Originally published in The Sporting News, analysts think why Ohio State’s entire 2026 season could be defined by one Big Ten game. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Ohio State Buckeyes will remain a top contender this fall, but that certainly doesn’t mean their path to the College Football Playoff is any easier than it was in previous seasons.
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In fact, it may be more challenging. The Buckeyes will face the Texas Longhorns, Illinois State Fighters and Michigan Wolverines.
But, according to Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt, only one game really matters: the Buckeyes’ Oct. 17 game against the Indiana Hoosiers.
“This is probably the most important game in terms of what it means for the conference championship,” Clutter said. “That’s going to be a monster game.”
There are several other games involving the Buckeyes, including a potential swing game against the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks will also face the USC Trojans in a potential elimination game early in the season.
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more: Joel Klatt’s latest Big Ten schedule info considered Illinois, Penn State, Iowa top picks
“If you want to compete and win a Big Ten title, you have to be the best in the West,” Kratt said on “The Joel Kratt Show.” “We’ll know which team we need to keep an eye on from the West on September 26 when Oregon State travels to USC to take on Lincoln Riley and the Trojans.”
It may be too early to tell where Ohio State stands, but coach Ryan Day recently spoke about the future.
“We feel like we’re going to have the best quarterback in college football next year,” Day said of quarterback Julian Saine. “I think, he’s one of the youngest guys to arrive in New York City in a while. Most of the guys that go there are older guys. So we’re all excited for him to have this year and take that next step, even as a leader, and all the different things. But obviously it’s been a great first year for him.”
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There’s still a lot to be decided before the season starts, but the Buckeyes could be successful.
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The first big test comes in September against the Longhorns, where Sain’s quest for Heisman revenge will officially begin.