Story perspectives

Ohio State Faces Toughest Power-4 Schedule in 2026

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jake Trotter named Ohio State Buckeyes the toughest Power 4 schedule for the 2026 college football season.
Ohio State travels to Texas on Sept. 12, Indiana on Oct. 17, USC on Oct. 31 and Oregon on Nov. 7.
Oklahoma Sooners have the toughest November slate, playing at Florida (Nov. 7), Ole Miss (Nov. 14), Texas A&M (Nov. 21) and Missouri (Nov. 28).
USC Trojans have the toughest Power 4 home schedule, hosting Oregon (Sept. 26), Washington (Oct. 3) and Ohio State (Oct. 31).

History

Historical Context

The 2005 NCAA realignment, triggered by Boston College, Miami and Virginia Tech leaving the Big East for the ACC, reshaped football as 23 schools switched conferences and the ACC grew to 12 members. That change created a 12-team, eight-game schedule. In 2026, Ohio State will face Texas, Indiana, USC and Oregon, while Oklahoma meets Florida, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Missouri.

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Story summary

Jake Trotter named Ohio State Buckeyes the toughest Power 4 schedule for the 2026 college football season.
Ohio State travels to Texas on Sept. 12, Indiana on Oct. 17, USC on Oct. 31 and Oregon on Nov. 7.
Oklahoma Sooners have the toughest November slate, playing at Florida (Nov. 7), Ole Miss (Nov. 14), Texas A&M (Nov. 21) and Missouri (Nov. 28).
USC Trojans have the toughest Power 4 home schedule, hosting Oregon (Sept. 26), Washington (Oct. 3) and Ohio State (Oct. 31).

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