SB Nation Panel Picks Ohio State 11-1, Backs Buckeyes for 2026 National Title

3 articles · Updated · Corn Nation · Aug 18

Seven SB Nation Big Ten writers picked Ohio State to win the conference and the national championship, with the panel projecting the Buckeyes to finish 11-1 in 2026.
Oregon and Indiana also drew 11-1 record forecasts, but Oregon received five Big Ten title votes and only one national title pick, while Indiana got three conference title votes.
Iowa, Michigan, Washington and Penn State clustered behind the top tier at 9-3, underscoring the panel's view that several contenders will take losses from one another.
Nebraska was forecast at 7-5 by the Corn Nation contributor, who cited improved line play and quarterback mobility but said the program must prove it can break past that mark.
The preseason roundup reflects broad early optimism across the league, even as the writers acknowledged the record picks cannot all be right once Big Ten games begin.