
College Football Powerhouses Start Strong in Opening Week
A rapid start to the season sees the Buckeyes, Fighting Irish and Bulldogs notch blowout wins, while standout players emerge to shape the narrative ahead of the full schedule.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kenyatta Jackson Jr. across Football.

A rapid start to the season sees the Buckeyes, Fighting Irish and Bulldogs notch blowout wins, while standout players emerge to shape the narrative ahead of the full schedule.

The Buckeyes aim for a second national title in three years, relying on a blend of quarterback leadership, defensive depth, and versatile playmakers.

Ohio State’s defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is stepping into a leadership role during the 2026 training camp, a move that is already influencing football stock trends and team dynamics.

Freshman cornerback Devin Sanchez, a five‑star recruit from Ohio, has been selected for the Hispanic College Football Player of the Year Watch List. His early college contributions and high school achievements highlight a promising start to his career, while the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame prepares to honor emerging talent in its second annual award ceremony.

Predictions highlight breakout performances from Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Jay Timmons, Payton Pierce and others, underscoring a defense that could rank among the nation’s best.
From Jeremiah Smith’s record‑breaking receiving stats to Malachi Toney’s historic freshman campaign, Florida’s prep alumni are among the 25 players projected to have a major impact on the 2026 College Football Playoff.
The latest rankings blend Heisman winners, transfer sensations and freshmen phenoms, highlighting the depth and uncertainty that define modern college football.

Ohio State names seven captains for 2026, blending returning starters with emerging leaders to sustain its elite culture and pursue another national championship.

After a record‑breaking 12‑0 start that ended in playoff heartbreak, Ohio State’s new offensive scheme under Arthur Smith blends continuity with bold play‑calling, spotlighting returning stars and a revamped line.

The Buckeyes boast a record number of preseason All‑American selections and a slate of watch‑list invitations that span offense, defense and special teams, signaling high expectations for the upcoming season.

The Buckeyes return for the 2026 season with championship aspirations after capturing the 2024 CFP national championship, facing a slate that includes road tests at Indiana, USC and Oregon, while major networks secure broadcast rights.

Ohio State finished 2025 undefeated and top‑ranked before a playoff exit, yet the program enters 2026 as the preseason No. 1 favorite, bolstered by returning stars and a revamped defense.

Spring camp showcases standout performances, shifting role expectations, and the impact of an improved offensive line on the Buckeyes' prospects.

The upcoming 2026 season will pit some of the nation’s top programs against grueling schedules that could shape the College Football Playoff picture.

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.

Early preseason rankings by analyst Todd McShay forecast a competitive race among elite pass‑rushers, with injury concerns and new defensive schemes adding intrigue to the 2026 season.

The Buckeyes' preseason camp has turned into a make-or-break arena for three standout athletes whose performances could define both the team’s immediate success and their professional trajectories.

A look at the five standout players set to challenge Iowa's football team in 2026, from Nebraska's rising star Justin Evans to Ohio State's dynamic duo of Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin.

Preseason polls place Ohio State at the top, Iowa at eighth, and highlight All‑Big Ten selections and player of the year favorites as media days begin in Chicago.
The USA TODAY NETWORK released its preseason Big Ten football outlook, projecting the Wisconsin Badgers to finish 13th. Sophomore linebacker Mason Posa is the only Badger recognized on the preseason all‑conference team, while the program adopts a wait‑and‑see approach despite roster upgrades.
Ohio State emerged as the overwhelming favorite in the USA TODAY Network’s 2026 preseason Big Ten football poll, capturing more than half of the first‑place votes. The poll also highlighted a strong offensive core for the Buckeyes, with several players receiving conference accolades.

Larry Johnson’s reputation as a recruiter and developer of elite defensive talent continues to influence Ohio State’s trajectory, drawing top prospects and securing the program’s defensive depth for years to come.
A demanding non‑conference slate tests the Wolverines early, with five top‑17 foes and a mix of defensive powerhouses awaiting them.

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.