Heading into the 2026 season, the Ohio State football team has a lot of expectations. After starting 12-0 last season, they fell in the final two games of the year. One of those was to Indiana, as they fell 13-10 in the Big Ten Championship Game. It was a poor performance from the offense.
Now, the Buckeyes are looking for revenge. Quite frankly, they are one of the favorites to not just win the Big Ten, but win the national championship. In order to do that, they have to navigate one of the toughest schedules in the country. That starts with a big showdown against Texas in Week 2.
However, the Big Ten portion of the schedule is also very tough. Usually, the Buckeyes have some big games in the conference part of the schedule. Now, On3 thinks that multiple games they are playing in conference are seen as some of the biggest games of the year.
Three Ohio State football games marked as the best games in the Big Ten
According to On3, three games that the Ohio State Buckeyes play in the Big Ten are listed as the top three games in the entire conference this year. They have the Ohio State vs. Indiana game as the best game in the Big Ten. Number two is Ohio State hosting Oregon, and number three is Ohio State hosting TTUN.
NEW: Top 5 Big Ten Football Games in 2026🔥
— On3 (@On3) July 14, 2026
(via @crainandcone)https://t.co/SLxn1ZC8zt pic.twitter.com/D1AjsGCaqb
By having the Buckeyes in the top three games, On3 clearly believes that the Buckeyes are the Big Ten's best hope of continuing the national championship run that they have been on. The Big Ten has won the last three national titles, including the one Ohio State won in 2024.
Those three games are some of the toughest games that Ohio State has on its schedule this season. Other than the game in Austin in Week 2, those will be the games that determine if the Bucks have a shot to make the College Football Playoff again.
Ohio State feels confident about winning all of its games this season
Heading into the season, the Buckeyes feel very good about their chances of going undefeated, despite the very tough schedule. With the talent they have on the offensive side of the ball. They are really good in the passing game with Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith returning.
Those two players should be preseason favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. The Buckeyes are going to lean on those two throughout most of this season in order to win games. Defensively, keeping IU and Oregon from scoring a lot of points will be a massive challenge.
Later in the year, the Buckeyes should be well-versed in what Arthur Smith wants to do on the offensive side of the field. The players should be confident in the new playbook by the time all of these games roll around. The final game of the year should be a fun one for the fans, as it could be one that breaks Bryce Underwood for good.
