Ohio State enters the final stretch of the 2026 regular season at 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten after back-to-back losses to USC and Oregon, the program's first three-loss season since 2011. Starting quarterback Julian Sayin suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in mid-October, forcing true freshman Luke Fahey into the lineup where the offense has shown diminished efficiency and turnover issues. The Buckeyes hold a favorable remaining slate against Northwestern, at Nebraska, and versus Michigan, where home-field advantage and historical trends favor them, but recent form and the absence of their primary passer have lowered expectations for a strong finish. Preseason win totals opened near 9.5, reflecting high expectations around returning talent and a tough schedule that has already produced narrow defeats to top competition.