Ohio State Buckeyes is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +30.6. Ohio State Buckeyes enters the season with a power rating of +30.6, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Ohio State Buckeyes host Ball State next in Week 1. In 2025, Ohio State Buckeyes went 12-1 overall, 10-3 against the spread, and 4-9 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Ohio State Buckeyes Power Rating of +30.6 is 30.4 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Ohio State Buckeyes have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 8,854 miles, ranking 44th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Ball State | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Texas | 1,067 mi | 2,133 mi |
| Week 3 | Kent State | Home | 2,133 mi |
| Week 4 | Illinois | Home | 2,133 mi |
| Week 5 | Iowa | 461 mi | 3,056 mi |
| Week 6 | Maryland | Home | 3,056 mi |
| Week 7 | Indiana | 195 mi | 3,447 mi |
| Week 8 | — | Bye | |
| Week 9 | USC | 1,980 mi | 7,407 mi |
| Week 10 | Oregon | Home | 7,407 mi |
| Week 11 | Northwestern | Home | 7,407 mi |
| Week 12 | Nebraska | 723 mi | 8,854 mi |
| Week 13 | Michigan | Home | 8,854 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Julian Sayin returns after a 3,610-yard, 32-touchdown season with a 77% completion rate, and he still has Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, and Chris Henry Jr. as targets. The running back duo of Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, plus an experienced offensive line led by Carson Hinzman and Austin Siereveld, give new coordinator Arthur Smith a balanced attack that can control games.
Coordinator Matt Patricia must replace three top-seven NFL Draft picks in Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs. The defensive line features end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Alabama transfer James Smith, while the secondary relies on Jermaine Matthews Jr. at corner and Duke transfer Terry Moore at safety. The linebacking corps is young but promising, and the staff's development pedigree is a key factor.
Baylor transfer Connor Hawkins takes over placekicking after OSU's history of ill-timed missed kicks. Punter Joe McGuire averaged 42.4 yards per punt last season, and Brandon Inniss is expected to handle returns. Consistency in this phase could be critical in close games.
Ryan Day's CEO approach empowers former NFL head coaches Arthur Smith (offense) and Matt Patricia (defense). Their schematic expertise, combined with elite position coaches like Larry Johnson and James Laurinaitis, gives Ohio State a strategic edge despite a roster with 51 newcomers.
If the defense can quickly integrate new starters and maintain its top-unit form from last season, Ohio State has the offensive firepower and coaching to contend for a national title. The loaded schedule will test the defense early, making development in the first few weeks crucial.
Ohio State Buckeyes is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Ohio State Buckeyes holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +30.6, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Ohio State Buckeyes's home field advantage rating is 3.0 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Ohio State Buckeyes travels 8,854 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 44th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Ohio State Buckeyes: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +30.6.
