The Ohio State Buckeyes didn’t repeat as national champions this past season. But they’re part of a three-team Big Ten streak of consecutive national titles.
Coach Ryan Day wants to keep the Buckeyes in the mix for both conference and national championships this fall.
Not everyone’s convinced Ohio State can deliver.
CBS Sports’ Cody Nagel ranked the Buckeyes at No. 1 in his way-too-early Top 25. But he’s predicting they’ll lose at least three games for the first time in 15 seasons.
“Ohio State has been a perennial national championship contender for most of the 21st century and expects to be in the title hunt again in 2026. But the Buckeyes face more hurdles than usual with one of the nation’s toughest schedules, including five opponents from [Brandon] Marcello’s way-too-early top 25. Ohio State hasn’t lost more than two games since 2011. If there was ever a year for that streak to end, this is it.”
The schedule concerns are legitimate. Ohio State faces five teams that made preseason top-25 lists.
Nagel expects the Michigan Wolverines to bounce back in “The Game” rivalry this November. That would give Michigan its first win over Ohio State since 2024.
The Buckeyes also face the Oregon Ducks on Nov. 7. Oregon’s getting national title consideration from multiple analysts.
Day’s already facing pressure from Ohio State’s fanbase. A three-loss season would intensify those concerns significantly.
The Buckeyes haven’t lost more than two games since 2011. That’s a streak spanning multiple coaching changes and roster overhauls.
If Nagel’s prediction proves accurate, next season in Columbus will be fascinating to watch.
