What you need to know about Ohio State's 2026 roster: 44 thoughts on 44 offensive players

Jeremiah Smith is the key offensive piece returning for the Buckeyes. Who else could step up this season? Ben Jackson / Getty Images With no spring transfer portal window this year, the Ohio State roster is set. The Buckeyes are expected to be a preseason top-five team, but just how good can the offense be? Here are thoughts on Ohio State's 44 scholarship offensive players. Check back for defense and special teams later this week. Julian Sayin, r-Soph.: Sayin returns as one of the preseason Heisman Trophy favorites after throwing for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions with a national-high 77 percent completion rate, but there was still room for growth after losing two games in a row to end the season. He is spending the offseason improving his mobility, which should help add to his elite touch and accuracy. Whether he'll vault himself into the first round of the NFL Draft remains to be seen, but he's a talented second-year starter who should help Ohio State's offense take the next step. Tavien St. Clair, r-Fr.: St. Clair is entering an important year for his development after redshirting last season. He was a five-star prospect and the No. 4 player in the 2025 recruiting class, and many consider him the next quarterback up. For now, he's the frontrunner for the backup position and will need to take advantage of all the second-half reps he gets. Justyn Martin, r-Sr.: The Maryland transfer, who began his career at UCLA, has a strong arm, but St. Clair's upside appears higher as the backup. Still, Martin brings a much-needed veteran presence to the depth chart. Luke Fahey, Fr.: Fahey's size immediately caught my eye, as the California native is listed at 5 feet 11. He's likely to redshirt, but his 61-yard touchdown run in the spring game was a bright spot. Bo Jackson, Soph.: Jackson was out this spring following shoulder surgery, but his spot as the lead back is secure. The Ohio native tallied 1,090 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. Now a sophomore, he needs to break more tackles at the second level, but his versatility as a runner and pass catcher makes him the obvious No. 1 back. He should become a major weapon in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's plans. How big his sophomore jump is could raise Ohio State's ceiling. Isaiah West, Soph.: West exceeded my expectations last season. His numbers don't jump out (316 yards and two touchdowns), but his physicality was evident, and he moved well between the tackles. He missed time this spring due to a minor injury, but his physicality should return. The duo of West and Jackson should excite Ohio State fans. Ja'Kobi Jackson, r-Sr.: The Buckeyes needed another veteran and added Jackson from Florida. He was one of two healthy running backs in the spring game and showed off some agility between the tackles and versatility in the pass game. A strong preseason camp could see the 217-pound running back force coach Carlos Locklyn into a three-person rotation. Anthony Rogers, r-Fr.: Rogers wasn't an early enrollee last year, which put him behind the 8-ball. It took him time to adjust to Locklyn's demands. Still, the 198-pound running back is an explosive player who could open some eyes if he gets second-half reps this year. Favour Akih, Fr.: The spring game was massive for Akih, who was one of the few healthy running backs. The three-star prospect will be a reserve, but 50 rushing yards on 16 carries in the spring game is something he can build on. Legend Bey, Fr.: Bey was one of the most talked-about freshmen this spring. The Tennessee native is a natural athlete who can play multiple positions. Right now, he's learning both receiver and running back. Bey has the potential to be an impact player down the line. Jeremiah Smith, Jr.: Widely considered the best receiver (and perhaps the best overall player) in the country, Smith is back for his third and likely final season at Ohio State. He has tallied 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns in two seasons, won a national championship as a freshman and beat Michigan his sophomore season. Still, there's more Smith, who will be one of the top picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, wants to accomplish. He missed out on the Biletnikoff Award last season and finished sixth in the Heisman voting. Expect the Buckeyes to push hard for awards for Smith as he chases greatness and one more championship. Brandon Inniss, Sr.: This is a crucial year for Inniss. The former five-star recruit will enter the season as Ohio State's starting slot receiver. He's a captain and one of the group's vocal leaders. On the field, he's a gritty player who does everything the staff asks. He blocks and has good hands, and though he was fourth on the team with just 36 catches, he has a knack for getting open. If he and Sayin can get on the same page, Inniss could have a breakout season with Carnell Tate gone to the NFL. David Adolph, r-Sr.: A former walk-on, Adolph earned a start last year against Rutgers, showing that the staff appreciates the standard he sets for the younger players. He's not going to take snaps away from the depth in this unit, but his leadership is key. Devin McCuin, Sr.: The UTSA transfer started in the spring game and may be the frontrunner for the third receiver spot. The 6-foot senior's playmaking after the catch will provide a boost. He had 726 receiving yards last season, with 352 coming after the catch, per TruMedia. Kyle Parker, r-Jr.: Parker followed position coach Cortez Hankton from LSU and adds depth after turnover in the unit. He had 330 yards and four touchdowns last season, and though he didn't start in the spring game, he brings the ability to play both in the slot and outside. Philip Bell, r-Fr.: Bell had a fine spring, but he didn't break out. The depth at receiver may keep him from making a jump this season, but he should see more than the 20 snaps he had last season. De'Zie Jones, r-Fr.: Much like Bell, Jones may struggle to secure consistent playing time this season. The departures of Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter left holes in the unit, but it'll still take a strong preseason camp for Jones to break into a crowded game-day rotation. Brock Boyd, Fr.: Boyd immediately made headlines this spring, becoming the first freshman to lose his black stripe. He was a three-star prospect out of high school, but he has been considered one of the most underrated prospects in the country. He caught two passes for 21 yards in the spring game. In terms of immediate impact potential among freshmen, Boyd would be second behind Chris Henry Jr. Chris Henry Jr., Fr.: Speaking of Henry, the five-star recruit was the most impressive player in the spring game. He had four catches for 96 yards and showed his ability as a deep threat with a 40-yard touchdown catch from St. Clair. Physically, he looks like a basketball player, at 6-5 and 195 pounds, and between his vertical ability and willingness to go across the middle, he's going to contend for a starting spot. At the very least, he could have a Tate-like freshman year: The No. 4 draft pick had 18 catches, 264 yards and one touchdown behind Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming in 2023. Jaeden Ricketts, Fr.: Ricketts is likely to redshirt. The three-star prospect was also a track star in high school and has speed that Ohio State could utilize down the line. Jerquaden Guilford, Fr.: Guilford was the No. 6 receiver recruit in the country, and some believe he was underrated. The talent is obvious, even if he hasn't lost his black stripe yet. The 6-3 receiver can make plays at every level of the field and should be ready to turn heads in camp. Bennett Christian, r-Sr.: I'm not sure what to think about Christian entering this season. He played 248 snaps last season, the most among the returnees, but he didn't contribute as a pass catcher, with just five catches for 16 yards. He's not one of the top two tight ends, but can he earn reps when Ohio State goes with three tight ends? Hunter Welcing, r-Sr.: Twenty-eight of Welcing's 29 career receptions at Northwestern came last season, when he had 296 yards and two touchdowns. While he hasn't shown sustained success through the air, Welcing's size and athleticism intrigue me. His 6-foot-3 frame could be a weapon in the red zone. Mason Williams, Sr.: Ohio State didn't hesitate to go back to Ohio University for a transfer tight end. Will Kacmarek was just picked in the third round of the NFL Draft, and now the Buckeyes have Williams, who was also a stronger blocker for the Bobcats. I'd expect him or Nate Roberts to get the most snaps, but Williams may be the best blocker among the tight ends; he's definitely the most experienced. Max LeBlanc, r-Soph.: LeBlanc didn't play a snap last year and hasn't made much of an impact at Ohio State yet. He has many upperclassmen ahead of him and was passed by freshman Brody Lennon. Nate Roberts, Soph.: The likely TE1, Roberts played often as a backfield blocker but should be better on the line as a receiver and blocker. Despite the depth at receiver, I'd expect Roberts to be involved in the passing game, maybe even lined up outside. He was the No. 10 tight end in the 2025 class, and this is his year to make a jump. Brody Lennon, r-Fr.: Lennon's time is coming, but probably not this year. He played six snaps last year, including one on special teams, which may be his best chance to make an impact this season. Nick Lautar, Fr.: The 6-5 frame is enough to keep me intrigued, but don't expect to see much from the three-star in-state prospect this season. It may take a couple of years for Lautar to develop and mix his size with the skill set Ohio State demands of him. Carson Hinzman, r-Sr.: Could Hinzman win the Rimington Trophy this season? He was a first-team All-American by the AFCA and has made significant strides since being thrust into the starting spot as a freshman. Hinzman returning as a multi-year starter at center who can also play guard if injuries become a problem is a win for offensive line coach Tyler Bowen. Luke Montgomery, Sr.: Montgomery could be one of the top guards in the country. Only Hinzman played more snaps last year, which isn't a coincidence, because they exude the grit an offensive line needs. Montgomery needs to be more consistent, but the potential is there. Vasean Washington, r-Sr.: A late-January transfer addition, the former Dartmouth offensive tackle is a depth addition for a team that needed a bit more experience. Phillip Daniels, r-Jr.: My favorite thing about Daniels is the attitude he plays with. He has to clean up some technical mistakes, especially in pass protection. Despite giving up a few easy sacks last year, Daniels should be the starting right tackle when the season begins. Could Bowen try him at guard? I wouldn't rule it out. Josh Padilla, r-Jr.: Padilla has been viewed as the center in waiting, but with Hinzman back for another year, Padilla's best chance to get on the field is to show his versatility. He can play both center and guard, which is valuable for an Ohio State team that has a hole at right guard. Even if he doesn't start, he should be in the rotation. Austin Siereveld, r-Jr.: He was Ohio State's starting left tackle a year ago, and may be this season, as well, but his NFL position is likely at guard. I believe guard would also be the best position for Ohio State to play him at, but left tackle is one of the most important positions on the offense, so if the Buckeyes decide to go with the experienced Siereveld, I see no problem with it either. Deontae Armstrong, r-Soph.: I thought Armstrong was a transfer candidate after his brother, Devontae, transferred to Miami (Ohio) in January. Deontae, though, decided to stick around, and even if there are some questions at tackle, it's hard to see a road for the Ohio native player to get on the field this year. Ian Moore, r-Soph.: The Indiana native was a bright spot in the Cotton Bowl loss to Miami and has earned real consideration to start. Does he take Daniels' spot at right tackle? Or does he go to left tackle if Siereveld moves to guard? If Ohio State is truly trying to play its best five offensive linemen, it makes sense to start Moore at one tackle spot and bump Daniels or Siereveld to guard. Gabe VanSickle, r-Soph.: VanSickle is another player battling for playing time this summer. He played 151 snaps, including starting in the Cotton Bowl loss, and was a bit inconsistent. I would slot the interior offensive lineman behind Padilla and even behind Siereveld or Daniels if one is considered for the right guard opening. Carter Lowe, r-Fr.: Lowe's spring game was poor, but he is a second-year player who saw just 17 offensive snaps last season. His stock has fallen since that game, but that's no reason to give up on the former top-100 recruit. He should grow from that performance; Ohio State will need him down the road. Jake Cook, r-Fr.: Cook worked hard to earn his Ohio State offer as a senior, and when he got it, he flipped his commitment from Louisville. He won't compete for a starting guard spot this year, but a strong season as a backup could put him in the running next season. Sam Greer, Fr.: Greer was the prize offensive lineman of the 2026 class. The top-60 recruit is an impressive athlete for his 6-7 and 335-pound frame. I don't think he'll develop fast enough to make a major impact this season, but he'll be a contender next season. Max Riley, Fr.: A top-10 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class, Riley is a key piece to Ohio State's offensive line future. Much like Greer, this developmental year is important for both Riley and Ohio State because he may be asked to jump into the rotation next season. Tucker Smith, Fr.: Smith is the lone freshman who didn't enroll early, so expect him to be behind by at least a year when he arrives in the summer. Mason Wilhelm, Fr.: Wilhelm, the No. 918 player in the 2026 class, is a developmental player along the interior offensive line. His father, Matt Wilhelm, played at Ohio State and in the NFL. Landry Brede, Fr.: Much like Wilhelm, Brede will be a developmental player, but at offensive tackle. It was good to see Ohio State flip him from NC State, though, keeping the Mentor native in-state.