Ohio State's championship hopes hinge on these 10 players

Ohio State enters 2026 as the preseason No. 1 team but faces significant roster turnover with 51 new players and 11 NFL departures. The list of most important players includes center Carson Hinzman, quarterback Julian Sayin, and kicker Connor Hawkins, whose consistency could decide close games. Linebacker Christian Alliegro, a Wisconsin transfer, adds versatility to a defense seeking a third straight top-ranked finish.