The Ohio State Buckeyes are about 10 days away from opening their 2026 season at home against Ball State on Sept. 5, and the schedule ahead is a gauntlet. Jeremiah Smith’s junior season and final year in Columbus, combined with Julian Sayin returning as a second-year starting quarterback under coach Ryan Day, gives Ohio State the talent to navigate it. But the road won’t be smooth.

Here are my predictions for all 12 regular season games on Ohio State’s schedule.

Ball State (Week 1, home): Ohio State 63, Ball State 7

This is a game Ohio State shouldn’t have many problems with and a game where the backups should get extended run. That won’t happen often this season outside of a couple of games. Ball State scores a late touchdown on a broken play or something crazy, but this one is over early. Ohio State rolls.

Texas (Week 2, road): Texas 27, Ohio State 21

All eyes will be on this one in prime time, and I have Ohio State losing a close one to the Longhorns on the road. It’s a tough loss for the Buckeyes early in the season, but it’s not one that breaks them. Ohio State can afford to lose this game early in the year, while Texas may not be able to later in the schedule.

Kent State (Week 3, home): Ohio State 62, Kent State 6

After the Texas game, Ohio State returns home and takes care of Kent State much like they did against Ball State. Another blowout, another chance to get depth players some reps.

Illinois (Week 4, home): Ohio State 38, Illinois 13

The Big Ten opener against the Illini. Illinois won’t be as good as last year, but they’ll still be a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten type of team. Ohio State gets them at home and wins this one rather handily.

Iowa (Week 5, road): Ohio State 27, Iowa 14

The first game of October is a tricky one that could be close. Iowa is going to be a ranked team this year, and their offense could be a little improved to raise the ceiling of what they can be. Still, Ohio State pulls away in the second half.

Maryland (Week 6, home): Ohio State 42, Maryland 10

Back at home against the Terrapins before a tough three-game stretch for the Buckeyes. Ohio State breezes through this one with no issues.

Indiana (Week 7, road): Ohio State 33, Indiana 27

This is one a lot of folks have circled, and it’ll be a chance for Ohio State to get back after the Hoosiers following the Big Ten Championship loss to them last year. Indiana is likely going to be undefeated at this point with a rather soft schedule up until Week 7. I have Ohio State getting their getback against Indiana in a game that could swing either way but ultimately goes to the Buckeyes.

USC (Week 9, road): Ohio State 38, USC 30

A bye week separates the Indiana game from Ohio State traveling to USC. The Trojans present a tough matchup with a good quarterback in Jayden Maiava and a defense that is improved. Ohio State needs to take care of business here with Oregon looming the following week at home.

Oregon (Week 10, home): Ohio State 35, Oregon 31

This one has College Football Playoff-type matchup written all over it. Oregon brings an NFL-caliber quarterback in Dante Moore, and this game is going to be tight. Ohio State last faced the Ducks in the College Football Playoff two years ago and won rather handily. As of right now, I think the Buckeyes find a way to win this one at home.

Northwestern (Week 11, road): Ohio State 31, Northwestern 13

A matchup against Chip Kelly’s offense, and Ohio State should take care of business without much drama.

Nebraska (Week 12, road): Ohio State 42, Nebraska 16

Another game Ohio State is figured to win by 18-plus points according to sportsbooks. The Buckeyes handle Nebraska on the road.

Michigan (Week 13, home): Ohio State 26, Michigan 17

As always, the Michigan game is one where Day is going to have to prove he can win multiple years in a row. The talent difference is wide between these two rosters, but the game is still always close. It’s at home for Ohio State this year, and I’ll take the Buckeyes to win it.

Final prediction: 11-1

That puts Ohio State at 11-1 heading into the postseason with the lone regular season loss coming at Texas in Week 2. The schedule is tough, but the talent on this roster is enough to get through it. Time will tell if the Buckeyes can deliver, but I believe there’s no reason this team can’t play into January.