
Ohio State Buckeyes Gear Up for 2026 Season with High Hopes and New Faces
Ohio State enters 2026 under head coach Ryan Day with a strong returning core and ambitious goals, facing a demanding schedule while aiming to reclaim the Big Ten crown.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kayden McDonald across Football.

Ohio State enters 2026 under head coach Ryan Day with a strong returning core and ambitious goals, facing a demanding schedule while aiming to reclaim the Big Ten crown.

ESPN’s preseason projections place Ohio State at the forefront of the 2026 Big Ten championship race, assigning a 38.8% likelihood, while Oregon and Indiana follow with 24.2% and 18.7% chances respectively.

Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain praises transfer Christian Alliegro, a former Wisconsin linebacker whose size, speed and aggressive style are expected to reshape the Buckeyes’ defense for the 2026 season.

Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain praised the arrival of Christian Alliegro, a former Wisconsin linebacker, highlighting his potential impact on the defense heading into the 2026 season.

The Big Ten's 18‑team evolution, recent title triumphs, and upcoming playoff schedule underscore a transformative era for the league.

After a transfer‑portal scare and a sophomore surge, the 6‑foot‑3, 315‑pound tackle is now a cornerstone of the Sooners’ front and a projected first‑round pick.

David Stone, the Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle, climbs to No. 31 in PFF's 2026 rankings and is projected as a first‑round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

David Stone, a top defensive tackle for Oklahoma, is projected as a first‑round NFL pick after a standout 2025 season that helped the team chase a return to the College Football Playoff.

A look at the leading defensive coordinators whose innovations are propelling their teams to the forefront of college football ahead of the 2026 season.

A look at five defensive coordinators who are reshaping college football by turning overlooked players into standout stars

From defensive stalwarts to dynamic playmakers, the latest wave of transfers brings experience and star power to the Big Ten.

The PFF College 50 for 2026 will be unveiled in ten‑player batches, with the first ten arriving on Friday, July 3. Early insights reveal standout performers across the nation.

James Smith, an Alabama transfer playing defensive tackle for Ohio State, is expected to be an immediate impact player for the Buckeyes in the 2026 season. His blend of run‑stopping size and disruptive quickness will test USC's offensive line, while his playing style differs from former Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Kayden McDonald.

The arrival of defensive tackle James Smith from Alabama adds a potent interior threat for Ohio State, forcing USC to rethink its running game and offensive line strategy in a highly anticipated matchup.

The Big Ten’s interior defensive line is shaping up to be one of the most competitive units in college football for the 2026 season, with several programs boasting standout talent that could define the conference’s defensive identity.

Michigan's Enow Etta and Jonah Lea’ea, Ohio State's Eddrick Houston and James Smith, Oregon's Bear Alexander and A’Mauri Washington, and Indiana's Tyrique Tucker headline the Big Ten's most promising interior defensive linemen for 2026.

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.

Fantasy analysts have released a unified set of rankings for the upcoming 2026 dynasty rookie draft, spotlighting elite individual defensive players and their projected impacts.

The Buckeyes are betting on emerging stars to turn championship aspirations into reality.

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.

Eleven Ohio State players were selected in the 2026 NFL draft, each signing or awaiting contracts that range from modest rookie deals to nine‑figure guarantees.

The NFL’s 2026 Sunday Night Football slate features a host of high‑stakes contests, from the Chiefs‑Seahawks opener to historic rivalries that could dictate the playoff picture.