Every year the goal for the Ohio State Buckeyes is to reload and compete for a national championship. No team has been able to stay at the top like Ohio State for the last few decades, and 2026 comes with as high expectations as they’ve had. 

Ohio State will return Jeremiah Smith for year No. 3 and Ryan Day gets the same starter back for a second year with Julian Sayin, something he hasn’t had a ton. The Buckeyes are replacing 11 draft picks and a ton of depth that bounced to the transfer portal. The good news is that there are players ready to step up and fill big roles. 

Today we’re taking a look at three players who could make the jump to stardom for Ohio State this fall. 

CB Devin Sanchez 

Ohio State lost CB Davison Igbinosun to the NFL after last season and they need a new boundary corner to step up and lead the way. Former five-star recruit Devin Sanchez played a lot as a freshman last season, 13 games to be exact. Sanchez made 15 tackles and two passes defended, and is set up to be Ohio State’s potential No. 1 cornerback this coming season. Sanchez has all the talent in the world to be a No. 1 cornerback at Ohio State, and ideally, it starts as a true sophomore. If the Buckeyes can get a breakout season from Sanchez, it would be huge for the next two years overall.

Cam Calhoun asks Devin Sanchez what his goals are for this year.

His answer: “I want to be an All-American” pic.twitter.com/V1P4QXPHrF

— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) April 8, 2026

EDGE Kenyatta Jackson 

Ohio State’s most important returning player on defense is Kenyatta Jackson, who could have been an NFL draft pick this offseason. Jackson broke out last season with 6.5 sacks; his previous high was 1.5, posted in his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons. Returning to Ohio State was a big decision for Jackson and he did it to be the guy for Ohio State and a more complete pass rusher. A physical freak at 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, who I think posts a double-digit sack season in 2026.

S Jaylen McClain 

Losing Caleb Downs is a huge loss for the Buckeyes and they need several safeties to step up in 2026. Jaylen McClain is expected to be Ohio State’s leader at safety after he flashed ability in his first season as a starter last year. McClain played each of his first two seasons in Columbus including 53 tackles as a sophomore. McClain should be able to take a leap for the Buckeyes with more responsibilities on his plate. I think McClain has a chance to take a big step with some ball production in 2026.