The Ohio State Buckeyes' biggest question mark during the 2026 season will perfectly match up with the Oregon Ducks' greatest strength. Whether or not OSU has found the right mix along their front five offensively will be tested against the Ducks.
As Cleveland.com's Stephen Means notes, Oregon's pass rush and run defense, the former buoyed by star EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, and the latter held down by defensive tackle Bear Alexander, though both are future NFL day one or day two picks who excel with both, will be the Buckeyes' biggest challenge when the two teams tussle on November 7 at the "Shoe."
"It’s either Ohio State’s wide receiver room because it has bar none the best player in the country or it’s Oregon’s defensive line room as the best position rooms in the Big Ten," Means said on the Buckeye Talk podcast.
Outside of Uiagalelei and Alexander, DT A'Mauri Washington led the nation in eight batted passes last fall, and EDGE Teitum Tuioti was the only returning defender who graded out as an 80.0 or higher as both a pass rusher and a run defender by PFF. This is a complete defensive line coming to town in Week 11. OSU will be tested in a major way. The line and the guy whose performance will be defined by the line.
Julian Sayin's lack of mobility may be put in the spotlight against Oregon
A major storyline this offseason is whether or not quarterback Julian Sayin can improve his mobility and decision-making while leaving the pocket and taking a few extra yards when plays break down. Ryan Day wants him to run more, and Sayin certainly had all offseason to think about being chased down by the Miami Hurricanes' nightmare edge-rushing duo of Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. throughout the team's 24-14 loss in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
Sayin could be on the run frequently if, from left to right, Ian Moore, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Austin Siereveld, and Phillip Daniels aren't the right mix. Hell, even if they are, November 7 figures to be the biggest barometer of how much more balanced Sayin has between the run and the pass.
Sayin's 77.9% completion rate showed he can sling the rock better than most at the position. It's made even more impressive when you consider it came against Big Ten defenses, which is the new speed conference. Carnell Tate was taken with the No. 4 overall pick, and Jeremiah Smith has Heisman hype for a reason.
Sayin's efficiency will be hampered if he can't get passes off or if he's getting his throws batted down at the line of scrimmage. If he could keep the defense on its heels, punishing blitzes, and forcing an opposing QB spy, the passing game would naturally open up.
This is all easier said than done. Sayin knows what he needs to do. If he's been coached up enough to know when to take that open field, he'll do it. The Ducks' dominant pass rush is coming either way; let's hope Arthur Smith is already studying Oregon's game film.
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