Chasing Glory: Ohio State and Oregon's Path to the National Championship
Jeremiah Smith's National Title Focus Over Heisman Dreams
Ohio State's standout wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith, widely considered the premier returning player in college football, has expressed a modest view on his chances of winning the Heisman Trophy. He perceives the award as primarily for quarterbacks, unless a receiver achieves an extraordinary season similar to DeVonta Smith's 2020 performance, which included 1,856 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. Smith admits he's unsure of the exact criteria for the award, whether it prioritizes statistics or overall player excellence.
Prioritizing Team Success for the Buckeyes
Smith's primary goal remains securing a second national title for Ohio State within three years. He believes that achieving this objective could also pave the way for Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin to emerge as a strong Heisman contender. Conversely, if Ohio State falls short, Oregon's quarterback, Dante Moore, might lead his team to their inaugural title, potentially overshadowing the Buckeyes' efforts.
Big Ten Title Aspirations for Ohio State and Oregon
As the new season approaches, both Ohio State and Oregon are positioned as frontrunners in the Big Ten conference, even with defending national champion Indiana in the mix. While the Big Ten doesn't officially release preseason rankings, a media poll conducted by Cleveland.com placed Ohio State first, followed by Oregon, and then Indiana, reflecting high expectations for both teams.
Overcoming Past Playoff Setbacks
Both programs are keen to move past recent playoff disappointments. Oregon has faced consecutive playoff exits, losing rematches to the eventual national champions in the past two years. Notably, after defeating Ohio State in the 2024 regular season and earning the No. 1 playoff seed, the Ducks lost to the Buckeyes 41-21 in a Rose Bowl quarterfinal. Last year, they were defeated 56-22 by Indiana in a Peach Bowl semifinal, having also lost to the Hoosiers 30-20 during the regular season. Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson emphasized the team's determination to avoid similar outcomes this season, stating that the entire offseason has been dedicated to this resolve.
Ohio State's Intensified 2026 Schedule
Ohio State, the 2024 national champion, experienced a downturn last year, concluding their season with consecutive losses to Indiana in the Big Ten championship game and Miami in a Cotton Bowl quarterfinal. Smith attributes these defeats partly to a less demanding regular-season schedule, which left them unprepared for intense playoff competition. This season, however, presents a more rigorous path. Their schedule includes an away game against Texas and a challenging mid-season stretch featuring visits to defending national champion Indiana and Southern California, culminating in a home game against Oregon. The annual rivalry game against Michigan also adds to the demanding slate. Smith is confident that this challenging schedule will adequately prepare the Buckeyes for postseason success.
Impact of Player Departures and Returning Talent
Despite losing eleven players to the NFL draft, including four of the first eleven overall selections such as wide receiver Carnell Tate, linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, and safety Caleb Downs, Ohio State maintains a strong core. The departure of offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, who is now the head coach at South Florida, also marked a significant change. Nevertheless, the Buckeyes welcome back quarterback Julian Sayin, who had an impressive season with 3,610 passing yards and 32 touchdowns. Smith's consistent performance, boasting 2,558 career receiving yards and 27 touchdown catches over two seasons—the highest for any Big Ten receiver in their first two years and for any Bowl Subdivision player in the last two seasons—further strengthens their offensive prowess.
Smith's Loyalty Amid Transfer Portal Interest
Smith's exceptional performance naturally attracted interest from numerous programs after Hartline's departure and the season's end. However, Smith firmly stated his commitment to Ohio State, expressing his belief that leaving would be unwise given the presence of what he considers the country's best offensive line, quarterback, and coaching staff. This dedication highlights his faith in the Buckeyes' program and its potential for continued success.
Oregon's Renewed Optimism with Moore's Return
Oregon, meanwhile, believes they possess the nation's best quarterback in Dante Moore. Moore's decision to return to school, despite being a potential first-round draft pick after throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, has significantly boosted the Ducks' championship aspirations. Coach Dan Lanning praised Moore's maturity and commitment to his goals. Moore's return has generated considerable excitement, even with the departure of two key assistants, offensive coordinator Will Stein and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, who took head coaching roles elsewhere. Moore surprised Lanning with his decision, leading to an ecstatic reaction from the coach, who burst into the room shouting and jumping on his desk upon hearing the news. Oregon hopes this renewed spirit of celebration will continue deep into January, signaling a successful championship run.
