The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes opened the 2026 season with a 56-3 win over Ball State. They weren't taking much time to celebrate the victory.

Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith showed on Saturday that they both might be Heisman Trophy finalists at the end of the season.

Watch the full postgame press conference from Ryan Day, Julian Sayin and TJ Alford after Ohio State's 56-3 win over the Ball State Cardinals.

The No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes opened the 2026 college football season with a 56-3 victory over the Ball State Cardinals, powered by standout performances from returning juniors Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin.

Ohio State crushed Ball State 56-3, but Ryan Day warned that talent alone will not be enough when the Buckeyes face Texas.

Compare Ohio State Heisman Trophy odds on Polymarket. See how prediction markets value quarterback Julian Sayin and wideout Jeremiah Smith.

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught two TD passes and No. 1 Ohio State ran through Ball State in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, 56-3, in the teams' season opener.

During the game, there were three freshmen who looked especially strong and deserve more playing time. Both sides of the ball are filled with them, too. Jay Timmons started at the nickelback position,