⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Ohio State opens as the No. 1 team with two new coaches and 51 new players, making the Ball State game an evaluation point before the trip to Texas. - The Bucknuts staff expects Arthur Smith to produce a top-tier Ohio State offense built around Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, a better offensive line, a stronger run game, and improved red-zone and short-yardage efficiency. - Ohio State's defense is expected to regress from last year's No. 1 unit after major NFL losses, but most staffers still project a top-10 to top-20 group under Matt Patricia with early personnel packaging. - The staff wants to see a clean operation, sustained drives, touchdowns, third-down stops, competent special teams, and health before Ohio State travels to Texas. - The consensus prediction is Ohio State 49, Ball State 5, with several staffers expecting extensive backup usage and at least 50 players seeing the field.

- Injury: Ohio State is not required to provide availability reports for its first three games of the 2026 season.

- Ohio State entered the opener with no starters expected to be held out and almost every primary backup available, leaving the roster unusually healthy coming out of camp. - LSU transfer receiver Kyle Parker was among the small group of exceptions, while starting right guard Austin Siereveld had been banged up in camp and could be removed after three or four series as a precaution before the Texas game. - Josh Padilla is the top backup at both guard spots and center, and the staff planned to use the opener to give him first-team guard work plus possible second-team center snaps.

- * Reaction to Ohio State coach Ryan Day's first weekly press conference with his thoughts on each position group. * Discussion on the continuing battle for the backup quarterback spot between Tavien St. - Clair and Luke Fahey.

- Bucknuts projects Julian Sayin as Ohio State's starting quarterback, followed by Tavien St. Clair and freshman Luke Fahey. - The projected skill-position starters are Bo Jackson at running back, Jeremiah Smith, Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss at receiver, and Nate Roberts at tight end, with freshman Chris Henry Jr. among the second-team receivers. - Ohio State's projected offensive line is Ian Moore, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels from left to right. - The projected defensive front starts Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Beau Atkinson at end, Eddrick Houston and Will Smith Jr. at tackle, and Payton Pierce and Christian Alliegro at linebacker. - Freshman Jay Timmons projects to start at nickel beside corners Devin Sanchez and Jermaine Mathews Jr. and safeties Jaylen McClain and Earl Little Jr., with Connor Hawkins and Joe McGuire retaining the projected kicking and punting jobs.

- Ryan Day identified Nate Roberts, Mason Williams and Bennett Christian as Ohio State's top three tight ends entering the opener, with Max LeBlanc next in the rotation and Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing also expected to play. - Ohio State plans to rotate its defensive line extensively across base and nickel personnel, with Kenyatta Jackson, Zion Grady, James Smith, Eddrick Houston, John Walker and Beau Atkinson among the early participants. - Phillip Daniels earned Ohio State's opening opportunity at right tackle through improved practice consistency, but Day said sustaining that level in games remains his central challenge. - Brandon Inniss, Phil Bell and Devin McCuin are Ohio State's punt-return options, while converted quarterback Legend Bey is expected to take the first kickoff return if the week proceeds as planned. - Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is expected to work from the field, and Day said the new coordinator structure has freed him to spend more time with players while the staff tests its early schematic assumptions in games.

- Ryan Day expects Mason, Bennett and Nate Roberts to play at tight end, with Max LeBlanc positioned for a role as the season develops and additional young players still competing behind them. - Ohio State's offensive line says its practice work has exposed it to every front, blitz, pressure and stunt it expects to face, improving the unit's preparation for early-season defensive variation. - Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro has added veteran guidance and physicality to Ohio State's linebacker room and is expected to bring visible energy to the opener. - Ohio State players said Jay Timmons has earned substantial trust and is making a clear case to be on the field this season.

- WR: Brandon Inniss is honored to be the Block "O" recipient, but the wide receiver has even bigger aspirations for his senior season.

- OL/WR: After hearing from Ryan Day, Earl Little Jr and Carson Hinzman on Tuesday, talking Ohio State WR rotation, defensive line, offensive line and chemistry with @BillLandis25 on The Bill and Doug Show

- Two-time captain Austin Siereveld is moving from left tackle to right guard after Ian Moore emerged as the apparent winner at left tackle. - Ohio State's projected line is Ian Moore at left tackle, Luke Montgomery at left guard, Carson Hinzman at center, Siereveld at right guard and Phillip Daniels at right tackle. - The interior trio of Montgomery, Hinzman and Siereveld has played together for three years, giving the Buckeyes uncommon communication and continuity inside. - New coordinator Arthur Smith is emphasizing a more physical, finishing-oriented offensive-line identity, and the veteran interior has embraced that standard. - Siereveld said Julian Sayin has become a more assertive and confident leader at quarterback entering the season.

- KICKER: I'm pretty sure I've never seen a defensive lineman consistently make plays on special teams like Caden Curry does.

- Intel: Cover 3 listener ^

- LB: 🏈 Record and playoff predictions for Ohio State football in 2026 and theories from @BillLandis25 and me on how the OSU season will unfold

- Intel: 🏈 Ohio State fans, whether you are betting the Buckeyes or not, @TShoeIndex has an inside view of OSU football thanks to his numbers.

- But the real season gets going this week, as we get to watch our Buckeyes honor the legendary Jim Tressel, this year's seniors and begin what we all hope is another title run in the Horseshoe. - Yeah, I know we got to watch North Carolina and TCU from Ireland yesterday and trust me, I've had my share of ugly football games that are beautiful based just on timing...