The defending Big Ten powerhouse is back, and the expectations haven’t changed in Columbus. Ohio State opens the 2026 season against Ball State, and let’s get this out of the way early: this is a game the Buckeyes should control.
Ohio State enters the season ranked No. 1 in the country with national championship expectations. Ball State isn’t expected to walk into the Horseshoe and pull off an upset.
But that doesn’t make this a meaningless opener.
If anything, this game is our first opportunity to see what the 2026 version of Ohio State actually looks like. There are new coaches calling the offense, a defense attempting to reload after an incredible 2025 season, and plenty of new faces looking to establish roles.
And there’s another reason this opener matters.
Texas is next.
Ohio State doesn’t have much time to work through mistakes before traveling to Austin for one of the biggest early-season games in college football.
So while everyone will watch the scoreboard against Ball State, I’m watching something different.
Here are my three biggest things to watch.
1. Arthur Smith Gets the Keys to Ohio State’s Offense vs Ball State
This is the most compelling storyline to follow against Ball State. What does an Arthur Smith offense look like with Ohio State’s talent?
Smith arrives in Columbus with plenty of NFL experience, including stops as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator, Atlanta Falcons head coach, and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator. He now has access to an impressive group of playmakers.
Julian Sayin. Jeremiah Smith. Bo Jackson.
That’s a pretty good starting point. This provides a strong foundation. One of the best quarterbacks in college football. Jeremiah Smith might be the best overall player in the sport. And Jackson gives the Buckeyes a legitimate weapon in the backfield.
Smith does not need to overhaul the existing system.
The key question is how he will influence the offense with more marriage to the run and passing game.
Will there be an increased emphasis on play-action?
Will there be more pre-snap movement?
To what extent will Ohio State operate from under center? Does the run-pass balance look like?
How will Smith create opportunities for Jeremiah Smith while maintaining unpredictability?
Of course the Buckeyes are not going to reveal its full playbook against Ball State.
There is little incentive to do so.
Texas is on the schedule the following week. Arthur Smith does not need to provide the Longhorns with extensive game film revealing his full strategy. However, Saturday should offer enough insight into the direction of the offense.
Ohio State’s offensive talent positions this unit to be among the nation’s best.
Saturday provides the first opportunity to observe how Smith will utilize this talent.
2. Can Matt Patricia’s Rebuilt Defense Replicate Its Success?
This may be the more significant long-term question.
Ohio State’s defense performed at an elite level last season. Matt Patricia’s first year coordinating the Buckeyes’ defense produced a unit that established itself as one of the best in college football. The unit played with physicality , tackled effectively ,They limited explosive plays.
Most importantly, they forced opponents to earn every yard.
Patricia is now tasked with replicating that success.
This will be a significant challenge. Ohio State lost key contributors from last year’s defense, so repeating last season’s results will require adjustments. Patricia must rebuild the unit.
Fortunately,
this is Ohio State.
Talent is abundant throughout the roster. From the five stars freshmen to transfer portal grab this summer. The key question is whether this talent is prepared to replace the experience that departed. This is why the defense’s performance against Ball State warrants close attention.
Early-season defensive mistakes often result from communication issues, assignment errors, or players overextending themselves, rather than a lack of talent. The Ball State game provides Patricia an opportunity to acclimate his new unit before facing a higher level of competition against Texas.
Another factor to monitor is Ball State’s quarterback. Ball State quarterback Keldric Luster brings mobility to the position.
This will test Ohio State’s defensive discipline.
When facing a mobile quarterback, defensive ends must maintain discipline rather than pursue sacks at all costs. Linebackers and defensive backs must also remain focused on their assignments when plays break down.
This type of challenge is valuable preparation before the schedule intensifies.
Patricia’s defense is not expected to immediately replicate last year’s performance.
However, the same core identity should be evident. Now it remains to be seen whether Patricia and the restructured Ohio State defense can sustain that success.
3. Which Players Will Capitalize on Their Opportunities?
If Ohio State performs as expected, Saturday will serve as an audition for many players. At that point, the depth chart becomes especially relevant.
Ohio State welcomes many new players, and evaluations from spring practice, training camp, and coaching reports provide only limited insight. Ultimately, performance in actual games is the true measure.
Highly touted players like Chris Henry Jr and Legend Bey are the big notables.
Quarterback is a logical starting point of course. Julian Sayin is QB1. There’s no controversy there. But what’s behind him? If Ohio State establishes a comfortable lead, backup quarterbacks should receive meaningful opportunities to run the offense.
They should be allowed to execute the full offense, rather than only handing off the ball. Allow them to operate the offense fully. The same approach should be applied to skill positions and defensive players.
Ohio State will require contributions from more than just the starting lineup to achieve its goals this season.
A player who is not currently in the spotlight could become a key contributor later in the season. This underscores the importance of these repetitions.
With Texas scheduled immediately after Ball State, there is little time for gradual adjustments.
The Buckeyes must quickly identify reliable contributors.
Saturday provides the first meaningful opportunity to do so.
Final Thoughts
There is no question regarding Ohio State’s talent advantage over Ball State. They are. The focus is on evaluating the team’s level of preparation. Arthur Smith has his first opportunity to demonstrate his vision for the offense.
Matt Patricia begins the challenge of building on a historic defensive season by restructuring the unit. Ohio State’s younger players and newcomers will have the opportunity to prove they deserve meaningful playing time. That’s what matters Saturday.
If Ohio State intends to meet expectations, the foundation for a successful season must be established now.
