It’s the college football offseason, but things will be ramping up soon for all the hubbub of gearing up for the start of the season in the fall. In the meantime, it’s the season of lists and rankings before all that happens, and On3 just released its top 100 college football players of 2026 (subscription required).
Almost any best-of list when it comes to the game of college football is going to have representation from guys wearing scarlet and gray, and it’s no different here. On3 has four Ohio State players included in its top 100, which is pretty good considering all the talent the Buckeyes lost to the NFL draft and what has to be replaced.
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Here are the four players On3 has identified among the top 100 college football players for the 2026 season.
No. 46 (out of 100) – Bo Jackson, Ohio State Running Back
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs past Ohio Bobcats cornerback Michael Mack II (9) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9.
Jackson was one of the best freshmen in the country last year and took hold of the starting running back position at Ohio State just a few games into the season. He finished last season with 179 carries for 1,090 (6.1 avg.) yards and six touchdowns. There’s little doubt that he’s running back No. 1 coming into the season and should be able to take a further step forward in 2026.
No. 36 (out of 100) – Austin Siereveld, Ohio State Offensive Lineman
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Austin Siereveld (67) celebrates following the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
Sierveld was arguably Ohio State’s best offensive lineman last season, and the expectation is that he’ll be the same this year. His most likely landing spot will be right guard, but he could man the left tackle spot like he did last year. He didn’t allow a single sack last season as a second-team All-Big Ten performer and will be the anchor of an offensive line with a lot of experience.
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No. 9 (out of 100) – Julian Sayin, Ohio State Quarterback
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) motions during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.
On3 might list the Ohio State quarterback as the No. 9 player in the country coming into 2026, but he’s the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy in the preseason. As a redshirt freshman, Sayin got heated up pretty quickly and nearly set the college football single-season completion percentage record. He’s got a quick release, is extremely accurate, and if his offensive line can protect him a little better against the very good pass rushing packages he’ll face this year, Sayin could have a season with a lot of memories.
No. 1 (out of 100) – Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Wide Receiver
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 31: Jeremiah Smith #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts to a first down in the third quarter against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
What else is there to say about what can be considered possibly the best receiver to ever wear the scarlet and gray? He’s about to smash a slew of OSU receiving records this season if he remains healthy, and it’s a shame that a guy considered by most to be the best player in the game likely won’t take home the award that — you know — goes to the best player in college football, the Heisman Trophy. Smith’s blend of size, speed, strength, and hands is generational, and it’s going to be fun watching his junior season. Last year, he finished with 87 receptions for 1,243 yards (14.3 avg.) and 12 touchdowns, even with missing a couple of games because of injury.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football with four players among On3’s top 100 for 2026
