The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the 2026 college football season carrying some of the highest expectations in recent memory. As the sting of their defeat to the Miami Hurricanes slowly fades, the program’s outlook for the upcoming campaign hinges heavily on roster turnover, and how quickly key contributors step into larger roles. While the team remains firmly in the conversation for both a Big Ten championship and a national title, fulfilling those lofty goals will require distinct shifts in production across the roster.
Three prominent Buckeyes stand out as pivotal figures whose individual trajectories will directly shape the team’s success through the regular season and into the postseason.
Bo Jackson and the Backfield Expectations
Ohio State running back Bo Jackson enters his sophomore year following a standout freshman campaign that immediately put him on the national radar. During his debut season, Jackson logged 179 carries for 1,090 yards and six touchdowns, a performance that ranked him No. 26 nationally in total rushing yards. With that foundational year behind him, the expectations for Jackson have scaled upward significantly as he looks to establish himself among the elite runners in the country.
If Jackson can elevate his production and crack the top 10 in national rushing yards, the Buckeyes’ offense will possess the kind of dynamic ground game necessary to navigate a grueling conference schedule and position the team to win every single regular-season contest.
Filling the Void at Tight End After Max Klare’s Departure
Offensively, the Buckeyes face the challenge of replacing significant production at the tight end position following the departure of Max Klare to the NFL Draft.
Nate Roberts is positioned to step into those big shoes for the upcoming season. Roberts saw limited playing time as a freshman, logging four receptions for 30 yards and no touchdowns.
Kenyatta Jackson and the Defensive Front
Defensively, the departure of key linemen via the draft creates both a void and an opportunity for veteran leadership. Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson is expected to anchor a unit that experienced a notable amount of turnover from the previous season. Jackson put up impressive numbers previously, logging 16 solo tackles and 6.5 sacks, marking a substantial step forward from his 2024 campaign when he recorded eight tackles and 1.5 sacks.
With defensive lineman Kayden McDonald and defensive end Cayden Curry selected in the NFL Draft, the Buckeyes will rely heavily on Jackson to step into a definitive leadership role along the defensive line.
As the Buckeyes push toward kickoff, the convergence of breakout potential in the backfield, new faces stepping up at skill positions, and veteran leadership anchoring the defense will define their trajectory.
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