Ohio State faces Ball State in the season opener at Ohio Stadium

Ohio State opens its 2026 college football season Saturday by hosting Ball State at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes enter the game holding a 26-game winning streak in season openers, the longest active run in the FBS. Because Ohio State is a 50-point favorite, head coach Ryan Day may utilize significant portions of his second- and third-string depth chart if the contest shifts in favor of the hosts early. The coaching staff is expected to keep offensive play-calling conservative during the game to avoid revealing schemes before next week’s matchup against Texas in Austin. Attention on the roster includes potential heavy workloads for running back Isaiah West and the rotation of the defensive line. The team aims to extend its opening-game win streak to 27 consecutive contests.

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