New season, same storyline.
Ohio State has been a model of consistency since the early 2000s, routinely notching double-digit wins and competing for national titles. Ryan Day is absolutely under more pressure to win in 2026 following the upset loss to Miami, yet the Buckeyes’ roster is once again loaded.
Also again, OSU takes on Texas in a September showdown—this time at UT and on the second week of the campaign. Arch Manning is back to lead the Longhorns, who stumbled in 2025 but still finished with 10 victories.
Indiana deservingly wraps up the favorites.
Yes, the Hoosiers must replace a bunch of influential seniors, including Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza. Veteran TCU transfer Josh Hoover is expected to replace him, though, and Curt Cignetti has earned all possible benefit of the doubt to consider IU a contender and enter 2026 as reigning champions.