The Ohio State Buckeyes aren't far behind the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers as the 2025 College Football season fades away and early forecasts come in on what the 2026 campaign will look like.
CBS Sports' Will Backus believes that, from a talent standpoint, OSU isn't behind IU at all. If anything, Backus was more hyped about what the Hoosiers' defense will look like, and a bit apprehensive about TCU Horned Frogs quarterback transfer Josh Hoover taking over for Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza under center.
Backus's skepticism with the Buckeyes was fairly obvious: newly hired offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and his ability to shore up the guard spot and figure out a pecking order behind Jeremiah Smith at receiver.