COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Ohio State gears up for the 2026 college football season, several players are poised to make a significant impact following the departures of key talent from the previous year. Names like Arvell Reese and Kayden McDonald garnered attention in 2025 as they emerged from relative obscurity to help the Buckeyes secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. Looking ahead, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which players will step into the limelight this time.
One notable candidate is Zion Grady, a defensive end who had a promising start as a freshman by accumulating 13 tackles and one sack over 104 defensive snaps. With Caden Curry’s departure, Grady could very well compete for a starting position. Another name to watch is Devin Sanchez, a five-star cornerback who is expected to take on a starting role with the exit of NFL-bound Davison Igbinosun.
In the linebacker corps, Ohio State is set to fill the gaps left by Reese and Sonny Styles with promising talents like Riley Pettijohn, who recorded nine tackles and forced a fumble as a freshman. Payton Pierce also figures to be a key contributor, transitioning from a backup role to a starting linebacking position after playing over 236 snaps last season.
On the offensive line, Ian Moore and Josh Padilla are both aiming for starting spots. Moore demonstrated his versatility last season, filling in commendably at both tackle positions when needed, while Padilla, despite an injury setback, showcased his promise in limited snaps during the College Football Playoff.
Eddrick Houston, who was initially anticipated to shine in his sophomore season, is another intriguing prospect. Though he faced challenges in 2025, the late-season momentum he built suggests he might finally hit his stride.
In the backfield, Isaiah West is expected to share responsibilities with standout Bo Jackson. The duo could recreate the dynamic running game that saw TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins each surpass 1,000 rushing yards in 2024.
Adding to the excitement is the promising freshman wide receiver Chris Henry, who is drawing attention as a potential starter alongside Jeremiah Smith and newly added transfers. Phillip Bell, another hopeful wideout, could also flourish under new positional guidance.
With such a talented roster and key emerging players, Ohio State fans have much to look forward to in the upcoming season. The Buckeyes are once again in a strong position to contend at the national level, fueled by a blend of experienced players and new talent eager to make their mark. As the team prepares, all eyes will be on these breakout candidates as they aim to write their names in Ohio State football’s storied history.