The Ohio State Buckeyes are poised to make a deep run in the 2026 college football season, with coaches and analysts already penciling the team into the conversation for both the Big Ten title and a shot at the national championship.
Bo Jackson, the Buckeyes’ standout running back, burst onto the scene as a freshman with 1,090 rushing yards and six touchdowns, a performance that set the foundation for higher expectations. He now aims to break into the top‑10 of the nation’s rushers, a milestone that could be the catalyst for a winning streak that carries the team through the regular schedule.
Leadership on the defensive line
Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson has emerged as a key figure after a pronounced jump in production from 2024 to 2025, doubling his tackle total and adding more sacks. His ascent is expected to anchor a defensive line that lost several stalwarts to the draft.
At the other end of the field, tight end Nate Roberts will be tasked with filling the void left by Max Klare, who departed for the NFL Draft after a modest 2025 campaign that yielded just four receptions for 30 yards. Roberts’ limited production last year underscores the challenge of stepping into a more prominent role.
If the trio can translate their individual ambitions into collective success, the Buckeyes could turn the promise of a memorable season into reality, potentially delivering a championship that resonates beyond the field.