Jake Trotter, a senior writer at ESPN covering college football, reports that Ohio State aims to become battle-tested for the playoff after a schedule that lacked tough regular-season opponents. Star players Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin emphasize the need for more challenging games, citing their narrow 14-7 win over Texas in the opener as proof they lacked postseason readiness. The Buckeyes face the nation's toughest schedule, with six Top 25 opponents including Texas, Iowa, Indiana, USC, and Oregon on the road, plus a primetime rematch at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Coach Ryan Day designed the offseason around winning big road matchups, resting key starters like Smith after his 151-yard, two-touchdown first-half performance. Meanwhile, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who struggled early in his starting debut, rebounded with seven touchdowns and four rushing scores in late-season wins. The expanded schedule is intended to 'callous up' the team for playoff pressure, with players noting it will force them to stay focused week-in-week-out.

This marks a significant shift from last season when Ohio State played only one meaningful fourth-quarter game before losing to Indiana and Miami in the postseason.