Ohio State

Eight starters back, including Sayin, Smith, Inniss, and four of five up front. The Smith hire is a direct answer to scoring 24 total points in the two losses that ended 2025 — expect a more physical run game and play-action shots instead of pure dropback volume. Spring was reportedly choppy with key pieces banged up, but the ceiling is the best offense in the country. Camp notes: Bo Jackson's first-team backfield reps are being split with sophomore Isaiah West, and Beau Atkinson holds the early edge over Alabama transfer Qua Russaw at the open defensive end spot.

Replacing eight starters for the second consecutive year after fielding the nation's best defense in 2025. As many as half a dozen transfers project into major roles — both safeties next to McClain, both interior linemen, and a starting LB are new. Talent is elite but October cohesion is the open question.

Day has stacked an NFL-style staff around two former NFL play-callers at coordinator. Continuity at QB plus an upgrade-by-design at OC; the bet is Smith fixes the short-yardage and finishing issues that cost them in December.

Heaviest outflow of the NIL era — 31 scholarship players out, 18 in. The starters got better (three Alabama defenders, two starting-caliber safeties, a proven kicker), but depth behind the top 22 is the thinnest it's been; an injury run changes this team's profile.

New legs: Hawkins (Baylor transfer, 18-of-22 FG in 2025) takes over at kicker with UCF transfer Riggs snapping; McGuire returns for a third year punting. Inniss keeps the punt-return job; Bey projected on kickoffs.

As of Aug 17: They are the preseason Big Ten favorite — 15 of 31 first-place votes in the media poll — carrying a 9.5 win total against a hard schedule. Our Oct 10 trip is their homecoming; kickoff is narrowed to 3:30 or 8 ET with TV unset.