Skull Session: Chase Bank is Ohio State’s $17 Million Jersey Patch Sponsor, Jeremiah Smith Says Keionte Scott’s Cotton Bowl Pick-Six Still “Haunts Me a Lot” This Offseason

Chase Brown — Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - 04:55

Welcome to the Skull Session.

The Warden got paid. Again.

Denzel Ward becomes the NFL's highest-paid defensive back for the second time in his career by signing a two-year, $62.2 million extension with the Browns. https://t.co/wGvSINpgs3
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) July 28, 2026

Have a good Wednesday.

HOW ABOUT THAT? Ahem.

My name on Ohio State’s jerseys? pic.twitter.com/1xoGGW4iDA
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) July 28, 2026

I see this as an absolute win.

I also see an additional $17 million annually for Ohio State athletics as an absolute win. That’s nearly all of the Buckeyes’ projected $20 million revenue-sharing budget in 2025 and will go a long way toward helping Ohio State maintain its status as the biggest brand in college football.

CHICAGOOO, CHICAGOOO. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and players Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and Jaylen McClain will take the stage at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, and Eleven Warriors editor Dan Hope and I are in the Windy City to cover every comment and quote from the Hilton Chicago.

Here’s the schedule for their media appearances today:

Ryan Day press conference: 12:15-12:30 p.m. CT/1:15-1:30 p.m. ET
Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and Jaylen McClain breakouts: 1:15-1:30 p.m. CT/2:15-2:30 p.m. ET
Ryan Day breakout: 1:45-2:30 p.m. CT/2:45-3:30 p.m. ET

Day’s press conference will be televised live on Big Ten Network. We’ll have videos of Sayin, Smith, McClain and Day at their podiums on our YouTube channel and social media platforms this afternoon, along with plenty of #content in a Big Ten Media Days Central post on our front page.

HOW DID WE GET HERE? Last week, ESPN’s Bill Connelly named the 100 games that explain college football in 2026.

“The games remain thrilling, and Saturdays remain immaculate. But it’s sometimes worthwhile to step back and ask, how the heck did we get here?” Connelly wrote. “With games broken up into key categories — from change agents (like tactical innovations and conference realignment) to the things that keep us coming back (like upsets and epic endings) — here are 100 games that explain college football in the year 2026.”

Connelly divided his list into categories like Making Legends, Innovations, Postseason Drama, Upsets, Frustrating Finishes, TV Rules, Realignment’s Effects and Classic Endings.

I have my own categories for Ohio State: The Triumphs and The Heartbreaks.

The Triumphs

6. Oct. 4, 1975: No. 2 Ohio State 41, No. 13 UCLA 20. In less than a decade, we'll celebrate the 100th birthday of the Heisman Trophy. Incredibly, only one person has won it multiple times to date. While Archie Griffin's best collegiate game was perhaps his second -- he rushed for 239 yards against North Carolina as a freshman -- he wasn't known just yet. But as a defending Heisman winner, he basically locked up a second win with a 21-carry, 160-yard performance against unbeaten UCLA.

...

65. Jan. 3, 2003: No. 2 Ohio State 31, No. 1 Miami 24. Another fourth-down pass broken up, another premature celebration. I will forever say that the pass interference call against Miami that extended the 2002 season's BCS championship game -- eventually won by Ohio State -- was a fair call. It was extremely physical coverage. But it was also a painfully late call and a particularly painful way to deny Miami a second straight national title and dynasty status.

The Heartbreaks

47. Nov. 22, 1969: No. 12 Michigan 24, No. 1 Ohio State 12. Woody Hayes' Ohio State was the defending national champion and a winner of 22 games in a row. Michigan was trying to reestablish its footing under first-year coach Bo Schembechler. The Wolverines scored an upset that started what became known as the Ten Year War, the peak of one of the sport's most celebrated rivalries.

...

98. Dec. 31, 2022: Georgia 42, Ohio State 41. A semifinal game that ends on a field goal that goes into the air in one year and lands in the next.

Ohio State has had plenty of triumphs and heartbreaks in its 135-year history. Thankfully, there's been far more triumph than heartbreak. But heartbreak is the shadow cast by greatness. Programs that don't compete for championships don't accumulate defining losses.

Four games can only scratch the surface. As one of college football's blue bloods, Ohio State has spent more than a century playing for conference titles, national championships and legacies. That's why so many Buckeye games have shaped not only seasons, but the sport itself.

“I HAD TO HEAR IT ALL.” The Columbus Dispatch’s Joey Kaufman wrote an excellent feature on Jeremiah Smith, providing an inside look at the star receiver’s love for the weight room, his desire to develop a stronger voice in the locker room and his motivations heading into a pivotal 2026 season for the Buckeyes.

I highly recommend reading the story in its entirety, but here’s an excerpt to get your jollies:

When the Buckeyes took a break for the Fourth of July, Smith spent the holiday visiting family and friends in South Florida.

The trip also allowed him to host a youth camp in Miami Gardens, a place that brought inevitable reminders of a stinging postseason loss.

Miami knocked Ohio State out of the College Football Playoff in December. Not only did the quarterfinal loss end the Buckeyes’ bid to repeat as national champions, but it was personal to Smith, who once considered signing with the Hurricanes as the nation’s top high school prospect in late 2023.

“A lot of little kids were like, ‘You should’ve stayed home,’” Smith said.

Smith took the banter in stride. He laughed as he recalled the scene.

“I had to hear it all,” he said.

It was not the first time over the past seven months.

“Any time I go back home, friends, family, talk about that game and brag about it,” Smith said. “I hear it a lot.”

Smith told Kaufman this offseason has been much different than the previous one.

In the summer of 2025, Ohio State was coming off a national championship, and Smith played a pivotal role in securing the title with 13 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns across the Buckeyes’ playoff run against Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame. His heroics as part of “Third-and-Jeremiah” were front of mind all the time as he prepared for his sophomore season.

One year later, however, it’s a different play that has occupied his headspace: his missed block on Miami safety Keionte Scott that resulted in a pick-six and put Ohio State in a 14-0 hole in the first half. The Buckeyes ultimately fell to the Hurricanes, 24-14.

“That’s really something that haunts me a lot,” Smith said.

Smith is not short of ambition as he prepares for his junior year, beginning with a list of potential individual accolades.

He’d like to win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver after finishing as a finalist last year. In a tight race with USC receiver Makai Lemon, his quad injury cost him a chance to pad stats down the stretch.

He’ll be a candidate as well for the Heisman Trophy, the sport’s most prestigious player of the year award.

“If I got to be a Heisman finalist, I would be satisfied with that,” Smith said. “I know that’s really a quarterback award.”

Smith’s individual goals for the 2026 campaign are lofty: break Ohio State’s all-time receiving records for receptions, yards and touchdowns, win the Biletnikoff and secure a seat at the Heisman ceremony. His team goals align with the program’s annual standard: beat Michigan, win the Big Ten and win a national championship.

With last year’s postseason failures still looming, Smith said the Buckeyes are as motivated as ever to accomplish all three goals in 2026.

“We’ve had a chip on our shoulder,” Smith said, “to not let that happen again.”

SONG OF THE DAY. “My Kind Of Town” - Frank Sinatra. (A lot of Sinatra this week, but that’s never a bad thing!)

CUT TO THE CHASE. Notre Dame has partnered with SoFi as its official jersey patch sponsor... Illinois has partnered with Busey Bank as its official jersey patch sponsor... Pizza (that's it — that's the title of the article)... This summer’s status symbol is a $3.99 glass bottle of water... Does the MLB Hall of Fame need a Steroid-Era redo?

Denzel Ward Becomes Highest-Paid Defensive Back in NFL History For Second Time

Chase Brown — Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 18:31

Denzel Ward is the NFL's highest-paid defensive back — again.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Ward agreed to a two-year, $62.2 million extension with the Cleveland Browns that once again makes him the league's highest-paid defensive back. The deal includes $52.3 million guaranteed.

Sources: Browns and five-time Pro-Bowl CB Denzel Ward reached agreement on a two-year, $62.2 million deal that includes $52.3 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid DB in NFL history for the second time in his career. Tory Dandy of Athletes First and the Browns put the… pic.twitter.com/neCq9jShmP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2026

Ward first became the NFL's highest-paid defensive back in 2022 when he signed a five-year, $100.5 million extension with Cleveland. He entered the 2026 season with two years remaining on that contract, though neither year included guaranteed salary.

The Browns selected Ward with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, and the former Ohio State consensus All-American has developed into one of the league's premier cornerbacks. A five-time Pro Bowler, Ward has recorded 361 tackles, 104 pass breakups, 18 interceptions and four touchdowns in 110 career games.

After the Browns traded two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in June, Ward became Cleveland's longest-tenured player.

The Northeast Ohio native joins former Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the NFL's highest-paid player at his position. Smith-Njigba signed a record-setting four-year, $168.6 million extension with the Seattle Seahawks in March, making him the league's highest-paid wide receiver with a $42.15 million average annual value and $120 million guaranteed.

Ohio State Stars Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith Earn Big Ten Preseason Honors

Chase Brown — Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 16:07

Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are among the Big Ten’s distinguished players entering the 2026 season.

With Big Ten Media Days underway in Chicago, the conference announced that a media panel selected 12 players for Big Ten Preseason Honors, including Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Julian & JJ ➡️ B1G Preseason Honors pic.twitter.com/60vKtrYWFk
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 28, 2026

Indiana led all schools with three selections, with wide receiver Charlie Becker, linebacker Rolijah Hardy and defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker earning the preseason recognition. Surprisingly, Hoosiers offensive tackle Carter Smith — a consensus All-American and the 2025 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year — was not among the honorees.

Ohio State tied Oregon and Rutgers for the second-most selections with two apiece. Alongside Sayin and Smith, Oregon was represented by quarterback Dante Moore and defensive back Koi Perich, while Rutgers' selections were running back Antwan Raymond and wide receiver KJ Duff. Iowa offensive lineman Kade Pieper, Minnesota defensive lineman Anthony Smith and USC quarterback Jayden Maiava rounded out the 12-player list.

Sayin was a Heisman Trophy finalist in his first season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, completing a program-record 77% of his passes for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Smith, a two-time Big Ten Receiver of the Year and 2025 unanimous All-American, hauled in 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns last fall.

Both Sayin and Smith are representing Ohio State at Big Ten Media Days alongside head coach Ryan Day and safety Jaylen McClain. The four Buckeyes will meet with reporters Wednesday afternoon in Chicago.

2026 Big Ten Preseason Honors

WR Charlie Becker, Indiana
LB Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
DL Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
OL Kade Pieper, Iowa
DL Anthony Smith, Minnesota
QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
QB Dante Moore, Oregon
DB Koi Perich, Oregon
QB Jayden Maiava, USC
WR KJ Duff, Rutgers
RB Antwan Raymond, Rutgers

Chase Bank to Be First-Ever Jersey Patch Sponsor for Ohio State Athletics

Josh Poloha — Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 15:00

Ohio State’s sports teams will have a jersey patch sponsor on their uniforms for the first time this season.

Chase Bank will be the first-ever jersey patch sponsor for all 36 of Ohio State’s sports teams as part of a partnership between Ohio State and JPMorganChase.

Chase Bank jersey patch on an Ohio State football jersey. (Photo: Ohio State Dept. of Athletics)

“JPMorganChase is a global brand with deep roots in Ohio, making them a natural partner that shares our commitment to innovation, excellence and long-term community impact,” Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork said in a statement. “Together, we have built a comprehensive and historic partnership that reflects the strong commercial strength of the Ohio State Athletics identity and the broader college athletics landscape. This relationship creates meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes that support the sustained excellence and competitiveness of our athletic programs, while honoring the tradition and values of Ohio State.”

In addition to the jersey patch sponsorship, JPMorgan Chase will provide NIL opportunities to Ohio State athletes. Chase will also provide financial literacy resources to Ohio State athletes through “dedicated programming,” according to a news release.

“Ohio State leads the way in college athletics, and we’re proud to support the student-athletes and fans who power that tradition,” Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking, said in a statement. “From financial education and resources for student-athletes to exclusive fan experiences and gameday offers, this partnership brings Chase’s unique capabilities to the Ohio State community – on campus, in the stands and beyond.”

The start of a new chapter begins today @Chase. #GoBucks | #ChasePartner pic.twitter.com/CoNsD8csiz
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) July 28, 2026

The Chase Bank jersey patch will only appear in white or black, a source told Eleven Warriors.

The Chase Bank jersey patch will only appear in white or black, a source told @11W. It will not match the B1G logo or Nike swoosh on Ohio State’s white or black jerseys. https://t.co/DBhh5vRHEs pic.twitter.com/OEQ3d7FzFO
— Josh Poloha (@JorshP) July 28, 2026

Bjork and Ryan Day confirmed the details during a press conference on Tuesday.

“I do want to say, in full disclosure, that when I first heard about it, I knew the reputation of JPMorganChase and I was excited,” Day said. “But then I saw the logo and I said, ‘Absolutely not — we’re not doing this.’ And then Ross said, ‘No, no, it’s not going to be blue — we’re going to do it in white.’ And I said, ‘OK.’ It’s a whole different deal, because that was absolutely not going to happen.”

Bjork later explained how the two sides landed on using only white or black Chase jersey patches.

“JPMorganChase has standards, too,” he said. “Their logo cannot have any red – or scarlet, as we would say around here. So it was a two-way conversation. ‘Hey, look, we can’t have this blue color and, by the way, we can’t have this scarlet color. So how are we going to make this work?’ Now you see: black and white, white and black. We ended up negotiating our way through the color schemes of all of this.”

JPMorganChase will also be the presenting sponsor of the 1922 Club, a new private club at Ohio Stadium, and will have expanded branding at Ohio Stadium and the Schottenstein Center. Chase cardholders will receive access to special ticket offers, gameday savings, premium experiences and “other opportunities designed to deepen fans’ connection to the Buckeyes,” per the news release.

Ohio State basketball jersey with Chase Bank patch. (Photo: Ohio State Dept. of Athletics)

Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed by Ohio State, but ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the deal is expected to yield nearly $17 million per year for OSU.

Ohio State had been pursuing a jersey patch sponsor since January, when Learfield revealed that the university was engaged with highly interested brands.

“As one of the most celebrated schools in college athletics, boasting 36 sports, a jersey patch opportunity with Ohio State would represent one of the most highly coveted sponsor partnerships in college sports,” Learfield wrote in its news release.

With the NCAA approving uniform patches in January, it was inevitable that OSU would have one beginning this year. That said, Bjork said Ohio State wanted to be thoughtful about choosing a sponsor that aligned with the Buckeyes’ brand. In Chase Bank, Ohio State partnered with the largest bank in the United States, which is also headquartered in Columbus.

The football Buckeyes will debut the Chase Bank jersey patch as part of their new football uniforms featuring Buckeye stripes when they open their season against Ball State on Sept. 5 at Ohio Stadium.

Big Ten Likely to Eliminate Championship Game if College Football Playoff Expands to 24 Teams

Josh Poloha — Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 13:30

The ever-changing landscape in college football over the years will likely mean the end of the Big Ten championship game in the near future.

While the Big Ten Championship Game has remained part of the postseason through both the College Football Playoff's four-team era (2014-23) and its current 12-team format, that may not be the case for much longer.

With the CFP expected to expand again – this time to 24 teams – the Big Ten is likely to eliminate its conference championship game as part of that transition.

"I think it's pretty much we won't be playing a championship game if we go to 24. That's been pretty settled," Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said at Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday.

"In terms of when we make decisions as a league, are we going to support 24? That's where you start the conversations – are you willing to give up your championship game to have the expanded playoff? There's discussion about it now, when you talk to the coaches who have played in the game as they get ready for the postseason. There are a lot of conflicting incentives – it's still very powerful to win a Big Ten championship, and teams play hard; they want to win that game. But you're talking about a pretty tough journey to go all the way through. And where you're playing next, and what happens if they lose that game, they don't get a bye, and they have to go play relatively quickly.

"So, we've just gotten past that, and overall, if we can expand the playoff and have the access we need, we'd be willing to make that trade. As great as our championship game is, it's been wildly successful, and we've had incredible games the last couple of seasons. But I still think we're willing to do that because we believe that access is still the most important thing."

For some context on how the Big Ten championship game has affected seeding: The No. 1-ranked Buckeyes lost to No. 2 Indiana in the 2025 Big Ten championship game, which allowed the Hoosiers to jump Ohio State and become the top seed in the CFP.

The Big Ten Championship Game debuted in 2011 after the conference expanded to 12 teams and adopted divisional play. Ohio State has been the game's most successful program, making a record seven appearances and winning a record five conference titles. However, the Buckeyes have not won the Big Ten championship since 2020 after claiming five titles in seven years from 2014-20.

2026 Big Ten Media Days Central: Ryan Day, Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and Jaylen McClain Represent the Ohio State Buckeyes in Chicago

Chase Brown — Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 12:47

The 2026 Big Ten football season is almost here.

With preseason camps just around the corner for Ohio State and the Big Ten’s other 17 member schools, the conference is hosting its annual Big Ten Media Days this week. Instead of returning to Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium or Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay, this year’s event takes place at the Hilton Chicago from Tuesday through Thursday.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, quarterback Julian Sayin, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Jaylen McClain are representing the Buckeyes in the Windy City. Day will take part in a 15-minute press conference and a 45-minute breakout session Wednesday afternoon, while Ohio State’s three players will each participate in 30-minute breakout sessions shortly after their coach leaves the podium.

Tuesday’s media day featured appearances from Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and representatives from Illinois, Rutgers, Penn State, Wisconsin, Iowa and USC. Wednesday’s lineup includes Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan State, Purdue, UCLA and Oregon, while Thursday’s session features Nebraska, Maryland, Michigan, Northwestern, Washington and Indiana.

Videos

Tony Petitti

Storylines

July 28, 2025

Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith Earn Big Ten Preseason Honors

A Big Ten media panel selected Ohio State stars Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith as two of 12 players to earn Big Ten Preseason Honors entering the 2026 season.

Read More ➟

July 28, 2025

No Big Ten Title Game if CFP Expands to 24 Teams

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti says the conference "pretty much won't be playing a championship game" if the College Football Playoff expands to 24 teams.

Read More ➟

July 27, 2025

Eleven Warriors’ 2026 Preseason All-Big Ten Team

Eleven Warriors’ Dan Hope makes his picks for who will make the All-Big Ten team this season, including seven Ohio State stars, six Oregon Ducks and six Indiana Hoosiers.

Read More ➟

July 27, 2025

Ohio State Picked to Win Big Ten

Ohio State is projected to win the Big Ten and Jeremiah Smith is picked as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year across a trio of unofficial Big Ten preseason polls.

Read More ➟

Ohio's Best Buckeyes By County: East and Northeast Ohio

Matt Gutridge — Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 10:35

Two years ago, we scoured the country for Ohio State's best players by state. This year, we take a deeper look into our great state and the best players from each county in Ohio. This four-part series breaks up the state into four segments and identifies the best players from Central, Eastern, Southern and Northern Ohio.

In the second edition of this series, we highlight the 20 counties in Eastern and Northeast Ohio that have produced 1,022 players on an official Ohio State roster. Let's shine a light on the best Ohio State players from this area and share some other facts about Eastern Ohio's finest players and schools.

Every county in Eastern/Northeastern Ohio highlighted above has produced at least one Ohio State football player.

County Info
Founded: 1846 Location: NE Seat: Ashland

Ashland (7 Players)

Best Player: DT Dave Crecelius

Dave Crecelius was with the program between 1981 and 1984. During his junior and senior seasons, he started 23 games and finished his Buckeye career with 91 tackles, 5 sacks, 7 tackles-for-loss and a fumble recovery.

The first player from Ashland County to make an Ohio State roster was Earl Thomas (1934-35). Ashland High School and Loudonville High School are the only schools from Ashland County to be listed on an Ohio State roster.

County Info
Founded: 1811 Location: NE Seat: Jefferson

Ashtabula (13 players)

Best Player: LB Mark Debevc

A member of the Super Sophs, Mark Debevc started 10 games, tallied 82 tackles, 8.5 TFL, recovered 4 fumbles and won two national championships during his playing days with the Buckeyes.

Other Notable players from Ashtabula County were Bob Merrell, James Hietikko, Gary Lago and Rich Spangler. The following high schools have produced Buckeyes: Conneaut, Edgewood, Geneva, Grand Valley, Harbor and Jefferson.

County Info
Founded: 1801 Location: Eastern Seat: St. Clairsville

Belmont (40 Players)

Best Player: WR Joey Galloway

Joey Galloway was Ohio State’s leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns for the 1993 and 1994 seasons. At the time of his departure, he shared the school record of 11 receiving touchdowns for a season with Cris Carter. The Seattle Seahawks selected the Bellaire graduate with the eighth overall draft pick of the 1995 NFL Draft.

Two other players of note from Belmont County are Fred Bruney and Tim Spencer, Evan's dad. Bruney was a two-way All-Big Ten player from Martins Ferry who finished his career with 17 career interceptions. St. Clairsville alum Spencer was a two-time All-Big Ten running back and the second Buckeye to ever eclipse 1,500 rushing yards in a single season.

The six Belmont County high schools to make an official Ohio State roster: Barnesville, Bellaire, Martins Ferry, Montgomery Bell Academy, St. Clairsville and St. John.

County Info
Founded: 1832 Location: Eastern Seat: Carrollton

Carroll (4 Players)

Best Player: OL Charles Hutchison

Carrollton High School's Charles "Chuck" Hutchison won a national championship with Ohio State in 1968 and earned All-Big Ten honors in 1969. He was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of the 1970 NFL Draft and played seven seasons in the NFL with the Cardinals and the Cleveland Browns.

Don Crowl, Geoff Warner and Chad Hoobler are the other Ohio State players from Carroll County. Crowl was from Malvern, Ohio, but Malvern High School was not listed on the 1957 roster.

County Info
Founded: 1803 Location: Eastern Seat: Lisbon

Columbiana (29 Players)

Best Player: OL Kirk Lowdermilk

Kirk Lowdermilk earned All-Big Ten honors during his senior season of 1984. He started in 21 games at center for Ohio State during the 1983 and 1984 seasons. At Salem High School, he won the state heavyweight wrestling title in 1981.

Another center from Columbiana County was Dan Beatty, who started in 24 straight games at center during his last two seasons with the Buckeyes. The East Liverpool alum was on the Academic All-Big Ten team in 1988.

Chambersburg, East Liverpool and Salem are the Columbiana County high schools to make an official roster (1970-today). Since 1916, players from Columbiana County came from the towns of Chambersburg, Columbiana, East Liverpool, East Palestine, Elkton, Lisbon, Salem and Wellsville.

County Info
Founded: 1810 Location: NE Seat: Cleveland

Cuyahoga (326 Players)

Best Player: Les Horvath and Troy Smith

17 players from Cuyahoga County were in consideration for the county's best. When the dust settled, two national champions and Heisman Trophy winners came out on top.

In 1944, Les Horvath became Ohio State's first Heisman Trophy winner. The All-American halfback also earned the Chicago Tribune's Silver Football Award the same season. Horvath's collegiate career should have been over after the national championship season of 1942, but a World War II exemption allowed him to play for Carroll Widdoes in 1944, and Horvath guided the Buckeyes to a 9–0 record.

Horvath was referred to as the "playing coach" in 1944 as he called all of Ohio State's offensive plays that season, and the Buckeyes were named national champions by the National Championship Foundation and Sagarin Ratings, but were second to Army in the AP Poll. In Columbus, Horvath played for Francis Schmidt, Paul Brown and Widdoes.

During his high school days, Horvath played football, basketball and track for his freshman through junior years at Parma Senior High School. However, Horvath didn't believe in the dedication of his teammates at Parma, and his family relocated to the James Ford Rhodes High School district of Cleveland in 1938.

Ohio State's only Heisman Trophy winner to play solely at quarterback was Troy Smith. The Glenville High School alum not only won the 2006 Heisman, but he set the record for the highest percentage of Heisman ballot points received with 91.6% of the vote.

When his Buckeye career came to a close, Smith was the Big Ten's all-time career leader in passing efficiency. With his clean play, Ohio State went 25-3, including a perfect 12-0 regular season in 2006. Smith was also a Wolverine slayer as the team was 3-0 against Michigan with Smith surpassing 300 yards of total offense in all three of his starts.

Other players of note from Cuyahoga County are Arnie Chonko, Tom Cousineau Ted Ginn Jr., John Hicks and Robert Smith, with returning Buckeyes to this year's team being OL Deontae Armstrong, LB Ty Howard, TE Brody Lennon and RB Bo Jackson.

The three new additions from Cuyahoga County for the 2026 season are Cincere Johnson, Jamir Perez and Mason Wilhelm.

(Note: Deontae Armstrong's hometown was listed as Lakewood on the 2024 and 2025 rosters, but has been updated to Elyria for this season. Keeping Armstrong in Cuyahoga County as Lakewood was his hometown when he arrived in Columbus. Will change if anybody can confirm that Armstrong lived in Elyria heading into the 2024 season.)

County Info
Founded: 1806 Location: NE Seat: Chardon

Geauga (7 Players)

Best Player: Guard Edwin Hess

A two-time All-American and All-Big Ten honoree, Edwin "Ed" Hess was the first player from Geauga County to be a Buckeye. He was on the team from 1924-26 and was inducted into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame in 1985.

Joe Novak, Reginald Echols, Ken Blair, Pete Beckman and Tyson Walter are the other Buckeyes from Geauga County and they represented Chardon, Newbury, West Geauga and Kenston High Schools.

On the 2025 roster, current tight end Brody Lennon's hometown was Novelty, Ohio in Geauga County, and it stated he attended Gilmour Academy in Cuyahoga County. This year, his hometown was changed to Cleveland. Like Armstrong above, Lennon will be considered a native of Geauga County since that is where he lived when enrolling at Ohio State. Will change if anybody can confirm that Lennon lived in Cleveland heading into the 2025 season.

County Info
Founded: 1810 Location: Eastern Seat: Cambridge

Guernsey (8 Players)

Best Player: WR Doug Donley

Averaging 23.8 yards per reception over his Ohio State career, Doug Donley sits on top of all other players in the program's history in this category. With his explosive speed, Donley was the fastest player on the team and was given the nickname White Lightning.

He used that speed to have the team's highest average yards per catch for three consecutive seasons and he is the only Buckeye listed three times in the top 10 for average yards per reception over a season. When Donley left Columbus, he held the school record for career receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

In 1922, P.A. Lemley became the first Buckeye from Guernsey County. Safety Terry White (1983-86) was the last. Lemley was from Lore City, Ohio and the other seven players came from Cambridge.

County Info
Founded: 1813 Location: Eastern Seat: Cadiz

Harrison (2 Players)

Best Player: Jerry Vanscoy and David Mazeroski

Jerry Vanscoy was a center for Ohio State during the 1961 and 1962 seasons. The Adena High School alum played in five games during the 1961 season, but he suffered a knee injury during the spring practices of 1962 and did not play that year.

Hailing from Cadiz High School, David Mazeroski had one carry for five yards during his career. His lone carry was against Indiana in 1974 during a home game the Buckeyes won 49-9. Mazeroski is the nephew of Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, who famously hit a walk-off home run to win Game 7 of the 1960 World Series for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

County Info
Founded: 1797 Location: Eastern Seat: Steubenville

Jefferson (29 Players)

Best Player: RB/DB/K Don Sutherin

Toronto High School's Don Sutherin was a running back, defensive back and kicker for Ohio State from 1955 to 1957. Perhaps his most memorable play as a Buckeye gave Ohio State the program's third national championship.

In the 1958 Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks, the score was tied 7-7 early in the fourth quarter. Sutherin lined up for a 34-yard field goal and his kick was true. Ohio State held on for the 10-7 win and Sutherin secured the No. 1 ranking in the Coaches' Poll and the school's third Rose Bowl victory.

The New York Giants selected him in the 1958 NFL Draft as a defensive back, and Sutherin played three seasons in the NFL, but found his success in the Canadian Football League. He was a three-time All-Star in the CFL and won four Grey Cups as a player and three Grey Cups as a coach. In 1992, Sutherin was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

A more recent player from Jefferson County was Steubenville High School graduate Buster Tillman. He caught 86 passes for 1,253 yards and 4 touchdowns during his playing days at Ohio State. He joined the team in 1992 and played during the 1993-96 seasons. Tillman had a career-high 531 receiving yards in 1995.

A current Ohio State player from Jefferson County is Brenten "Inky" Jones. The safety from Steubenville will be a fifth-year senior for the 2026 season.

The four high schools represented from Jefferson County on an official Ohio State roster are Mingo, Steubenville, Steubenville Central Catholic and Wintersville.

Top 10 Eastern/Northeast Ohio Counties by Buckeye Football Players
COUNTY	PLAYERS	TOP PLAYERS
Cuyahoga	326	Arnie Chonko, Tom Cousineau, John Hicks, Les Horvath, Troy Smith
Stark	130	Gareon Conley, Jim Davidson, Mike Doss, Jack Dugger, Ted Provost, Don Scott, Devin Smith, Chris Spielman, Bob Vogel
Summit	95	Parris Campbell, Jason Simmons, Ed Taggart, Mike Vrabel, Denzel Ward, Beanie Wells, Antoine Winfield
Mahoning	80	Wes Fesler, Billy Price, Ralph Wolf, Gust Zarnas
Trumbull	62	Aaron Brown, Maurice Clarett, Van DeCree, Randy Gradishar, Marcus Marek, Korey Stringer, Paul Warfield
Lorain	61	Regis Monahan, Vic Janowicz, Kurt Schumacher, Steve Tovar, Matt Wilhelm
Belmont	40	Fred Bruney, Joey Galloway, Tim Spencer
Lake	37	Esco Sarkkinen
Columbiana	29	Dan Beatty, Kirk Lowdermilk
Jefferson	29	Don Sutherin, Buster Tillman

County Info
Founded: 1840 Location: NE Seat: Painesville

Lake (37 Players)

Best Player: TE Esco Sarkkinen

All-American and two-time All-Big Ten player Esco Sarkkinen, from Fairport Harbor, Ohio, was a Buckeye between 1937 and 1939. His parents were from Finland and Sarkkinen was the first member of his family to be born in America. The talented athlete earned 10 varsity letters at Harding High School and played football with his brother, Eino Jr., in high school and also at Ohio State.

The Green Bay Packers selected Sarkkinen in the 1940 NFL Draft, but he wanted to coach. He spent a bit of time as Lancaster High School's physical education and football coach before coming back to Columbus as coach of the ends on Paul Bixler's 1946 Ohio State team, a role he would keep until 1978. During his time as an Ohio State assistant coach, Sarkkinen worked for Bixler, Wes Fesler and Woody Hayes and the Buckeyes went 223-73-14, won five national championships and 14 Big Ten titles.

A current player from Lake County is freshman offensive lineman Landry Brede of Mentor High School.

The seven other Lake County High Schools to produce Buckeyes are: Eastlake North, Fairpoint Harding, Harvey, Lake Catholic, Madison, Perry, Riverside and Willoughby South.

County Info
Founded: 1824 Location: NE Seat: Elyria

Lorain (61 Players)

Best Player: RB/S/K/P Vic Janowicz

Elyria High School's Vic Janowicz was the second Ohio State player to ever win a Heisman Trophy. In 1950, the do-everything Buckeye was the third player to ever be honored with the award as a junior. When summarizing the play of Janowicz, Woody Hayes said, "He was not only a great runner but also passed, was a placekicker and punter, played safety on defense and was an outstanding blocker. Janowicz epitomized the 'triple threat' football player."

Along with the Heisman, Janowicz also won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, was an All-American and a two-time All-Big Ten honoree. In 1976, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. The Washington Redskins selected Janowicz in the 1952 NFL Draft, but decided to pursue his baseball career as a catcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After a season with the Pirates, Janowicz returned to the Redskins for two seasons before injuries from a car accident derailed his professional sports career.

Other notable Buckeyes from Lorain County are offensive linemen Kurt Schumacher and Regis Monahan, along with linebackers Steve Tovar and Matt Wilhelm. All four players were All-Americans and All-Big Ten honorees for Ohio State, with Tovar earning All-American honors twice and All-Big Ten selections three times.

Avon Lake High School's Maxwell Riley is an incoming freshman on the offensive line on this year's roster.

Along with Elyria and Avon Lake, the other high schools from the county to make an official Ohio State roster are Admiral King, Avon, Elyria Catholic, Elyria West, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, St. Mary's and Steele. (Note: Alex Stump of Avon, Ohio, is included among the 61 players from Lorain County to play for Ohio State. Stump went to St. Edward High School in Cuyahoga County.)

County Info
Founded: 1846 Location: NE Seat: Youngstown

Mahoning (80 Players)

Best Player: TE Wes Fesler

Youngstown's Wes Fesler was a three-time All-American (unanimous and consensus twice) and three-time All-Big Ten honoree who won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football in 1930 and was a captain his senior year. He was Ohio State's second player to earn All-American honors three times (Chic Harley was the first). Fesler also played basketball for Ohio State and was the school's first consensus All-American in the sport.

Immediately following his playing days with the Buckeyes, Fesler was hired by Sam Willaman as an assistant football coach. He left the position after three seasons to take over as Harvard's head basketball coach and to be an assistant with the football team. After stints at Ohio Wesleyan and Pittsburgh as the head football coach, Fesler returned to Columbus, where he was head coach from 1947 through 1950.

In January of 1950, he became the first Ohio State head coach to win the Rose Bowl, but he resigned from the position in December 1950, stating that there was too much pressure to win football games. Fesler took over at Minnesota the following season and Ohio State hired some guy from Miami, Ohio named Woody Hayes. Fesler was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1954.

Other notable players from Mahoning County are All-Americans Ralph Wolf (1937), Gust Zarnas (1937) and Billy Price (2016, 2017). Austintown Fitch, Beloit, Boardman, Canfield, Cardinal Mooney, Poland, Rayen, Struthers, Ursuline, West Branch, Youngstown East, Youngstown South and Youngstown St. Mary's are the Mahoning County high schools listed on official Ohio State rosters.

Fourth-year linebacker Alec Delsignore of Youngstown is the only player from Mahoning County on this year's team.

County Info
Founded: 1818 Location: NE Seat: Medina

Medina (15 Players)

Best Player: DE Mike Kudla

Ohio State won the 2002 national championship during Mike Kudla's freshman season, and he was an All-Big Ten player and named the team's defensive MVP his senior year. Kudla set the Fiesta Bowl record with a three-sack performance in a win over Notre Dame in 2006.

Kudla was extraordinarily strong. He set the program record by bench pressing 610 pounds and he tied the NFL Combine record by benching 225 pounds 45 times in 2006.

After his playing days, Kudla was successful in business as he was president and CEO of Coreplex Enterprises, and he was also COO and senior vice president at Hplex Solutions Inc. At the age of 34, Kudla died unexpectedly. Today, a scholarship in his honor is awarded annually to a graduate of his alma mater, Highland High School.

A current Buckeye from Medina County is wide receiver Brennen Schramm, who has been with the program since 2023.

Medina County high schools to be listed on an official Ohio State roster are Brunswick, Buckeye, Highland, Lodi Cloverleaf, Medina and Wadsworth.

County Info
Founded: 1808 Location: NE Seat: Ravenna

Portage (23 Players)

Best Player: C Tom DeLeone

Tom DeLeone was a captain, All-American and the Team MVP of the 1971 Buckeyes. He was also a two-time All-Big Ten honoree (1970, 1971) at Ohio State, with the team winning a national championship in 1970 and two Big Ten titles in 1969 and 1970.

The standout center from Kent, Ohio, was coached by Tom Campana at Roosevelt High School. Campana was the father of DeLeone's high school and Ohio State teammate, running back Tom Campana. The elder Campana had this to say about DeLeone after he succumbed to brain cancer in 2016:

"Goodness sakes was he a player. He loved the game and when he played, he was the greatest team guy that I had ever coached. He cared about being a team guy and always played hard. He always had his teammates in mind, and he stayed close to his team members for his entire life ... There was not a player on our team that I enjoyed having around more than Tom."

DeLeone was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft. After stints with the Bengals, Atlanta Falcons and Houston Oilers, DeLeone found a home with the Cleveland Browns. He played 11 seasons in Cleveland before becoming a criminal investigator with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he retired after a 23-year career.

Following DeLeone as Ohio State's starting center was another player from Roosevelt High School, Steve Myers. Like DeLeone, Myers was also a team captain and All-American for the Buckeyes. Both centers are members of Ohio State's Varsity O Hall of Fame.

Jackson Gula is the lone Portage County player on this year's roster. The defensive back began his college career on Ohio State's national championship-winning club football team.

Since 1970, Aurora, Crestwood, Kent Roosevelt, Ravenna, Streetsboro and Waterloo are the six high schools from Portage County to produce Buckeyes. (Note: Darik Warnke of Aurora, Ohio, is included among the 22 players from Portage County to play for Ohio State, although Warnke went to high school at Walsh Jesuit in Summit County.)

Mike Doss returns a fumble 73 yards for a touchdown against Michigan State in 2000 (Fred Squillante - Imagn Images).

County Info
Founded: 1809 Location: NE Seat: Canton

Stark (130 Players)

Best Player: Mike Doss and Chris Spielman

Stark County is home to not one, but two players who were three-time All-Americans for the Buckeyes, Mike Doss and Chris Spielman.

Doss stunned Ohio State fans when the two-time All-American announced he was coming back to play his senior year. The sure-fire first-round NFL Draft pick stated he was coming back to Columbus to play his final season with the Buckeyes and to win a national championship.

Doss lived up to his promise as the 2002 captain led his team over the Miami Hurricanes to give the program its first undefeated national title since 1968. He is Ohio State's all-time leader in total tackles (331) and solo tackles (228) among defensive backs. Doss finished his collegiate career as a three-time All-American and All-Big Ten honoree and was the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year in 2002.

The Indianapolis Colts selected Doss in the 2003 NFL Draft and he played six years in the NFL with the Colts, Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. The Canton McKinley graduate is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Spielman came to Columbus after some encouragement from his dad, with incredibly high expectations as he made the cover of Wheaties as a senior at Massillon Washington High School. He not only met those expectations, but he surpassed them. As a senior, he won the Lombardi Award and was the team's captain and Defensive MVP.

The Detroit Lions selected Spielman in the 1988 NFL Draft. He was named to the All-Rookie Team, was a four-time Pro Bowl player and is a member of the Detroit Lions All-Time Team. After 13 seasons of playing in the NFL, Spielman began a career in broadcasting on radio (97.1 The Fan) and television (Fox Sports). Today, he has a job with the Detroit Lions' front office.

Other notable Buckeyes among the 130 players from Stark County are Gareon Conley, Jim Davidson, Jack Dugger, Ted Provost, Don Scott, Devin Smith and Bob Vogel. The Stark County Buckeyes listed Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Louisville, Massillon, Minerva, Navarre, North Canton and Uniontown as their hometowns. (Note: Noah Donald of Uniontown, Ohio is credited to Stark County, but he attended Walsh Jesuit High School in Summit County.)

County Info
Founded: 1840 Location: NE Seat: Akron

Summit (95 Players)

Best Player: CB Antoine Winfield

Garfield High School's Antoine Winfield came to Ohio State as the Ohio Division I Defensive Player of the Year. The lockdown cornerback looked a little slight in stature and weight, but Winfield always took away the opposing team's best receiver and was known as one of the hardest-hitting and surest-tackling players in college football. Winfield was the Jim Thorpe Award winner (first in program history), Jack Tatum Trophy winner and a team captain, and the two-time All-American was team MVP of the Buckeyes in 1997.

The Buffalo Bills selected Winfield in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft, and he played 14 years in the league with the Bills and the Minnesota Vikings.

Other notable players from Summit County are Parris Campbell, Jason Simmons, Ed Taggart, Mike Vrabel, Denzel Ward and Beanie Wells. Offensive lineman Sam Greer, linebacker Eli Lee and tight end Mason Williams are the current Buckeyes from Summit County.

Akron, Barberton, Bath, Clinton, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Hudson, Macedonia, Mogadore, Norton, Richfield, Stow and Twinsburg are the hometowns of the 95 Buckeyes from Summit County. John Schilling (1988-91) has Clinton, Ohio in Summit County listed as his hometown, but he attended Massillon Washington in Stark County.

County Info
Founded: 1800 Location: NE Seat: Warren

Trumbull (62 Players)

Best Player: LB Randy Gradishar

A two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Ten honoree, Randy Gradishar is a graduate of Champion High School in Trumbull County. The lone Buckeye from Champion, Gradishar finished sixth in the 1973 Heisman race and is a member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

Other notable players from Trumbull County are LB Marcus Marek, OT Korey Stringer, RB/WR Paul Warfield and RB Maurice Clarett.

Marek attended Brookfield High School and is Ohio State's all-time leader in career total and assisted tackles.

Ohio Counties With Most Current Buckeyes
COUNTY	PLAYERS
Franklin	10
Cuyahoga	6
Delaware	4
Hamilton	4
Hancock	3
Summit	3
Tuscawaras	2

Stringer was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 1992, Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1993 and 1994 and a two-time All-American and two-time All-Big Ten honoree. The Warren G. Harding graduate was also the Team's MVP in 1994.

Another Harding alum, Warfield was the 11th overall pick of the 1964 NFL draft was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Clarett, also from Warren G. Harding, ran for 1,237 yards – a freshman school record at the time – and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as he led Ohio State to the 2002 national championship.

Along with Brookfield, Champion and Harding, Girard, Howland, Hubbard, LaBrae, Mineral Ridge, Niles McKinley, Ursuline, Warren Kennedy and Western Reserve are the other high schools in Trumbull County to be listed on an official Ohio State roster.

Jim Bell (1992-97) was from Liberty, Ohio in Trumbull County, but attended Ursuline High School in Mahoning County. Zack Cicero (2022) was from Niles, Ohio and went to Canton McKinley in Stark County. Bell and Cicero are included in Trumbull County's count.

County Info
Founded: 1808 Location: NE Seat: New Philadelphia

Tuscarawas (27 Players)

Best Player: LB Cie Grant

Cie Grant earned four varsity letters between 1999 and 2002. During his senior season, he was named to the second-team All-Big Ten team and was a starter on the 2002 national championship team. Grant had over 140 tackles, four sacks and four interceptions during his Buckeye career. Arguably, his most memorable play did not show up in the stat book.

The Miami Hurricanes faced 4th-and-goal in the second overtime of the BCS National Championship Game and Grant shot off of the line at the snap. The quickness with which the linebacker arrived stunned Ken Dorsey as the Hurricanes' quarterback tossed a lame duck pass into the end zone and Grant tossed Dorsey to the ground. Grant is also remembered for his singing of Carmen Ohio during the national championship celebration in Ohio Stadium a few days later.

Since 1970, Ohio State players from Tuscarawas County have come from Dover, Garaway, Indian Valley, New Philadelphia, and Tuscarawas Central Catholic High Schools. Quarterback Brady Geibel and offensive lineman Simon Lorentz are the players from Tuscarawas County on this year's team.

County Info
Founded: 1812 Location: NE Seat: Wooster

Wayne (27 Players)

Best Player: OL Dick Schafrath

Dick Schafrath played for Woody Hayes for the 1956, 1957 and 1958 seasons. He was captain of the 1958 team, won a national championship in 1957 and never lost to Michigan. The Cleveland Browns selected Schafrath in the 1959 NFL Draft and he was named an All-Pro four times and a Pro Bowler seven times.

The Wooster High School graduate was the Browns' Most Valuable Player in 1963, won an NFL championship with the Browns in 1964 and coached for the Washington Redskins as an offensive line coach from 1975 through 1977 following his 13-year NFL playing career.

Dan Stultz of Orville High School is another notable Buckeye from Wayne County. He was an All-Big Ten kicker in 2000 and finished his Ohio State career with the most points scored by a kicker, and his 55-yard field goal is the record (since tied by Mike Nugent) for the longest made field goal in Ohio Stadium history.

The 27 Buckeyes from Wayne County listed Orrville, Shreve, Smithville and Wooster as their hometowns and attended Orrville, Smithville and Wooster High Schools.

Photos of Ohio State’s Jersey Patch Partnership with Chase Bank

Chase Brown — Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 09:09

Ohio State's sports teams will have a jersey patch sponsor on their uniforms for the first time this season.

The Buckeyes announced Tuesday that Chase Bank will become the first-ever jersey patch sponsor for all 36 of Ohio State's varsity sports as part of an agreement between the university and JPMorganChase. We've compiled more than 25 photos showing the Chase Bank logo on Ohio State football, basketball, hockey, wrestling and other uniforms in the gallery above.

While Ohio State did not disclose the financial terms of the partnership, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported the deal is expected to generate nearly $17 million annually for the Buckeyes. In addition to the jersey patch sponsorship, JPMorganChase will provide NIL opportunities and financial literacy resources to Ohio State athletes through "dedicated programming," according to a news release.

Ohio State football will debut the Chase Bank jersey patch as part of its new football uniforms featuring Buckeye stripes when it opens its season against Ball State on Sept. 5 at Ohio Stadium.

Skull Session: Ohio State Dominates ESPN’s EA Sports Simulations for 2026, and A Former Ball State WR Believes the Power of Prayer is the Cardinals’ Only Chance to Beat the Buckeyes

Chase Brown — Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 04:55

Welcome to the Skull Session.

Big Ten Media Days start today in Chicago. Conference commissioner Tony Pettiti and representatives from six schools – Illinois, Iowa, Penn State, Rutgers, USC and Wisconsin – will kick things off on Tuesday before Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin and Jaylen McClain meet with the media on Wednesday.

The @BigTenNetwork presents three days of on-site coverage from @B1Gfootball Media Days Presented by @Discover in Chicago!

Hear from @bigten coaches and student-athletes from all 18 schools live on BTN

July 28: 11:30 AM – 6 PM ET
July 29: 12:30 PM – 6 PM ET
July 30:… pic.twitter.com/QGrgK2znXW
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) July 23, 2026

Have a good Tuesday.

EA SPORTS SPEAKS! Growing up watching ESPN’s College GameDay, I treated the show’s NCAA Football video game simulations like they were legitimate predictions. Before Ohio State faced USC in 2008, one simulation had the Buckeyes pulling off an Instant Classic victory over the Trojans. Needless to say, 8-year-old me was crushed when the actual game ended in a 35-3 loss in Los Angeles.

Eighteen years later, I don’t put much faith in video game simulations or their ability to predict real-life outcomes. Still, I found an article from the Worldwide Leader on the topic impossible to ignore.

Last week, ESPN’s Max Olson simulated the 2026 season 26 times.

“The results were completely up to the computer,” Olson wrote. “We didn’t play any games and didn’t adjust any rosters or settings — and some of them were completely ridiculous.”

Here’s what wasn’t ridiculous: Across the 26 simulations, Ohio State won 15 Big Ten championships and reached the College Football Playoff in 21 of those seasons. The Buckeyes earned a top-three seed in 13 CFP appearances, advanced to nine national championship games and won six national titles.

But wait! There’s more!

In all six of Ohio State’s championship seasons, Julian Sayin and Bo Jackson stuffed the stat sheet. During one of the Buckeyes’ 16-0 campaigns, Sayin threw 48 touchdown passes with just two interceptions, while Beau Atkinson (18.5 sacks) and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (17.5 sacks) terrorized opposing quarterbacks. In another title-winning season, Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin each surpassed 1,000 receiving yards.

Game Breakers

Six Buckeyes rank Top 10 at their position in @EASPORTSCollege pic.twitter.com/IQiMahiqO2
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) June 25, 2026

Case in point: The computers love the Buckeyes.

Another entertaining wrinkle from Olson’s simulations? Clemson missed the CFP in all 26 seasons, leading to Dabo Swinney’s departure in 20 of those 26 timelines. In five different simulations, Swinney replaced Steve Sarkisian at Texas. In three others, he took over for Kalen DeBoer at Alabama.

There were even multiple universes where Marcus Freeman left Notre Dame for the NFL and Swinney returned to South Bend. One simulation had him replacing a retiring Kyle Whittingham at Michigan. (Could you imagine?!)

One more thing: Bryce Underwood transferred away from Michigan in all 26 simulations. He landed at Tennessee 10 times, LSU eight times, and USC, SMU, Clemson and Ole Miss once apiece.

The computers might not know the future — but if they’re picking a team to control it, the Buckeyes are a pretty good choice. Clemson and Michigan? Not so much.

ALL EYEZ ON SAYIN. Julian Sayin can put up video game numbers in EA Sports College Football and real life, but NFL scouts want to see more from the Ohio State quarterback before declaring him a top draft pick in 2027.

Well, some scouts.

From ESPN’s Jordan Reid:

In his first year as a starter, Sayin finished with 3,610 passing yards, 32 TDs and eight interceptions. Though his pinpoint accuracy (an FBS-high 77% completion percentage) and quick decision-making stood out, there is disagreement among evaluators about the redshirt sophomore's upside.

"I liked his tape, but the traits are just so limited in a near-perfect setup of surroundings, and you saw that in the playoff," one NFC scout said.

But another AFC scout said, "He's super accurate and operates at a really high level. I think people are underrating him and forgetting that he was in his first year as a starter."

I’ve seen both criticism and praise for Sayin this offseason. I look forward to hearing him speak at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday to hear more about his approach and mindset entering 2026. It’s a make-or-break season for him in more ways than one, and we’ll learn a lot about him from an early road trip to Texas to The Game in Columbus.

COME FLY WITH THEM. Now boarding for flights to Ohio State football games.

Last week, John Glenn Columbus International Airport announced that its airline partners have added 25 flights around five Ohio State football weekends this fall, including three that will use larger aircraft to accommodate Buckeye Nation — and, yes, opposing fans.

Here’s a look at the additional flights from American, Delta, United and Southwest:

Ohio State at Texas (Sept. 12): 13 flights to and from Austin
Ohio State at Iowa (Oct. 3): Four American and Delta flights to and from Cedar Rapids
Ohio State at USC (Oct. 31): Two Delta flights to and from Los Angeles
Ohio State at Nebraska (Nov. 21): Two American flights to and from Lincoln

The airport's press release noted that these additions are in addition to the airlines' regularly scheduled service to and from those destinations. It also doesn't account for any extra flights that could be added for the College Football Playoff later this season.

All told, if you're planning to follow the Buckeyes on the road this fall, you'll have a few more travel options. And if Ryan Day's team lives up to expectations, don't be surprised if John Glenn's departure board features a few more CFP destinations once December and January roll around.

“PRAY.” Before Ohio State faced Grambling State last season, Tigers coaches and players respectfully acknowledged the talent gap between the two programs. Ahead of this year's matchup with Ball State, a former Cardinals player had a much more succinct assessment.

During a Twitch stream hosted by Ball State student Carter Brimer in December that resurfaced last week, former Cardinals wide receiver Qian Magwood – a Columbus native – discussed the team's trip to Ohio State in 2026.

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"We play Ohio State next year," Brimer said. "What's up?"

"Pray," Magwood replied.

Ohio State enters the season as the No. 1 team in ESPN's College Football Power Index. Ball State is... No. 134.

Yeaaahhh, prayer might be the Cardinals' best game plan.

SONG OF THE DAY. “Come Fly With Me” - Frank Sinatra.

CUT TO THE CHASE. UNC football GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave... One Tech Tip: How to soothe thumb pain when texting and scrolling... Fishing, science and the future of Lake Erie... Texas A&M fans seeking base near Kyle Field will soon have answer.

2026 Preseason All-Big Ten Team: Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon Stars Lead the Way

Dan Hope — Monday, July 27, 2026 - 15:16

Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana appear to have three of the best rosters in the country entering the 2026 season.

The Buckeyes have the best player in college football (Jeremiah Smith), the only returning Heisman Trophy finalist from last season (Julian Sayin) and several other returning stars on offense along with plenty of potential breakout stars on defense. Oregon has a potential No. 1 overall pick at quarterback (Dante Moore), a dynamic group of receiving weapons and a defense that’s loaded with experience and NFL talent. Indiana returns numerous key stars from its national championship team, including All-American left tackle Carter Smith and leading tackler Rolijah Hardy, and pairs them with another strong group of transfer additions.

As such, my preseason All-Big Ten predictions for 2026 are dominated by the three teams that are expected to be the best in the conference this year. Ohio State has seven first-team selections on my preseason All-Big Ten team, while Indiana and Oregon follow just behind with six each.

My preseason All-Big Ten team is intended to be a forward-looking prediction of which players will make the postseason All-Big Ten team at the end of the year, not a career achievement award of what players have already done before this season. While players who earned all-conference honors last year drew strong consideration, it didn’t guarantee them a spot on this list.

Since the Big Ten doesn’t release an official preseason all-conference team, here’s one writer’s opinion on who will be the best players in the conference at every position this season.

QB: Julian Sayin, Ohio State

This was a tough decision between Sayin and Moore, who I believe could be the two best quarterbacks in college football this season in their second year as starters. But Sayin was already the most accurate quarterback in college football last season, and he still has the advantage of throwing to Jeremiah Smith. With that in mind, I believe Sayin ends Ohio State’s three-year drought of winning Big Ten Quarterback of the Year honors – which Ohio State’s starter had won in 10 of the previous 11 seasons.

Other contenders for All-Big Ten honors include USC’s Jayden Maiava – who split third-team honors with Moore last season – and Washington’s Demond Williams Jr., the conference’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterback.

Second-Team: Dante Moore, Oregon

RB: Bo Jackson, Ohio State
RB: Jordan Marshall, Michigan

After running for the third-most yards (1,090) among all FBS freshmen last season, Jackson is a top candidate to be the Big Ten’s best running back this year.

His top competition for Big Ten Running Back of the Year honors will come from Ohio State’s rival. Marshall excelled after taking over as Michigan’s No. 1 running back last season, running for at least 110 yards with seven combined touchdowns in his final four healthy games before suffering a shoulder injury that sidelined him for two of Michigan’s final three games and forced him to leave the Wolverines’ loss to Ohio State early.

Rutgers’ Antwan Raymond is another top running back to watch, as he had the most rushing yards (1,243) last season among all returning Big Ten players. Oregon’s Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. and USC’s King Miller will all be looking to build off strong freshman seasons like Jackson, while Penn State’s Carson Hansen was a second-team All-Big 12 selection last year.

Second-Team: Antwan Raymond, Rutgers; Jordon Davison, Oregon

WR: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
WR: Charlie Becker, Indiana
WR: Nick Marsh, Indiana

Already a two-time Big Ten Receiver of the Year, Smith is the easiest selection for this list at any position. It would come as a shock if Smith isn’t an All-American, let alone an All-Big Ten selection, as he’s firmly established himself as college football’s best receiver, leading the Big Ten in receiving for both of his first two years as a Buckeye.

Becker, a breakout star in the second half of last season for Indiana, projects to be the Big Ten’s second-best receiver if he builds off of his performance during last year’s championship run, especially now that he’s the Hoosiers’ No. 1 receiver with Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt in the NFL. Marsh, Michigan State’s leading receiver for the past two seasons, also projects to be one of the Big Ten’s best wideouts as he moves into one of the conference’s best offenses opposite Becker.

Other top All-Big Ten candidates around the conference include Michigan’s Andrew Marsh, who led all Big Ten freshmen with 651 receiving yards last season; Rutgers’ KJ Duff, the Big Ten’s third-leading receiver last year with 1,084 yards; and Oregon’s Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart, who were expected to be one of the nation’s top receiving duos last year before injuries derailed their seasons.

Second-Team: Andrew Marsh, Michigan; KJ Duff, Rutgers; Dakorien Moore, Oregon

TE: Jamari Johnson, Oregon

Johnson had the second-most receiving yards among Big Ten tight ends last season even though he was Oregon’s No. 2 TE behind last year’s All-Big Ten first teamer, Kenyon Sadiq. Now that Sadiq has moved on to the NFL as the No. 16 overall draft pick, Johnson – a projected first-round draft pick himself – should emerge as one of the top tight ends in the entire country.

Johnson’s top competitors for All-Big Ten honors will include Penn State’s Benjamin Brahmer, a second-team All-Big 12 selection last year at Iowa State, and Iowa’s DJ Vonnahme, the leading receiver last season for an Iowa Hawkeyes offense that uses its tight ends heavily.

Second-Team: DJ Vonnahme, Iowa

OT: Carter Smith, Indiana
OT: Trevor Lauck, Iowa

After Jeremiah Smith, Carter Smith was the second-easiest choice for the preseason All-Big Ten team. A consensus All-American and the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year last season, Smith – who grew up just north of Columbus in Powell, Ohio – enters 2026 as the best left tackle in college football.

Lauck, meanwhile, earned the second-highest Pro Football Focus grade among Big Ten offensive linemen last season as the left tackle for an Iowa offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award, and projects as the leader of the unit this season following the departures of 2025 first-team All-Big Ten honorees Gennings Dunker and Logan Jones.

Second-Team: Andrew Sprague, Michigan; Ian Moore, Ohio State

Carter Smith was the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and a first-team All-American last season. (Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

G: Luke Montgomery, Ohio State
G: Austin Siereveld, Ohio State

Siereveld would also be a strong candidate for first-team All-Big Ten tackle honors if he stays at left tackle, but I’m operating under the expectation that Siereveld will move to right guard with Ian Moore taking over as Ohio State’s left tackle. If that happens, Ohio State could have the two best guards in the Big Ten this year.

While Siereveld projects as one of the Big Ten’s best offensive linemen no matter where he lines up for the Buckeyes this year, Montgomery enters his second full season as Ohio State’s starting left guard with the talent to be one of the best guards in the country. Both of them look to move one rung up the ladder after earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025.

Other top veteran guards in the Big Ten include Minnesota’s Greg Johnson, Oregon’s Dave Iuli and Indiana’s Drew Evans, Bray Lynch and Joe Brunner (with either Evans or Lynch expected to move to center this season).

Second-Team: Greg Johnson, Minnesota; Drew Evans, Indiana

C: Iapani Laloulu, Oregon

A first-team FWAA All-American last season, Laloulu is entering his third year as Oregon’s starting center and should be a Rimington Trophy contender.

That said, Laloulu faces steep competition for first-team All-Big Ten honors as center is the conference’s strongest offensive line position entering the year. Other All-Big Ten candidates include Iowa’s Kade Pieper, who takes over at center after starring at right guard for the Joe Moore Award winners last season; Nebraska’s Justin Evans, who had the highest PFF grade among returning Big Ten centers last season; and Ohio State’s Carson Hinzman, who was a first-team AFCA All-American in 2025.

Second-Team: Kade Pieper, Iowa

DE: Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
DE: John Henry Daley, Michigan

This was one of the toughest positions to decide who not to include on the first team – and even the second team – as there are five very strong candidates to earn All-Big Ten defensive end honors in Michigan’s John Henry Daley, Minnesota’s Anthony Smith, Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti and Ohio State’s Kenyatta Jackson Jr.

Uiagalelei is one of the nation’s top defensive ends when he’s at his best and my personal pick to be the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. Daley was a first-team All-American last season at Utah and the projected star of Michigan’s defense this year, so I felt like I couldn’t leave him off.

Smith was the toughest omission from the first team, as he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors last year after leading the conference with 12.5 sacks, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a first-team All-Big Ten season from Jackson, who played to that level in the second half of last season after a quiet start to 2025.

Second-Team: Anthony Smith, Minnesota; Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State

DT: Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
DT: A’Mauri Washington, Oregon

The heart of Indiana’s defensive line, Tucker is a returning first-team All-Big Ten selection from last season who should contend for All-American honors in 2026.

The second defensive tackle spot was a tough choice between two Oregon Ducks. Bear Alexander was a second-team All-Big Ten honoree last season while Washington was a third-team pick in 2025, but I’m giving the slight edge for this year’s all-conference team to Washington, a 330-pound behemoth who earned the second-best Pro Football Focus grade among Big Ten defensive tackles last season behind only Kayden McDonald.

Ohio State has several All-Big Ten candidates too in Eddrick Houston, James Smith and John Walker, but one of them will need to have a big breakout year like McDonald did a year ago to earn a first-team all-conference nod.

Second-Team: Bear Alexander, Oregon; Eddrick Houston, Ohio State

LB: Isaiah Jones, Indiana
LB: Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
LB: Tony Rojas, Penn State

Indiana has the Big Ten’s two best returning linebackers in Jones and Hardy, who each had 15-plus tackles for loss a year ago. Bryant Haines’ defensive scheme should continue to create plenty of playmaking opportunities for both of them, so I like both of their chances to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors.

Picking the third linebacker for the All-Big Ten first team was a tougher choice. I considered Minnesota’s Maverick Baranowski, Wisconsin’s Mason Posa, Ohio State’s Payton Pierce and Maryland’s Daniel Wingate for the final spot, but ultimately sided with Rojas, an experienced and well-rounded veteran linebacker who new Penn State defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will likely build his defense around – as long as Rojas is fully healthy for the season, which he’s expected to be, after tearing his ACL last October.

Second-Team: Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota; Mason Posa, Wisconsin; Payton Pierce, Ohio State

DB: Jaylen McClain, Ohio State
DB: Koi Perich, Oregon
DB: Devin Sanchez, Ohio State
DB: Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon
DB: Jontez Williams, USC

There’s been a ton of buzz around McClain and Sanchez in Columbus this offseason, so I’m buying stock in both of them being breakout stars and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors this season. McClain looks ready to emerge from Caleb Downs’ shadow and become the new star of Ohio State’s defense from the safety position, while Sanchez looks ready to be one of the nation’s elite cornerbacks after a dominant spring.

Perich already earned All-Big Ten honors twice at Minnesota – including first-team honors in 2024 – and should have even more opportunities to make big plays at Oregon with the star-studded defensive line he’ll have creating disruption in front of him. Finney was already one of the Big Ten’s top defensive playmakers last season and should be even better this year now that he’s no longer a true freshman.

Williams was one of the nation’s best cover cornerbacks for the past two years at Iowa State. Like Rojas, he’s coming off a torn ACL, but he’s expected to be full-go for the season and could be an All-American candidate if he’s fully healthy.

Other top candidates for All-Big Ten honors in the secondary include Northwestern safety Robert Fitzgerald and Iowa nickelback Zach Lutmer, who were both second-team honorees last year; Indiana’s Jamari Sharpe and Amare Ferrell, who are both returning stars from last year’s national championship defense; Michigan’s Jyaire Hill, who should also rank among the Big Ten’s best cornerbacks this year; and Illinois safety Xavier Scott and Michigan safety Rod Moore, who are both former All-Big Ten honorees coming off of injuries that sidelined them for most of last season.

Second-Team: Jamari Sharpe, Indiana; Robert Fitzgerald, Northwestern; Zach Lutmer, Iowa; Xavier Scott, Illinois; Rod Moore, Michigan

K: Mateen Bhaghani, UCLA

With five made field goals of 50+ yards over the past two seasons and an 83% career conversion rate on field goals, Bhaghani is the most proven long-distance kicker in the Big Ten. Ohio State is hoping Connor Hawkins will change that this season and become its first All-Big Ten first-team kicker in more than 20 years, but Bhaghani is the pick here because he’s already proven it in the conference.

Indiana’s Nico Radicic is the Big Ten’s reigning Kicker of the Year after missing only one field goal last season, but his range for long field goals remains a question mark as he has not made a kick longer than 46 yards or attempted a 50-yard field goal in three college seasons.

Second-Team: Nico Radicic, Indiana

P: Hunter Green, Washington

Green was one of the nation’s top punters last season at San Diego State, ranking eighth in the FBS with an average of 47 yards per punt. With reigning Big Ten punter of the year Ryan Eckley of Michigan State now in the NFL, the door is open for Green – and fellow Mountain West transfer Billy Gowers (Indiana), who ranked 14th in the FBS in punting average last season at Hawaii – to immediately establish himself as the Big Ten’s top punter.

Second-Team: Billy Gowers, Indiana

RET: Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska

Despite being Nebraska’s No. 2 kickoff returner last season behind Kenneth Williams, Barney earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 as he totaled 270 yards on 22 punt returns and 275 yards on 13 kickoff returns. He’ll face competition from Williams for All-Big Ten honors, as Williams transferred to Michigan State this offseason, but Williams only returns kickoffs whereas Barney returns both kicks and punts.

A wild card candidate for All-Big Ten return honors is Koi Perich, who was dynamic as both a kick and punt returner at Minnesota. However, it’s unclear how often Oregon will use Perich as a returner or if he will focus on defense with the Ducks, who have plenty of other candidates to return kicks and punts among their offensive skill-position players.

Ohio State’s Legend Bey is another candidate to break out as a game-changing returner this season, but that will depend on whether the Buckeyes trust him in that capacity as a true freshman and whether they become more aggressive with their return units under new special teams coordinator Robby Discher.

Second-Team: Kenneth Williams, Michigan State

LS: Dalton Riggs, Ohio State

Admittedly, I have no idea how to evaluate or project who the best long snapper in the Big Ten will be this season, so I’ll make the homer pick with Riggs, who Ryan Day has described as “the best long snapper in the country” after he had zero inaccurate snaps last season at UCF.

Second-Team: Alan Soukup, Minnesota

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TE: Jamari Johnson, Oregon

OT: Carter Smith, Indiana OT: Trevor Lauck, Iowa

G: Luke Montgomery, Ohio State G: Austin Siereveld, Ohio State

C: Iapani Laloulu, Oregon

DE: Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon DE: John Henry Daley, Michigan

DT: Tyrique Tucker, Indiana DT: A’Mauri Washington, Oregon

LB: Isaiah Jones, Indiana LB: Rolijah Hardy, Indiana LB: Tony Rojas, Penn State

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K: Mateen Bhaghani, UCLA

P: Hunter Green, Washington

RET: Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska

LS: Dalton Riggs, Ohio State

RB: Bo Jackson, Ohio State
RB: Jordan Marshall, Michigan

WR: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
WR: Charlie Becker, Indiana
WR: Nick Marsh, Indiana

OT: Carter Smith, Indiana
OT: Trevor Lauck, Iowa

G: Luke Montgomery, Ohio State
G: Austin Siereveld, Ohio State

DE: Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
DE: John Henry Daley, Michigan

DT: Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
DT: A’Mauri Washington, Oregon

LB: Isaiah Jones, Indiana
LB: Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
LB: Tony Rojas, Penn State

DB: Jaylen McClain, Ohio State
DB: Koi Perich, Oregon
DB: Devin Sanchez, Ohio State
DB: Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon
DB: Jontez Williams, USC