Smith, Sayin Named Best CFB Duo as Ohio State Preseason Buzz Builds

Ohio State enters preseason camp as one of college football's most talked-about programs, with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin drawing particular attention heading into the 2026 season. ^[6]

Pro Football Focus placed both players on its top 50 college football players list for 2026, and the pair have been labeled the best duo in college football ahead of the upcoming campaign. ^[5][6] The recognition reflects the expectations surrounding an Ohio State offense built around two of the sport's most prominent young talents. ^[6]

Bold Predictions and Turnover Margin

As preseason camp gets underway, one bold prediction circulating among Ohio State observers is that the Buckeyes will lead the country in turnover margin during the 2026 season. ^[3] The projection is part of a broader exercise in preseason forecasting tied to the program's preparations for the year ahead. ^[1][2]

Land-Grant Holy Land, an SB Nation outlet covering the Buckeyes, has been running a theme week dedicated to bold predictions as camp opens, with the turnover margin forecast among the more notable calls made by its staff. ^[3]

On the recruiting front, Ohio State received two crystal ball predictions to land the top quarterback in the 2028 recruiting class, adding to the program's momentum heading into the fall. ^[4] Crystal ball predictions on recruiting platforms reflect the informed forecasts of analysts tracking a prospect's likely destination, and landing a five-star signal-caller from that cycle would bolster the Buckeyes' long-term outlook at the position. ^[4]

Taken together, the preseason recognition for Smith and Sayin, the turnover margin projection, and the early recruiting signals paint a picture of a program generating significant optimism as formal preparations for the 2026 season begin. ^[3][5][6]