It isn't all perfect for the Ohio State roster right now, and here are two position groups with the most to prove in the 2026 season.
The Ohio State Buckeyes roster, just like it almost always does, is going to have a ton of turnover at several key positions.
After last year's team that made a run to the College Football Playoffs, they lost 11 players to the NFL Draft, including a lot of very key members of the defense that was the best in the country last year.
So, that begs the question: which position groups have the most to prove in 2026-27? With a normal program, this question would probably be close to "which position group took a step back this offseason" or something similar to that. However, Ohio State is not a normal program.
They are going to be elite on both sides of the ball next year, but just with some new names that have to prove themselves next year. On the podcast, we discussed it, and it started on the defensive side of the ball.
Basically, each level of the defense is filled with new faces, but it is the linebacker position group that has the most to prove next year.
Last year, Ohio State's linebackers put together two of the most impressive seasons ever, and it landed them both as Top-10 selections in the NFL draft. Going into next year, who is going to step up and fill those shoes?
The names that will be in contention and are likely in the driver's seat are Riley Pettijohn and Payton Pierce. These two had some great experience last year as they were plugged into significant roles in games when the Buckeyes were blowing out opponents.
Similar to Arvell Reese not being a household name last year prior to the season, each of these guys is pretty unknown right now, but fast forward five months, and they will be known around the country.
On the opposite side of the football, the Buckeyes offense has to step up next year; they really do. They cost the Buckeyes a chance at the National Championship last year, and they have a lot to prove next year.
Julian Sayin needs to be better, the offensive line needs to be better, but the position with the most to prove next season is at wide receiver. Yes, wide receiver.
It isn't about Jeremiah Smith; he has nothing to prove at all. He is the best player in college football, and that isn't up for debate. Behind him, there are major question marks on who will be the wide receivers two, three, and four.
It will be a competition between Brandon Inniss, Kyle Parker, Devin McCuin, Chris Henry Jr., and Brock Boyd. There is some great talent in that group, but at least one of those guys has to step up and prove that they can take the title of wide receiver two.
There is a lot to prove for a Buckeyes team that has the expectation of getting back to the playoffs and making a run to the National Championship.
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