This season, many in the media believe that Ohio State is the favorite to win the Big Ten. Before the 2026 season begins, both players have been honored by the Big Ten Conference during Big Ten Media Day. Ohio State players Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith get honored by the Big TenWhile the Big Ten doesn't officially release a preseason team, the conference gave both Sayin and Smith Big Ten honors. The media has big expectations for the Ohio State football program yet againIt's no surprise that the Buckeyes have a lot of expectations. Ohio State is expecting Matt Patricia to keep that unit at the same elite level they were a year ago.