Ohio State vs Ball State: Playoff Hopes on the Line | Ohio State Buckeyes Football News

Ohio State Buckeyes kick off their 2026 season with a massive statement game against Ball State — the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Ranked No. 1, the Buckeyes, led by Julian Sayin, Bo Jackson, and Jeremiah Smith, aim for another playoff run after their dominant 12-2 campaign. Ball State, under first-year coach Mike Uremovich, seeks redemption after a 4-8 season, sending out rookie QB Keldric Luster into one of college football’s toughest environments. With Ohio State on a 26-game winning streak to start seasons, this matchup is a heavyweight showdown — can the Cardinals pull off an upset, or will the Buckeyes prove they’re the nation’s top team? Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/bbd296be24c1f277