sophomore midfielder Autum Kernechel, and forward Emily Barker, each of whom brings a distinct set of achievements and experience to the roster.
A Look at the Players' Backgrounds
Anne Marie Krebs, a Louisville native, enters her senior year after a 2025 campaign that saw her net a career‑high three goals and add two assists while starting every game. She is a two‑time NFHCA All‑West Region selection and a recurring member of the All‑Big Ten team, underscoring her consistent impact on the field.
Autum Kernechel, a sophomore from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, burst onto the scene as a Big Ten All‑Freshman Team honoree in 2025. She appeared in all 18 matches, contributed three assists, and helped the Buckeyes maintain a strong midfield presence throughout the season.
Emily Barker, also a forward, saw action in 17 games during 2025 and was among the 11 Buckeyes who found the back of the net. Her contributions, while perhaps less heralded statistically, have been vital to the team’s depth and offensive versatility.
Season Kickoff and Home Opener
Ohio State will open the 2026 season with a pair of home fixtures, beginning with a showdown against Old Dominion on August 28, followed by a match against Bellarmine on August 30. The back‑to‑back home games provide an early opportunity for the newly recognized standouts to rally the crowd and set the tone for the campaign.
The Buckeyes’ schedule reflects a broader pattern of leveraging local talent and community ties. Krebs’ roots in Louisville and Kernechel’s upbringing in Emmaus highlight the program’s reach across the Midwest and Mid‑Atlantic, while the team remains anchored in Columbus, Ohio, where the university’s athletic facilities serve as the hub of preparation.
Beyond individual accolades, the recognition of these three players signals a promising outlook for the program as a whole. With a blend of seasoned leadership and emerging talent, Ohio State aims to build on recent successes and contend strongly within the Big Ten Conference. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team steps onto the field for its first home matches of the year.