After a successful 2025 season, Ohio State faces the challenge of replacing double-digit starters while integrating new talent. The Buckeyes' depth chart is evolving, and the position groups are being ranked by talent, experience, and depth. Here's an in-depth look at each position, with a focus on the key players and their potential impact in 2026.
QUARTERBACK:
- Julian Sayin: Returning as the starter, Sayin aims to build on his impressive 2025 season, leading the FBS in completion percentage. With his potential to improve and the depth provided by Tavien St. Clair and Justyn Martin, Ohio State's quarterback room is strong.
- Tavien St. Clair: Demonstrating significant improvement in spring practice, St. Clair has the arm strength and athleticism sought after by top programs. His development and potential to be a quality backup make him a valuable asset.
- Justyn Martin: A veteran presence, Martin brings experience from UCLA and Maryland. His athleticism and understanding of the demands of being a backup quarterback in the Big Ten make him a key contributor.
- Luke Fahey: A freshman with a strong arm, Fahey has the potential to develop into a future quarterback. Despite his height, he showed promise during spring practice.
SAFETY:
- Jaylen McClain: Entering his junior season, McClain brings starting experience and leadership. His performance and progress in leadership skills make him a key player.
- Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore: Transferring from Florida State and Duke, respectively, Little and Moore provide new safety options. Their competition for roles adds depth to the position.
- Leroy Roker III: A pleasant surprise, Roker improved significantly in spring practice, positioning himself as a contender for a starting role.
- Blaine Bradford, DeShawn Stewart, Khmari Bing, and Simeon Caldwell: These freshmen and redshirt freshmen contribute depth and potential, with Caldwell also transitioning to linebacker.
WIDE RECEIVER:
- Jeremiah Smith: Widely regarded as the best wide receiver, Smith has back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. His growth and development could make him a challenging target for opposing secondaries.
- Brandon Inniss: Poised for a standout senior season, Inniss needs to increase his production. His slot role and potential as a No. 2 option are key to the receiving corps.
- Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker: Veteran options from the transfer portal, McCuin and Parker bring experience to the receiving corps, but they must prove reliable in the Big Ten.
- De'Zie Jones and Phillip Bell: Redshirt freshmen with high potential, Jones and Bell are expected to contribute in their second seasons.
- Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd, Jerquaden Guilford, and Jaeden Ricketts: A talented freshman class with immediate potential, these players will compete for playing time and contribute to the receiving corps.
CORNERBACK:
- Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Devin Sanchez: Mathews and Sanchez, a sophomore, are key players. Their performance and potential, along with the addition of Dominick Kelly, determine the depth and success of the cornerback group.
- Dominick Kelly and Cam Calhoun: Transferring from Georgia and Alabama, Kelly and Calhoun bring immediate impact, providing different options in the secondary.
- Miles Lockhart: A third-year player, Lockhart's performance and the development of young players like Jordan Thomas and Jay Timmons will shape the cornerback group.
RUNNING BACK:
- Bo Jackson and Isaiah West: Returning for their sophomore seasons, Jackson and West are poised for breakout seasons. Their development and the addition of Ja'Kobi Jackson and Anthony Rogers provide a strong running back group.
- Ja'Kobi Jackson: A Florida transfer, Jackson showed toughness and versatility. His ability to run over defenders and catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a key contributor.
- Anthony Rogers and Legend Bey: Explosive options, Rogers and Bey bring big-play potential. Their health and development will be crucial for the running back group.
- Favour Akih: A freshman, Akih gained valuable experience during spring practice, benefiting from tough coaching.
OFFENSIVE LINE:
- Ian Moore: A junior, Moore is set to step into a bigger role at left tackle. His performance and the development of the offensive line will be crucial for the team's success.
- Tegra Tshabola, Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Phillip Daniels: The offensive line is counting on these players to develop and earn starting spots. Their progress and competition will shape the line's performance.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE:
- Eddrick Houston, Will Smith Jr., Jason Moore, James Smith, and John Walker: The defensive tackle group needs transfers to hit or younger players to take on more responsibility. Their success is crucial for the unit's potential.
LINEBACKER:
- Payton Pierce and Christian Alliegro: Starting linebacker spots are filled by these players, with their experience and production from previous seasons.
- Riley Pettijohn, TJ Alford, Garrett Stover, Eli Lee, Cincere Johnson, CJ Sanna, and Braxton Rembert: Depth and limited experience are key factors, with the need for potential to become a reality.
DEFENSIVE END:
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr.: A dominant defensive end, Jackson needs to build on his 2025 season. His physical tools and performance will be crucial.
- Beau Atkinson, Zion Grady, Epi Sitanilei, Qua Russaw, Khary Wilder, and Dre Quinn: These players bring questions and potential, with the need for development and impact in 2026.
TIGHT END:
- Bennett Christian and Nate Roberts: Returning tight ends, Christian and Roberts need to take steps forward. Their production and development are key to the tight end group's success.
- Hunter Welcing and Mason Williams: Transfers from the portal, Welcing and Williams bring 77 receptions over eight seasons. Their contribution and development will be crucial.
- Maxence LeBlance and Brody Lennon: Returning with limited playing time, LeBlance and Lennon need to step up. Their development and the addition of Nick Lautar will shape the tight end group.
Despite the losses and new faces, Ohio State's depth chart is impressive, and the Buckeyes are expected to remain among the top teams in the country. The key is for the returning players to take steps forward, the transfers to hit their marks, and the freshmen to contribute immediately. With a strong foundation and potential across the board, Ohio State is poised for another successful season in 2026.
