⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Pick/market: The object of the game is to guess the MOST selected answer of your peers.

- 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.

- * 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.