The Ohio State football team has a very tough schedule next season. After winning the national championship in 2024, they weren't able to bring home the title again in 2025. Despite that, they still have a ton of talent returning and coming in for the 2026 season.
The biggest concern for the Buckeyes is the schedule. It is one of the toughest schedules in the country for any team, let alone one with as much talent as they have. The Big Ten has proven that it is the best conference in the country after having won the last three national titles.
With that being the case, Ohio State's Big Ten schedule is much tougher next season. Former Ohio State football player and current radio host Bobby Carpenter believes that the Ohio State Buckeyes can still make the College Football Playoff with three losses.
Former Ohio State football player Bobby Carpenter believes Bucks can make CFP at 9-3
While speaking on Bishop & Friends on 97.1 the Fan, Carpenter made his case for Ohio State to still make the CFP if they only finish 9-3 next season.
"I think Ohio State, with that schedule next year, could be the first 9-3 team to get in, should they potentially do that, with how difficult their schedule is. But the SEC has also kind of lost some of that grace with the scheduling when the Big Ten has won the last three national titles. That's the other thing. They can't champion 'our 9-3 is better than yours'. Is it?"
Carpenter believes that the Buckeyes would have a real shot to make the College Football Playoff if they were going to lose three games. Of course, Ohio State will be hoping to have a much better record than that. Three losses are something closer to a worst-case scenario.
Ohio State is one of the best teams in the country heading into next season. If they are able to navigate through it with a decent record, they should once again make the CFP.