Ohio State appeared to be in a strong position heading into the 2026 college football season. The Buckeyes had gone unbeaten in the 2025 regular season before losing 13-10 to Indiana in the Big Ten title game. They later fell to Miami, 24-10, in the College Football Playoff, but still began this season looking like one of the country’s top teams.
Quarterback Julian Sayin was back for his second year as a starter, along with a deep group of offensive talent, including Bo Jackson and an experienced offensive line. Ohio State had to replace key defenders such as Caleb Downs, but Jeremiah Smith, widely considered one of the best players in the sport, returned.
The season has been a reminder that even a talented team can take a sharp turn. Ohio State held a 23-3 lead over Texas entering the fourth quarter, only to lose 24-23 after a remarkable comeback. The Buckeyes responded with convincing wins over Illinois and Iowa, but their fortunes shifted again on October 17.
While Ohio State handed Indiana its first loss in 23 games, Sayin injured his arm during a tackle. Coach Ryan Day initially offered little detail, but during the team’s bye week it emerged that Sayin would miss the rest of the season. The timing could hardly have been worse.
Luke Fahey’s first start came on the road against USC. Ohio State lost 30-18 in a game that was not especially close. Fahey had a mixed outing, while the defense struggled to contain Jayden Maiava and penalties repeatedly hurt the Buckeyes.
Next came Oregon. Ohio State opened with a 14-0 first-quarter lead at home, then allowed 38 unanswered points and lost 41-28.
After beating Indiana on October 17, Ohio State was ranked No. 2 and seemed well positioned for the Big Ten Championship Game and a possible first-round playoff bye. By November 7, the season had unraveled. Frustration with Day was growing among some fans, and the Buckeyes’ playoff hopes looked increasingly slim.
Attention has also turned to Smith’s future. Former NFL running back Damien Harris said on CBS Sports that he believes Smith may have played his final snap for Ohio State this season, pointing to the team’s struggles and Smith’s reaction during the loss to Oregon.
“We just watched Jeremiah Smith play his last snap at Ohio State,” Harris said, adding that he thought Smith would sit out the rest of the season. Harris argued that Smith had already made his mark at the school, including setting touchdown and reception records and winning a national championship, and questioned what more there was to play for.
Smith had seen limited involvement late in the third quarter against Oregon and appeared frustrated after making a catch for a short gain. Jeremy Birmingham, a host on local radio station 97.1 The Fan, criticized his response, saying that a player of Smith’s stature and a team captain should not react that way.
Harris said his view was not meant as a criticism of Ohio State, Day, Fahey or the team. He believes Smith has more important considerations beyond the remainder of the season.
Smith has not announced that he plans to sit out, however. This week, he reposted a defense of his conduct and his record at Ohio State, a move that may suggest he remains eager to compete. The Buckeyes are also still in contention for the Big Ten title, and winning the championship game in Indianapolis would secure a playoff place.
Ohio State has games against Northwestern and Nebraska over the next two weeks, followed by its rivalry matchup with Michigan. The season has not gone as planned, but there are still meaningful games ahead. Smith could also remain in the Heisman conversation. There is an injury risk in continuing to play, though NFL teams may not view sitting out the remaining regular-season games favorably.
In today’s college football landscape, it is difficult to know what a player will decide.
