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The top-ranked team in the nation relied on its star trio of returning starters.
Ohio State Buckeyes freshman Chris Henry Jr., the son of late Bengals WR Chris Henry, made the first catch and TD reception of his college career.
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s baby brother, Jett, lives up to his name. He’s still a high school football player, but he’s already committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes, and so he has all eyes on him when he takes the field on Friday nights.
The Ball State Cardinals and the Ohio State Buckeyes meet Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET.
The Buckeyes jumped out to a 28-3 halftime lead and breezed to a 56-3 win over the visiting Cardinals before 101,120 on a cloudy and breezy day at the Horseshoe. The game served as a serviceable tune-up game for next week's showdown at No. 5 Texas.
Ohio State football kicks off it season on Saturday when it hosts Ball State in the 'Shoe. Here are five storylines to watch in Game 1 of 2026.
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Ohio State Buckeyes 2026 College Football Schedule: Dates, Opponents, Times, TV/ Stream info
The Buckeyes' preseason No. 1 ranking will be tested throughout the season.
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Ohio State ended a four-game losing streak to Michigan and finished 12-2 with losses in its final two games to Indiana and Miami last season. Adam Cairns / USA Today Network via Imagn Images Ohio State fans were living on cloud nine this time last year.
Dressed in his iconic red sweater vest, Jim Tressel looked up to see where his name will live on in Buckeyes history.
This season will be no different. After 11 Buckeyes were picked in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four more first-round picks, 59 former Scarlet and Gray stars made the 53-man rosters after the preseason and this weekend's cut date. This further cements the program's reputation as one of the most dependable pipelines to professional football.
The Ball State Cardinals come to town on Saturday, and here are three keys to the game for the Ohio State defense.