During the 2025 season, haters tried to poo-poo the Ohio State football team's schedule. They didn't want to give them credit for going 12-0. The Buckeyes beat Texas in the season opener and won at Michigan. Those are two quality wins that helped them get the second overall seed in the CFP.
Of course, the Ohio State Buckeyes ended the season 0-2 after their great start. They fell short in their bid to win a second straight national championship. Ohio State's schedule was a little favorable, but it certainly wasn't easy. 2026 will see the Buckeyes play a much tougher schedule.
Ohio State's tough schedule starts out early when they play at Texas in Week 2. They also play at Indiana, at Iowa, home against USC, and home against Michigan. That schedule is going to be hard for them to navigate. ON3 believes it's harder than anyone else has to deal with.
On3 believes the Ohio State football team has the toughest schedule in the country
According to the Crain & Cone show on On3, the Ohio State Buckeyes have the toughest schedule in the country. They list them as having the toughest path to go through in order to qualify for the College Football Playoff. They only have one other Big Ten team listed in the top 10, and that is TTUN.
Ohio State has a tough road to making the 12-team CFP for the third straight year, but it should be able to do that. They still have one of the most talented rosters in the country, even though they lose a lot of defensive studs. The offense will have to lead the way for the Buckeyes.
This will be the second year that Julian Sayin is the starting quarterback. With his development furthered under Arthur Smith, the Buckeyes should be able to be one of the best offensive teams in the country. Jeremiah Smith is still one of the best players in the country, regardless of position.