
Five Programs Poised for a 2026 Rebound — or a Slip
The 2026 season may see former breakout teams stumble as they navigate new quarterbacks, departing stars, and demanding schedules.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Isaiah West across Football, Basketball.

The 2026 season may see former breakout teams stumble as they navigate new quarterbacks, departing stars, and demanding schedules.

A look at the standout performances and strategic shifts shaping Ohio State’s 2026 season.

Ohio State entered the 2024 preseason atop the national rankings, carrying the weight of championship expectations as the Buckeyes aim to translate preseason hype into on‑field dominance.

A look at how Ohio State’s fall camp is redefining the Buckeyes’ backfield and receiver roles, with Isaiah West stepping into first‑team duties and Bo Jackson fighting to reclaim his freshman spark.

Isaiah West has already earned starting snaps over Bo Jackson, while five‑star recruit Legend Bey prepares to make his mark. The revamped backfield reflects a strategic shift under Arthur Smith and head coach Ryan Day.

With head coach Ryan Day at the helm, the Ohio State Buckeyes are poised to contend for their tenth national championship despite losing several key seniors to the NFL draft. Four second‑year players are expected to shoulder larger roles, while new faces vie for starting spots.

Julian Sayin climbs to fifth in national quarterback rankings while Ohio State faces a high‑stakes recruiting showdown with Tennessee over five‑star running back David Gabriel Georges, a contest underscored by multimillion‑dollar NIL offers and a deep pool of Buckeyes prospects heading toward the 2027 NFL draft.

The commitment of a top-ranked running back to Tennessee highlights a significant recruiting loss for Ohio State, prompting a strategic reset for the Buckeyes.

Five-star running back David Gabriel Georges, the No. 2 prospect in the 2027 class, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee, ending a high‑profile recruitment that pitted the Volunteers against Ohio State.

With Arthur Smith calling plays, Ohio State’s running backs are ranked ninth nationally, setting the stage for a pivotal 2026 season.

Pro Football Focus has ranked Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as the top player for the 2026 season, a distinction he shares with only Trevor Lawrence in PFF history. His 163 career receptions, 27 touchdowns and dominant postseason performances have positioned him as the centerpiece of a Buckeyes squad bolstered by returning quarterback Julian Sayin and a deep receiving corps. With a schedule that includes games against Texas and Oregon, Ohio State aims to convert individual accolades into a championship.

Ohio State's newest freshman, Legend Bey, is expected to contribute early in the season, adding depth to a potent rushing attack that will test the USC defense in Week 11.

Spring injuries opened opportunities for Isaiah West, whose freshman production and the Buckeyes' upgraded attack set the stage for a breakout season.

Duke University continues to shape NBA prospects, with 2026 draftees and a new transfer whose skill set aligns perfectly with the program's system.

Ohio State's football roster for 2027 will see an extra year of eligibility for many players under the NCAA's revised five‑year model, reshaping scholarship allocations and draft plans.

The 2026 freshman class in the Big Ten is generating excitement as several recruits are expected to contribute right away, reshaping team dynamics and strategies.

The new title will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in early July, with staggered access for different editions and a full roster of Ohio State player ratings now available.

EA Sports’ latest college football title features an unprecedented concentration of Ohio State talent, with multiple players earning elite ratings that reflect their real‑world potential.

ESPN’s feature on Ohio State’s versatile running back Legend Bey highlights his potential impact against USC’s offense.

Ohio State’s fresh recruit Legend Bey, a dual‑threat running back, is poised to become a central piece of the Buckeyes’ game plan. His ability to run, receive and create mismatches puts pressure on USC’s defense, which will need to contain his impact to keep the Trojans’ offense on the field.

Ohio State is navigating a major rebuild after losing multiple top prospects to the NFL Draft, but a fortified secondary, elite receiving corps and a revitalized defensive line offer reasons for optimism.
The NCAA has adopted a 'five‑for‑five' eligibility rule that permits athletes to compete for five seasons within a five‑year period, effective this fall. The change directly benefits Ohio State football, where at least 20 scholarship players may gain an additional year of play.

Ohio State's latest recruiting class brings together elite prospects and experienced transfers, positioning the program to rebound from a disappointing finish and meet lofty ambitions for the upcoming year.