Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 College Football Preview, Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions

By Kody Malstrom | May 22, 2026, 7:29pm

Just when it looked like Ohio State was going to blitz their way to the National Championship, they laid a dud in their quarterfinal matchup against Miami, losing to the Hurricanes 14-24. A stunning defeat when factoring in how well the Buckeyes played on both sides of the ball, ranking near the top of the board in most key metrics. With their schedule as daunting as possible, the Buckeyes will be tested in 2026, making them a team to monitor on a weekly basis.

2026 College Football Betting Resources

Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 College Football National Championship Odds

National Title Odds:

Since the start of the transfer portal era, the Ohio State Buckeyes have been able to remain near the top of the oddsboard to win the National Championship, successfully re-tooling their roster in each offseason. Their productive additions rival the cream of the crop, keeping them in contention for the title heading into 2026.

While their additions are certainly impressive, what is even more stunning is Ohio State’s continuity this season, bringing back a majority of their starters who helped elevate them into the top-15 in Success Rate and in PPA. With Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith back on the field, expect the Buckeyes to pick up from where they left off, fielding arguably the best offense in the nation.

On the other side of the ball, the Buckeyes had to address various needs at all three levels, bringing in some question marks on how they will all integrate together. With the Big Ten as top heavy as possible, the Buckeyes can ill-afford to suffer any sort of regression on defense, potentially being the difference of competing for the National Championship or missing out on the playoffs.

Especially when digging into their schedule, having to battle it out against six teams who are currently listed in the top-20. After a tune up against Ball State, the Buckeyes hit the road to face off against Texas who will rival them in most offensive metrics. A few weeks later, Ohio State travels to Indiana, a potential preview of the Big Ten Conference Championship. Sprinkle in matchups against Oregon and Michigan and it looks grim for the Buckeyes.

While Ohio State is certainly one of the best teams in the nation on paper, their schedule is as brutal as it gets, making them a pass to win the National Championship. If you believe regression will rear its ugly head over Ohio State, then consider placing a small wager on the Buckeyes to miss the playoffs.

Bet: No

Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 Big Ten Championship Odds

Big Ten Title Odds:

With the Big Ten littered with plenty of contenders capable of making a run to the title, the Buckeyes schedule presents plenty of road blocks en-route to the conference championship. As previously mentioned, half of Ohio State’s opponents are currently in the top-20, giving the Buckeyes zero room for error.

In regard to specific schedule spots, a four week stretch from mid October to early November may decide the Buckeyes fate, kicking things off with an away game against the Hoosiers who are the defending National Champions. After a bye week, the Buckeyes then travel across the country to battle it out against USC before having to come back home to host the Oregon Ducks.

Even a matchup against Michigan to end their year looms large over the program, giving Kyle Whittingham plenty of time to install his system before their highly anticipated contest. At their current short odds, pass on the Buckeyes to win the Big Ten and target the other top contenders who get the benefit of weaving through a far more favorable schedule.

Bet: No

Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 Win Total Odds

Win Total Odds:

With plenty of landmines spread out throughout their schedule, oddsmakers have tempered their expectations on the Buckeyes rattling off another perfect season, listing their win total at 9.5 juiced to the over. While they do sit at the top of most respected power ratings, the Buckeyes handful of short spreads indicate they are more vulnerable to a multi loss season than most years, making their under worth a play if their total climbs up to a flat ten.

Bet: Yes – Under

Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 Heisman Contenders, Odds

Julian Sayin, QB:
Jeremiah Smith, WR:
Bo Jackson, RB:

Unlike most programs, the Buckeyes have plenty of players spread throughout the oddsboard to win the Heisman, including Julian Sayin who is listed as one of the betting favorites to win the award. While Sayin is certainly a skillful passer in his own right, his lack of running ability makes it tough for him to stuff the stat sheet, making him a pass at his short odds.

Rivaling Sayin near the top of the oddsboard is Jeremiah Smith, the clear number one wide receiver in the nation and a projected top-5 pick in the NFL Draft. While I normally shy away from any skill players winning the award, Smith’s heavy usage rate is enough to separate himself from his teammates, as well as steal the spotlight away from Sayin.

Moving down the board, Chris Henry Jr. and Bo Jackson can be found at +10000, two productive skill players who will play a major role in the Buckeyes success on offense. Unfortunately for the duo, their individual production will not be nearly enough to dethrone Smith and Sayin, making them a pass to win the award.

Bet: Yes – Jeremiah Smith

Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 College Football Schedule

Sat., 9/5 – vs. Ball State
Sat., 9/12 – at Texas
Sat., 9/19 – vs. Kent State
Sat., 9/26 – vs. Illinois
Sat., 10/3 – at Iowa
Sat., 10/10 – vs. Maryland
Sat., 10/17 – at Indiana
Sat., 10/31 – at USC
Sat., 11/7 – vs. Oregon
Sat., 11/14 – vs. Northwestern
Sat., 11/21 – at Nebraska
Sat., 11/28 – vs. Michigan

Photo Credit: AP/Gareth Patterson

Kody Malstrom

Kody is a professional sports bettor and sports betting journalist with eight years of experience in the industry. He covers a wide range of sports, including NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, MLB, and UFC. What started as a side gig has turned into a full time job, spending a majority of his time staring at odds screens and market movement. When away from the computer, Kody enjoys spending his time outdoors relaxing at the beach or golfing with friends.