Ohio State may still be months away from starting its 2026 season, but is it ever too early to preview the football season?
Unlike last season, Ohio State faces a gauntlet in its 2026 regular season. The Buckeyes are set to face six teams that finished the 2025 season ranked inside the Associated Press’ final rankings.
The Buckeyes will have plenty of obstacles ahead of them in 2026, but these five games should be the most difficult.
5. Ohio State At USC, Oct. 31
USC hasn’t had the easiest transition to the Big Ten. Since joining the conference ahead of the 2024 season, the Trojans are 11-7 against Big Ten foes. Last year, though, USC showed signs of progress with quarterback Jayden Maiava. Maiava returns along with the Trojans’ entire starting offensive line. USC also inked the No. 1 recruiting class over the offseason. It’s unclear how many of those freshmen will make a huge impact next year, but if any of those players can step up before Halloween, the Trojans may have a chance to upset the Buckeyes at the LA Coliseum.
The Buckeyes had no issues traveling across the country to pick up a win over Washington last year, but if USC plays up to its potential, it could provide Ohio State with a huge challenge.
4. Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 28
Michigan may not be Ohio State’s boogeyman anymore, but The Game will never be a cake walk. At the end of the last regular season, the Buckeyes defeated Michigan for the first time since 2019 to snap a four-game losing streak against their rivals. Still, Michigan should field a competitive team next year under new head coach Kyle Whittingham.
The Wolverines had a very young team last year and return talented players such as quarterback Bryce Underwood, wide receiver Nick Marsh and running back Jordan Marshall. Whittingham helped the Wolverines sign a top-25 transfer portal class, bringing in several players from his Utah team, including star defensive end John Henry Daley.
The Buckeyes will almost certainly be favored at home against their arch rival, but The Game is always hard to predict. The last game played at Ohio Stadium, a stunning 13-10 win for Michigan over the eventual national champions in 2024, proved that sentiment to be true.
3. Oregon vs. Ohio State, Nov. 7
When the first preseason top-25 rankings are released, there’s a decent chance Oregon is one of a few teams ranked higher than the Buckeyes. With star quarterback Dante Moore returning, the expectations are sky-high for the Ducks, coming off an appearance in the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs last year.
The Ducks are also returning eight defensive starters, including their entire starting defensive line. The Ducks signed a transfer portal class that ranked inside the top-25 and is led by former Minnesota safety Koi Perich, who earned All-Big Ten honors in each of his first two years with the Golden Gophers.
The Buckeyes will take on the Ducks at Ohio Stadium, but going against one of the more talented teams in the country will not be a picnic.
2. Ohio State at Texas, Sept. 12
The Buckeyes have fared well against Texas over the last two seasons, picking up two big wins over the storied SEC program. However, Ohio State hasn’t faced Texas in Austin since 2006.
Texas lost some key players from last season’s team that went 10-3, but expects to take a step forward in 2026. The Longhorns signed a loaded transfer portal class led by former Auburn receiver Cam Coleman, former Pittsburgh linebacker Rasheem Biles, former Arizona State running back Raleek Brown and former NC State running back Hollywood Smothers. Starting quarterback Arch Manning also returns to the team. Manning struggled mightily in last year’s matchup against Ohio State, but was one of the most effective passers in the country down the stretch of last season.
The Buckeyes have matched up well against the Longhorns over the last two years, but certainly could be underdogs on the road in the early-season matchup.
1. Ohio State at Indiana, Oct. 17
Indiana may not be the most talented team in the country next year, but proved last year it is more than capable of punching above its weight.
Indiana lost several of its key contributors from last year’s national-championship-winning team, including Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, but once again signed an impressive transfer portal class. The Hoosiers added a pair of standouts on the offensive end, including former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and former Michigan State wide receiver Andrew Marsh.
It’s easy to expect Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti to develop the talent on his roster, especially considering his track record.
Indiana was one of just two teams to defeat Ohio State last season. Playing the Hoosiers in front of their home fans, the Buckeyes will have to play well to defeat the defending national champions.
