Ohio State's Defense Has Too Many Unknowns to Match Last Year's Squad
The Buckeyes enter 2026 with high expectations but are not as strong as last year's team, especially on defense. Key departures like Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles leave gaps, though the offense should improve with Julian Sayin at quarterback. The running back duo of Bo Jackson and Isaiah West returns after strong freshman seasons.
The Buckeyes' defensive losses are substantial, with Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Arvell Reese all departing for the NFL draft this spring. Reese, notably, was selected higher than his two more celebrated teammates, underscoring how much production Ohio State must replace at the second level. Several transfer-portal additions arrive with college experience, but none have yet played a snap in Columbus.
Offensively, the team's outlook is brighter. Julian Sayin returns for his second year as starter, while running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, both true freshmen last season, established themselves as the top two options in the backfield by year's end. The Week 2 trip to Texas should provide an early measuring stick for how quickly the new pieces mesh.
This story could shape how fans and analysts set expectations for Ohio State's season, influencing everything from ticket demand to national championship betting lines. If the defense struggles early, pressure may mount on coach Ryan Day and the transfer-heavy unit to prove itself against Texas in Week 2. Conversely, a strong showing could quiet doubts and restore confidence in the program's ability to reload rather than rebuild, affecting recruiting momentum and the broader Big Ten title race.