Heading into the 2026 season, Ohio State has high expectations. After starting the year 12-0, they fell in the Cotton Bowl to Miami. It was a disappointing way to end the season, but they have their eyes set on winning a second national title in three years.
ESPN's Bill Connelly believes that the Ohio State Buckeyes have a shot to win the national title, but three things must happen. The first thing he believes must happen is that the portal additions on the defensive line must hit. He believes they need to have a good pass defense.
"With four of his top five linemen and six of his top nine defensive backs gone, coach Ryan Day added two transfer ends, two tackles, two corners and two safeties. At least one of those in each position needs to become a stalwart in the lineup," Connelly wrote.
Bill Connelly believes Ohio State needs to have a stronger offense to win a national title
Another issue that Connelly sees for the Buckeyes is the offense. He believes that they need to establish another receiver other than Jeremiah Smith to really have a shot at winning it all. It looks like that could be freshman Chris Henry Jr., who showed his skills during the Spring Game.
"Between veteran Brandon Inniss, four veteran transfers and blue-chip youngsters Chris Henry Jr., Jerquaden Guilford and Legend Bey, a lot of players will need to thrive in more important roles," Connelly notes.
Bey will be used as a running back, so he likely won't factor much as a receiver. On the other hand, the Buckeyes might want to get him on the field as much as possible after what he showed during spring practice. He was turning heads early and often, even though he missed the Spring Game.
Ohio State needs to have a faster offense
The last thing Connelly believes needs to happen is for the Buckeyes to have a faster offense. Under Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes played at a much slower pace than they did in 2024. Part of that may have been to keep the team fresher, but it clearly affected them against Indiana and Miami.
"Ohio State played at the second-slowest tempo last season (31.4 seconds per play) and averaged the third-fewest drives per game (9.9)," Connelly stated.
Arthur Smith isn't noted for having particularly fast offenses in the NFL. He will need to fix that heading into his first season as the offensive coordinator in Columbus. Running the ball will be more of a focus, but they will still need to sling the ball around. Their best player is a receiver.
Playing faster earlier in the season will help them be better in the postseason. Having the practice of playing more up-tempo is the key to making sure it's not a foreign concept to draw upon if they need it. That was the main reason why they fell in the Big Ten and the first round of the CFP. That can't happen again.
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