Off-Script Ohio: Captains, season predictions and the games that will define 2026

Ohio State football is finally back, and after months of offseason storylines, roster debates and predictions, it is officially time to talk about the games. Episode 32 of Off-Script Ohio kicks off the 2026 season by breaking down Ohio State's seven captains. Brandon Inniss, Julian Sayin, Austin Siereveld, Jeremiah Smith, Kenyatta Jackson, Payton Pierce and Jaylen McClain. The guys also discuss Inniss earning the Block O jersey and what the new leadership group says about this year's team. A mix of veteran offensive stars, a defensive anchor replacing three first-round picks, and a receiver who's already the face of the program before he's even entered started his junior season. From there, Cole and Joey make their official season predictions, with both landing at 11-1. The biggest part of the episode is a game-by-game breakdown of the schedule. Ball State, Kent State, Illinois, Maryland and Northwestern feel like the safest wins, while Iowa and Nebraska present tougher road challenges. Then come the games that could define the season. Texas, Indiana, USC, Oregon and Michigan, five matchups the guys treat as legitimate toss-ups or, at best, likely wins that will still require the Buckeyes' best football to come out on top. Which game is the toughest? Which matchup is the most underrated threat? And which game are the guys most excited to watch? Cole and Joey dig into all three questions to close out the episode, setting the tone for a season that starts in earnest with the Texas trip in Week 2. After a long offseason, Off-Script Ohio is officially back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices