Preseason Accolades Shine for Buckeyes
Ohio State entered the 2026 season with a distinction few programs can claim: six of its players earned preseason All‑American honors from the Associated Press, a testament to the breadth of talent on the roster.
Among them, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith garnered first‑team recognition from multiple outlets, including Walter Camp, ESPN and CBS, while quarterback Julian Sayin was placed on the first team by ESPN and Walter Camp and earned second‑team nods from Walter Camp and On3, underscoring his dual‑threat potential.
The offensive line also received prominent placement, with Austin Siereveld selected first team by Walter Camp and second team by On3 and Sporting News, and Luke Montgomery earning second‑team AP honors and a first‑team slot from CBS, highlighting the line’s depth.
Defensive standouts were not overlooked; Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Jermaine Mathews Jr. appeared on the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, while Jaylen McClain and Ryan Day were listed among the safeties, and Bo Jackson, a name that resurfaces in historic watch lists, was included on the Maxwell and Doak Walker lists as a running back.
Special teams and interior line contributions were recognized through the Outland Trophy Watch List, which featured Carson Hinzman, Luke Montgomery and Austin Siereveld, while Chris Henry Jr. earned a spot on the Polynesian Player of the Year Watch List at wide receiver.
Beyond individual accolades, the Buckeyes boasted 19 selections to the Shriners Children’s East‑West Bowl 1,000 and 16 participants in the Senior Bowl 300, the highest totals among any school, reflecting a program that consistently produces NFL‑ready talent.