The Ohio State football program is already one of the co-favorites to win the 2026 national championship. Despite not being able to win back-to-back titles, they still have an enormous amount of talent returning next season. That is why Vegas likes them so much.
Still, the way the Buckeyes ended the 2025 season left a bad taste in their mouth. Losing consecutive games after starting out 12-0 is not how anyone wanted to finish the season. It was the worst possible way to go out of what had been a very successful year up to that point.
The Ohio State Buckeyes clearly have a lot to improve on heading into next season. Julian Sayin needs to make a leap in his second year as the starting quarterback. In order to do that, he needs to get good coaching from quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler.
The Ohio State football team's title chances rest on Bill Fessler
Ryan Day has yet to hire an offensive coordinator. With that being the case, it seems more likely that Day emerges as the play-caller next season. That would mean Keenan Bailey is likely promoted to offensive coordinator. Billy Fessler would stay on staff to coach the quarterbacks.
How well Fessler is able to help Sayin improve on seeing the field will determine if the Buckeyes are able to win the title next season. At the end of the year, Sayin stopped looking deep when he felt pressure, even though he had several players open for touchdowns on said plays.
If Sayin can eliminate those misses, Ohio State's offense will be more explosive. Even more than that, he will learn how to handle the pressure he sees better, even when guys aren't streaking open for touchdowns. Fessler's coaching determines Sayin's future at quarterback.
Improving on a Heisman Trophy Finalist season is going to be the difference between another early CFP exit and hoisting the national championship trophy.