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.

No. 1 Ohio State football cruised to a 56-3 victory over the Ball State to open the 2026 season on Sept. 5 at Ohio Stadium. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns on 25 attempts, in addition to scoring his first rushing touchdown as a Buckeye, during his two-and-a-half quarters of action.

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.

Yes, Ball State was far from a legitimate challenger, but there was still plenty of good (and bad) things that mattered in today’s win… there were also some things that didn’t matter at all.

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.

Ohio State dominated Ball State in their season opener. Vote for your player of the game from the standout performers.