Our first Buckeye Breakdown Podcast game preview as we set up for Week One of the 2026 season.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are less than 24 hours away from the very first game of the 2026 season and the first step in what will hopefully be a very long journey to the National Championship.
There are a lot of things to happen between now and then, but getting off on the right foot is critical for the Buckeyes to feel good going into week two against the Texas Longhorns.
There was a major warning shot sent throughout the country when UMASS went into Piscataway, New Jersey, and pounded the Scarlet Knights up and down the field. It was one of the worst MAC schools beating up a Big Ten team, and I'm nearly positive that the final score is what led to the team meeting today in Columbus.
It would take an absolute miracle for the Buckeyes to get beat by Ball State, but it is very important they look the part and show that they have a great operation and look like one of the premier teams in the country.
To do that, they are going to have to have a lot of players step up into new roles on this team and replace several Buckeye legends. There are none more important than on the defensive side of the football.
The Buckeyes have to replace three players who were selected in the first 11 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft and five players who were picked in the first two rounds. It will be a tall task, but they have two guys to do it. The only question is just how good they will be.
On offense, it is a similar story. There is a massive hole in the attack behind Jeremiah Smith at the wide receiver position. Who will be receivers two through five, and how will they look? That is where everyone's eyes will be, but also, the left tackle position has a new face.
Ian Moore gets his first start of the season at left tackle, and he has the biggest responsibility on the Buckeyes' offense this year. Ohio State's line needs to prove that they can be a force next year and be the reason that the Buckeyes can control games.
There will be a lot to focus on during the game on Saturday, but before the game, there will be a ton going on.
Ohio State legends Jim Tressel and Maurice Clarett will both be in the building on Saturday. Clarett will ring the Victory Bell to start the game, while Tressel will receive the ultimate honor, and his name will hang in the Ohio State Ring of Honor for all time.
Finally, Saturday will be Senior Day for the Buckeyes, honoring the players who will play their final year in Columbus.
It will be a jam packed game day on Saturday as the Buckeyes get the season underway.
