Ohio State Welcomes Ball State in Season Opener

The wait is finally over.

After months of offseason workouts, recruiting storylines, preseason rankings and championship expectations, Ohio State football is ready to return to the field. The No. 1-ranked Buckeyes will open their 2026 campaign Saturday afternoon when they welcome the Ball State Cardinals to Ohio Stadium for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff.

For Ohio State, this isn’t simply the beginning of another football season. It’s the opening chapter of a season that carries enormous expectations. The Buckeyes enter the year ranked No. 1 in the country and once again have their sights set on the ultimate prize — another national championship. But before Ohio State can worry about a demanding schedule that includes road trips to Texas, Iowa, Indiana and USC, along with showdowns against Oregon and Michigan, the Buckeyes must first take care of business against Ball State. While Ohio State is heavily favored, Saturday provides something equally important: the first opportunity to see what this year’s Buckeyes actually look like when the lights come on.

One of the biggest storylines entering Saturday will be the debut of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense. Ohio State returns an impressive amount of experience on that side of the football, including quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson and superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Sayin enters his second season as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback after putting together one of the most efficient passing seasons in program history in 2025. His 77 percent completion rate last season was a Big Ten record and the best single-season mark in Ohio State history. The quarterback won’t have to do it alone. Bo Jackson returns after becoming one of only a handful of true freshmen in Ohio State history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season. The young running back gives the Buckeyes a dynamic option in the backfield as Ohio State looks to establish a more consistent rushing attack.

Then there’s Jeremiah Smith. The junior wide receiver enters the season with expectations that are about as high as they get. Smith has already established himself as one of the premier players in college football and is positioned to chase several Ohio State receiving records this season. Saturday will be the first chance to see how Smith and the rest of this talented receiving corps are utilized in Smith’s new offensive system.

While the offense returns plenty of familiar faces, the defense enters the season with significantly more questions. Only three starters return from last year’s unit, which means there will be plenty of new faces asked to step into major roles. That makes the Ball State game particularly important for Ohio State’s defensive coaching staff.

The Buckeyes need to identify their playmakers up front, develop their linebacker rotation and establish a new-look secondary before the schedule becomes considerably more difficult. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will return after a masterful first season calling the defense. player to watch is defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., who has an opportunity to emerge as one of Ohio State’s premier pass rushers. The Buckeyes will also have plenty of eyes on their defensive-line rotation and the development of their younger players.

Make no mistake: Ball State understands the challenge awaiting it. The Cardinals finished 4–8 last season and are replacing starting quarterback Kiael Kelly, who led the team in both passing and rushing in 2025. Redshirt junior Keldric Luster is expected to take over at quarterback. Luster arrives from Texas State after previously spending time at SMU, although he has limited collegiate playing experience. Ball State does bring some experience back, particularly at running back, where three of its top four rushers from last season return. Defensively, however, the Cardinals return only three starters. Ohio State’s talent and depth will make this a daunting assignment for Ball State from the opening kickoff.

History Is on Ohio State’s Side

The Buckeyes have dominated their season openers for decades. Ohio State has won 26 consecutive season-opening games, the longest active streak in the country. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes are 8–0 in season openers and have averaged a 25.4-point margin of victory. Saturday will also mark the first meeting between Ohio State and Ball State.

There will be plenty of excitement surrounding the game beyond the football itself. Former Ohio State running back and 2002 national champion Maurice Clarett will serve as the first Victory Bell Ringer of the 2026 season. Ohio State will also honor former head coach Jim Tressel, who will be inducted into the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor. Tressel becomes only the third coach in program history to receive the honor, joining Paul Brown and Woody Hayes.

For a program with as much history as Ohio State, it’s a fitting way to begin another season of championship aspirations.