⚡ 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.

- 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.

- 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.