Carnell Tate and Caleb Downs both think the Buckeyes would beat the Hoosiers in a Big Ten championship rematch.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — When the 2026 Big Ten schedule was released, the Ohio State vs. Indiana game immediately stood out — not because it’s a traditional rivalry, but because of how dramatically this matchup has transformed.

Following the blueprints of Indiana and Miami this season, Ohio State has built a more veteran roster through the transfer portal in 2026.

Ohio State is the composite selection as the number one team in the way-too-early 2026 rankings, just edging out Indiana.

Indiana, Michigan and USC are the most challenging matchups for the Scarlet Knights, who will entertain each of those preseason top-15s at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers has a favorable shot at getting off to a hot start in September against UMass, Boston College and Howard before reality sets in for Greg Schiano's team.

Ohio State’s full schedule for the 2026 season includes September games vs. Texas and Illinois, October games vs. Iowa, Indiana and USC and November games vs. Oregon and Michigan.

Cignetti’s group outclassed Ohio State this past season, and there are some things that the Buckeyes can learn from Indiana’s storybook run.

Kirby Smart has proven over the years that he reloads rather than rebuilds, but for a Georgia team that's slipped from its perch of the nation's unquestioned best to simply being "one of the best," the 2026 season will be a test of how easily they can fill gaps in this new era.