The Buckeyes return talent everywhere, including receiver Jeremiah Smith, but question marks remain in the trenches. Can Ohio State sustain its Big Ten dominance and contend for the CFP, or will gaps catch up in critical moments?

Linebacker Sonny Styles, the Block O recipient this season, was projected to go to the Buccaneers with the 25th overall pick. That scenario would reunite Styles with former OSU receiver Emeka Egbuka who was taken by Tampa Bay in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The excitement is building as the Ohio State Buckeyes are getting close to kicking off the college football season, but the team was dealt a blow by their rival on Tuesday. Ohio State had been competing to land the No. 1 ranked running back in the 2026 recruiting class.

Klare was name to the Preseason All-American team by Pick Six Previews, he was a second Team Preseason All-American for Phil Steele, fourth Team Preseason All-American for Athlon, and made the Mackey Award watch list. He was also recently named as a second team preseason All-American by the Associated Press.

Ohio State will have a five-star running back target commit on Tuesday morning, and the news — even if he doesn’t commit to the Buckeyes — could have a massive impact on the future in Columbus. Five-star 2026 running back Savion Hiter will commit on Tuesday at 11:15 a.

Ohio State cornerback Jermaine Mathews was a top backup last year. Now he's ready to become a starter and a leader for the Buckeyes.