Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 Football Schedule Breakdown, Predictions and Prop Bets

The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the 2026 college football season with national championship expectations, one of the most talented offenses in the country and a schedule difficult enough to test those expectations almost immediately.

Ohio State begins the year ranked No. 1 in the preseason Coaches Poll, receiving 38 first-place votes. Oregon is No. 2, Texas No. 4, defending national champion Indiana No. 6, USC No. 14 and Michigan No. 16—meaning the Buckeyes will face five preseason Top-16 teams during the regular season. Iowa, another Ohio State road opponent, begins the year at No. 22.

The Buckeyes are coming off a 12-2 season in which they completed an undefeated regular season, defeated Michigan 27-9 in Ann Arbor and reached the Big Ten Championship Game. The season ended with consecutive postseason losses: 13-10 to Indiana in the conference championship and 24-14 to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl.

That disappointing finish followed Ohio State’s national championship season in 2024 and provides Ryan Day’s team with significant motivation entering 2026.

The major reason for optimism is the offense.

Quarterback Julian Sayin returns after completing a Big Ten-record 77 percent of his passes for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2025. He led the nation in completion percentage and finished second nationally in quarterback rating.

Running back Bo Jackson returns after rushing for 1,090 yards as a true freshman, while Jeremiah Smith remains one of the premier receivers in college football. Sayin, Jackson and Smith were all selected preseason first-team All-Big Ten by The Athletic.

Ohio State was also selected first in the unofficial Cleveland.com Big Ten preseason media poll, ahead of Oregon and Indiana.

The question is not whether the Buckeyes are talented enough to reach the College Football Playoff.

They clearly are.

The question is whether Ohio State can survive one of the most difficult schedules of any national championship contender.

Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time and TV

Saturday, Sept. 5 Ball State Ohio Stadium 12:30 p.m., BTN

Saturday, Sept. 12 at Texas Austin, Texas 7:30 p.m., ABC

Saturday, Sept. 19 Kent State Ohio Stadium Noon, FOX

Saturday, Sept. 26 Illinois Ohio Stadium TBA

Saturday, Oct. 3 at Iowa Kinnick Stadium TBA

Saturday, Oct. 10 Maryland Ohio Stadium TBA

Saturday, Oct. 17 at Indiana Memorial Stadium TBA

Saturday, Oct. 24 Bye Week——

Saturday, Oct. 31 at USC Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum TBA

Saturday, Nov. 7 Oregon Ohio Stadium TBA

Saturday, Nov. 14 Northwestern Ohio Stadium TBA

Saturday, Nov. 21 at Nebraska Memorial Stadium TBA

Saturday, Nov. 28 Michigan Ohio Stadium Noon, FOX

Ohio State will play seven games at Ohio Stadium and five on the road. Nine of the Buckeyes’ 12 regular-season opponents played in either a bowl game or the College Football Playoff following the 2025 season, and seven of those opponents won at least nine games.

September 5: Ball State

Ohio State begins the season at home against Ball State.

This will be the first meeting between the programs.

The Buckeyes should possess overwhelming advantages in size, speed and roster depth. The primary objectives should be establishing offensive rhythm, allowing Sayin to build chemistry with his receiving corps and giving younger defensive players meaningful experience.

Ohio State’s offense should be able to establish Jackson early before expanding the passing attack.

The greater concern will be keeping key players healthy because Texas waits one week later.

The Buckeyes should have an opportunity to rotate players extensively during the second half.

Difficulty level: Low

September 12: at Texas

Ohio State receives its first major championship test during Week 2.

The Buckeyes travel to Austin for a prime-time matchup against preseason No. 4 Texas.

Ohio State defeated Texas 14-7 in Columbus to open the 2025 season, and the Buckeyes hold a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series. Ohio State also won its previous game in Austin.

The rematch should look significantly different.

Both programs return their starting quarterbacks, and Texas will have the advantage of playing at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in front of one of the largest crowds Ohio State will encounter all season.

Sayin will need to handle pressure and crowd noise far better than he did during portions of the playoff loss to Miami.

The Buckeyes should attempt to establish Jackson early. A productive running game would reduce the burden on Sayin and keep Texas from aggressively attacking the pocket.

Defensively, Ohio State faces its first major test after significant personnel turnover from the 2025 unit.

This game does not affect the Big Ten standings, but it could significantly influence playoff seeding.

A victory would give Ohio State one of the best nonconference résumé wins in the country.

Difficulty level: Very high

September 19: Kent State

Ohio State returns home against Kent State.

The Buckeyes lead the series 3-0 and won the previous meeting 66-0 in 2014.

This game comes at an excellent point in the schedule.

Whether Ohio State wins or loses at Texas, the Buckeyes should have an opportunity to reset before Big Ten competition begins.

Sayin and Smith could produce explosive numbers, while Jackson should not need an excessive workload.

The defensive coaching staff should also be able to evaluate younger players before Illinois arrives the following week.

Ohio State cannot allow an emotional hangover from Texas to create a sluggish beginning, but the talent differential is enormous.

Difficulty level: Low

September 26: Illinois

Ohio State begins Big Ten play against Illinois.

The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 69-30-4 and defeated Illinois 34-16 on the road in 2025.

Illinois received 62 votes in the preseason Coaches Poll, putting the Fighting Illini just outside the Top 25.

This is a more significant test than a typical conference opener.

Illinois has developed into a competitive Big Ten program capable of punishing opponents that make mistakes. The Fighting Illini should be physical enough to challenge Ohio State along the line of scrimmage.

The location gives the Buckeyes a major advantage.

Ohio State needs to avoid turnovers and force Illinois to play from behind. Once that happens, Sayin and Smith should have opportunities to attack a defense forced into more aggressive coverage.

This is a game Ohio State should win, but it may remain competitive longer than Ball State or Kent State.

Difficulty level: Moderate

October 3: at Iowa

The trip to Kinnick Stadium is one of the most dangerous games on the schedule.

Iowa begins the season ranked No. 22 nationally.

Ohio State leads the all-time series 48-15-3 and defeated Iowa 35-7 during their most recent meeting in 2024.

The history does not eliminate the danger.

Kinnick Stadium has produced difficult afternoons for highly ranked teams, and Iowa’s defensive identity can turn games into low-possession battles.

Ohio State cannot become impatient.

The Buckeyes should lean on Jackson and their offensive line rather than attempting to force explosive passes against a disciplined secondary.

Field position and special teams may also matter more than they will against most opponents.

Ohio State should have substantially more offensive talent, but an early turnover or special-teams mistake could allow Iowa to keep the game close deep into the second half.

This is one of the biggest trap games on the schedule.

Difficulty level: High

October 10: Maryland

Ohio State returns home to face Maryland.

The Buckeyes are 9-0 all-time against the Terrapins and won the most recent meeting 37-17 in 2023.

Maryland was selected 15th in the unofficial Big Ten preseason media poll, considerably below Ohio State.

The game should provide the Buckeyes with a favorable opportunity before one of the season’s defining stretches.

Ohio State travels to Indiana the following week.

That makes focus important.

The Buckeyes cannot spend the Maryland game preparing mentally for the defending national champions.

If Ohio State protects the football and establishes its running game, it should create a comfortable advantage.

Difficulty level: Low to moderate

October 17: at Indiana

Ohio State travels to Bloomington for one of the biggest games of the entire college football season.

Indiana is the defending national champion and begins 2026 ranked No. 6 in the Coaches Poll.

The Hoosiers also defeated Ohio State 13-10 in the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game.

Ohio State still holds a commanding 80-13-5 all-time advantage in the series, including a 29-2-1 record in Bloomington.

None of those historical numbers will matter much in 2026.

Curt Cignetti has transformed Indiana into a national championship-caliber program, and Memorial Stadium should provide one of the most intense environments in school history.

The quarterback matchup will be fascinating.

Sayin gives Ohio State proven elite efficiency, while Indiana must replace Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with TCU transfer Josh Hoover.

The game could determine which team gains early control of the Big Ten Championship race.

Ohio State must protect Sayin better than it did in the conference championship loss, when Indiana generated consistent pressure at critical moments.

A road victory would become one of the strongest wins on Ohio State’s résumé.

Difficulty level: Very high

October 24: Bye Week

The bye arrives exactly when Ohio State needs it.

The Buckeyes will have played seven consecutive weeks, including road games at Texas, Iowa and Indiana.

The open date provides an opportunity to recover physically and evaluate the defense before beginning another brutal stretch.

Ohio State comes out of the bye with consecutive games against USC and Oregon.

The timing could not be better.

October 31: at USC

Ohio State travels across the country to play preseason No. 14 USC.

The Trojans lead the all-time series 13-10 and own a 5-2-1 advantage over Ohio State in games played in Los Angeles. The programs have not met since Ohio State won 24-7 in the 2017 Cotton Bowl.

USC was selected fourth in the unofficial Big Ten preseason media poll.

The matchup should feature two of the conference’s most explosive offenses.

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava was named one of the Big Ten’s preseason honorees, joining Sayin and Smith on the conference’s official preseason honors list.

The bye should help Ohio State prepare for the travel, but playing inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum still presents challenges.

The Buckeyes cannot allow the game to become a pure shootout.

Ohio State needs Jackson to control portions of the game on the ground while its defense creates enough pressure to prevent USC from consistently generating explosive passing plays.

This could easily become a one-possession game entering the fourth quarter.

Difficulty level: Very high

November 7: Oregon

Ohio State returns from Los Angeles to host preseason No. 2 Oregon.

This may be the most important home game of the season outside of Michigan.

Oregon finished second in the unofficial Big Ten preseason poll and received six first-place votes in the national preseason Coaches Poll.

Ohio State leads the all-time series 10-2.

The Buckeyes also won the most recent meeting 41-21 in the 2024 College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore returns as one of the conference’s premier players, creating another high-profile quarterback matchup with Sayin.

The schedule position makes the game particularly challenging.

Ohio State must travel to Los Angeles, play USC and then immediately prepare for Oregon.

The Ducks should arrive with legitimate Big Ten championship and national championship expectations.

Fortunately for Ohio State, the game is at Ohio Stadium.

This could become one of the most anticipated home games in Columbus in years.

Difficulty level: Very high

November 14: Northwestern

Ohio State remains home against Northwestern.

The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 66-14-1 and won the previous meeting 31-7 at Wrigley Field in 2024.

Northwestern was selected 14th in the Big Ten preseason media poll.

The game appears manageable on paper.

Its location on the schedule makes it more dangerous.

Ohio State will be coming off consecutive marquee games against USC and Oregon and will have road games at Nebraska and the rivalry showdown with Michigan ahead.

Northwestern will attempt to shorten the game, avoid explosive plays and take advantage of any emotional fatigue.

Ohio State should dominate the line of scrimmage, but this is exactly the type of matchup where concentration matters.

Difficulty level: Low

November 21: at Nebraska

Ohio State plays its final road game at Nebraska.

The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 10-1 and escaped with a 21-17 victory during the programs’ most recent meeting in 2024.

Nebraska was selected 11th in the Big Ten preseason media poll and received votes in the national Coaches Poll.

This is a dangerous schedule spot.

Michigan waits one week later.

Nebraska will also have the opportunity to ruin Ohio State’s Big Ten and College Football Playoff positioning in front of a hostile crowd.

The Buckeyes cannot spend the week preparing emotionally for The Game.

Nebraska has enough size and talent to turn a distracted Ohio State performance into a difficult fourth quarter.

The running game should again become essential.

Ohio State needs to control possession and avoid allowing Nebraska’s crowd to influence the game through turnovers.

Difficulty level: Moderate to high

November 28: Michigan

The regular season concludes with The Game.

Ohio State hosts preseason No. 16 Michigan at noon on FOX.

Michigan leads the all-time series 62-52-6, but Ohio State finally reversed the recent rivalry trend last season with a convincing 27-9 victory in Ann Arbor.

The Buckeyes held Michigan without a touchdown and limited the Wolverines to 163 total yards in that victory.

The challenge now is doing it again.

Michigan enters 2026 under new head coach Kyle Whittingham and remains one of the most talented rosters in the Big Ten.

The rivalry has frequently determined championships, playoff positioning and coaching legacies.

Ohio State has the advantage of playing in Columbus, where the atmosphere should be extraordinary.

Sayin will need to remain patient against Michigan’s defense while Jackson’s running ability could become particularly valuable in a late-November rivalry game.

No matter what happens during the first 11 games, this remains the matchup by which Ohio State’s regular season will ultimately be judged.

Difficulty level: Very high

Toughest Game: at Texas

Indiana, Oregon and Michigan all present massive challenges, but the September 12 trip to Texas may be Ohio State’s toughest overall assignment.

The Longhorns begin the year ranked No. 4 and will have home-field advantage for a nationally televised prime-time game.

Ohio State beat Texas last season, which gives the Longhorns additional motivation.

The game also comes during Week 2, when Ohio State’s rebuilt defensive personnel will still be developing chemistry.

Winning in Austin would immediately establish the Buckeyes as the national championship favorite for a reason.

Toughest Conference Game: at Indiana

Indiana beat Ohio State for the Big Ten Championship last season and followed that victory by winning the national championship.

The Buckeyes now must travel to Bloomington.

Indiana may be replacing its Heisman Trophy quarterback, but Cignetti has built enough depth and belief that the Hoosiers remain a national contender.

The result could become one of the most important tiebreakers in the race to reach Indianapolis.

Toughest Home Game: Oregon

Ohio State will face the preseason No. 2 team at Ohio Stadium on November 7.

The Ducks return quarterback Dante Moore and begin the season projected immediately behind Ohio State in both the national Coaches Poll and Big Ten preseason media poll.

The matchup comes only seven days after Ohio State travels to USC.

That combination makes Oregon the most difficult home game on the schedule.

Biggest Trap Game: at Iowa

Kinnick Stadium has a reputation for making highly ranked opponents uncomfortable.

Ohio State will have more offensive talent, but Iowa’s defense and home-field environment could keep the game close.

The Buckeyes also have Maryland and then Indiana immediately afterward, making it easy to view Iowa as merely the game between larger matchups.

That would be dangerous.

Biggest Swing Game: at USC

The USC game begins Ohio State’s most important two-game sequence.

The Buckeyes will be coming off a bye but must travel across multiple time zones before returning home to face Oregon.

A loss in Los Angeles followed by another against Oregon could completely reshape the Big Ten race.

A victory would position Ohio State to enter November with control of its championship destiny.

Most Important Stretch

Ohio State’s season could be defined by four games:

• October 17: at Indiana
• October 24: Bye
• October 31: at USC
• November 7: Oregon
• November 14: Northwestern

Three of those opponents are preseason Top-14 teams.

Indiana is No. 6, USC No. 14 and Oregon No. 2.

The bye provides critical recovery time after Indiana, but the Buckeyes then have to travel to Los Angeles and immediately return home for Oregon.

Going 2-1 against Indiana, USC and Oregon would keep Ohio State in strong playoff position.

Going 3-0 would make the Buckeyes a clear favorite to win the Big Ten and potentially earn one of the top playoff seeds.

Schedule Advantages

Ohio State’s greatest advantage is playing seven games at Ohio Stadium.

Oregon and Michigan—the two most important late-season home opponents—must come to Columbus. Illinois, Maryland and Northwestern are also home conference games.

The Buckeyes also receive a well-positioned bye immediately after Indiana and before traveling to USC.

That week could be extremely valuable for a team that will have played seven consecutive games.

Ohio State does not face Penn State or Washington, which were selected sixth and seventh in the Big Ten preseason media poll.

The nonconference games against Ball State and Kent State should also provide opportunities to develop younger players.

Schedule Concerns

The difficulty at the top is enormous.

Ohio State faces preseason No. 2 Oregon, No. 4 Texas, No. 6 Indiana, No. 14 USC, No. 16 Michigan and No. 22 Iowa.

Four of those six games are on the road.

The Buckeyes travel to Texas, Iowa, Indiana, USC and Nebraska.

The schedule also contains several demanding sequences.

Ohio State plays seven consecutive weeks before its only bye.

After the bye, the Buckeyes immediately travel to USC and then host Oregon.

Later, Ohio State visits Nebraska one week before Michigan comes to Columbus.

The schedule provides almost no margin for an extended slump.

Ohio State 2026 Schedule Grade: A-

Ohio State has one of the most difficult schedules of any national championship contender.

The Buckeyes face six preseason Top-25 opponents, including five ranked inside the Top 16.

Three of the biggest games—Texas, Indiana and USC—are on the road.

Oregon and Michigan at home provide some balance, while Ball State, Kent State, Maryland and Northwestern give Ohio State several games where it should be heavily favored.

The schedule receives an A- because of its combination of quality opponents and championship opportunities.

If Ohio State reaches 11-1 against this schedule, its playoff résumé should be among the strongest in the country.

Even 10-2 could be sufficient for a favorable College Football Playoff position.

Ohio State 2026 Record Prediction: 10-2

Ohio State is talented enough to win every game on its schedule.

That does not mean it will.

The Buckeyes have six games against preseason-ranked opponents and must play Texas, Iowa, Indiana and USC away from Columbus.

Ball State, Kent State, Maryland and Northwestern should provide four comfortable victories.

Illinois, Nebraska and even Iowa are games Ohio State should win if it plays to its talent level.

The season will likely be determined by Texas, Indiana, USC, Oregon and Michigan.

Going 3-2 against those five would probably produce a 10-2 regular season.

Going 4-1 creates an 11-1 finish.

An undefeated 12-0 season is possible, but navigating Austin, Bloomington and Los Angeles while also defeating Oregon and Michigan would require remarkable consistency.

The most reasonable projection is 10-2 overall and 7-2 in Big Ten play.

That should put Ohio State firmly in the College Football Playoff and potentially in the Big Ten Championship Game depending on conference tiebreakers.

Ohio State 2026 Season Prop Bets

The following betting angles are based on Ohio State’s current futures markets and the structure of the 2026 schedule. Odds can change before kickoff.

Prop Bet #1: Ohio State Over 9.5 Regular-Season Wins

Ohio State’s current regular-season win total is 9.5. One current market lists the over around -170, although prices vary by sportsbook.

The schedule explains why the number is lower than many fans might expect from the preseason No. 1 team.

Texas, Indiana, USC, Oregon and Michigan all present realistic loss possibilities.

Still, Ohio State has enough talent to reach double-digit victories.

The Buckeyes return an elite quarterback, one of the nation’s top receivers and a 1,000-yard running back.

A 10-2 projection makes the over narrowly preferable.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Ohio State Over 9.5 Regular-Season Wins

• Preseason No. 1
• Elite Returning Offense
• Projected 10-2 Record

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Prop Bet #2: Ohio State to Make the College Football Playoff

Ohio State is currently priced as a substantial favorite to make the College Football Playoff, with one market listing “Yes” around -250.

The schedule is difficult, but that actually provides Ohio State with some protection.

A 10-2 record against Texas, Indiana, USC, Oregon, Michigan and Iowa would create an outstanding résumé.

Even if the Buckeyes fail to reach the Big Ten Championship Game, two losses should not automatically eliminate a team that begins the year ranked No. 1 and plays this level of competition.

Ohio State has reached the College Football Playoff five times under Ryan Day.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Ohio State to Make the College Football Playoff

• Elite Strength of Schedule
• Multiple Top-25 Opportunities
• Proven CFP Program

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Prop Bet #3: Ohio State to Win the Big Ten Championship

Ohio State is the current betting favorite to win the Big Ten, with prices generally ranging from approximately +175 to +190.

The conference race should be extremely competitive.

Oregon, Indiana, USC and Michigan are all on Ohio State’s schedule, meaning the Buckeyes have opportunities to create direct head-to-head advantages.

The Indiana game is particularly important because the Hoosiers defeated Ohio State in last year’s championship.

The schedule is more difficult than Oregon’s or Indiana’s in some areas, but Ohio State has the talent advantage to compensate.

If the Buckeyes finish 8-1 or 7-2 in conference play, they should have a strong opportunity to reach Indianapolis.

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Ohio State to Win the Big Ten Championship

• Current Conference Favorite
• Oregon at Home
• Direct Matchup with Indiana

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Prop Bet #4: Ohio State to Win the National Championship

Ohio State enters the season as the betting favorite to win the national championship at approximately +550.

The Buckeyes already proved under Day that they can navigate the expanded playoff format, winning the national championship following the 2024 season.

The offense should be championship-caliber.

Sayin threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns last season. Jackson rushed for 1,090 yards as a freshman, and Smith remains a matchup problem for virtually every secondary Ohio State will face.

The uncertainty comes defensively, where Ohio State must replace considerably more production.

The schedule should prepare the Buckeyes for postseason football. If they survive Texas, Indiana, USC, Oregon and Michigan with no more than two losses, Ohio State should enter the playoff battle-tested.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Ohio State to Win the National Championship

• Current National Title Favorite
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• Championship Experience

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Conclusion

Ohio State enters the 2026 season with perhaps the clearest combination of championship talent and championship-level schedule difficulty in college football.

The Buckeyes are ranked No. 1 nationally for a reason.

Sayin returns after producing one of the most efficient passing seasons in program history. Smith gives Ohio State arguably college football’s premier receiving weapon, and Jackson gives the offense a proven 1,000-yard runner after only one season.

The question will be whether Ohio State’s retooled defense develops quickly enough.

There will be little time for experimentation.

After opening against Ball State, the Buckeyes travel to No. 4 Texas during Week 2.

Illinois begins Big Ten play before Ohio State travels to No. 22 Iowa. The schedule then accelerates dramatically.

The Buckeyes play defending national champion Indiana in Bloomington, travel to No. 14 USC after the bye and then host No. 2 Oregon.

November concludes with another dangerous road game at Nebraska before No. 16 Michigan comes to Ohio Stadium.

Six preseason Top-25 opponents make an undefeated season difficult to project.

But Ohio State does not need to finish 12-0 to accomplish its ultimate goal.

A 10-2 regular season against this schedule should be enough to put the Buckeyes squarely in the College Football Playoff conversation. An 11-1 finish could produce one of the best résumés in the country.

Winning the Big Ten will require surviving a conference that features Oregon, Indiana, USC and Michigan among its leading contenders.

The Game will once again provide the final regular-season examination.

Ohio State finally ended Michigan’s recent rivalry winning streak with a dominant 27-9 victory last year. Repeating that performance in Columbus would provide the perfect conclusion to what could be another championship-caliber regular season.

The schedule is difficult.

The expectations are enormous.

Anything short of another College Football Playoff appearance would be viewed as a disappointment.

A 10-2 regular season, College Football Playoff berth and serious opportunity to compete for both the Big Ten and national championships is the most realistic projection.

For the preseason No. 1 team in the country, the path will not be easy.

But Ohio State has exactly the type of offense—and exactly the type of schedule—that can prepare a team to win everything.