Big Ten Media Days is a time-honored tradition in the world of college football, where coaches and players come together to share their thoughts and predictions for the upcoming season. This year’s event was no exception, with some of the biggest names in the sport taking to the podium to share their insights. One of the most pressing questions on everyone’s mind is whether Ohio State’s running game is good enough to win a national title. To answer this question, we’ll examine the quotes and statements from some of the biggest names in the conference.
Ohio State: The Run Game Will Determine Ohio State’s Ceiling
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day heaped praise on his third-year quarterback Julian Sayin during his Wednesday press conference. However, it was clear that Day’s mind was focused on the Buckeyes’ running game. According to Day, the team’s ceiling will be determined by their ability to run the ball effectively. This is a sentiment that’s echoed by many experts, who believe that a strong running game is essential for success in college football.
The Buckeyes’ struggles on the ground last season were a major factor in their postseason collapse. In the Big Ten title game against Indiana, Ohio State managed a paltry 58 yards rushing. This lack of production was a major concern for the team, and it’s clear that Day is putting a lot of emphasis on improving the running game this season. To that end, the Buckeyes return a ton of snaps on the offensive line, and there’s optimism that this unit will be a strength for the team.
Some of the young backs, including Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, are looking to build on strong 2025 debuts. West had 310 yards on 5.3 yards per carry as a true freshman, while Jackson ran for 1,090 yards on 6.1 yards per carry as a Freshman All-American. These two players are hoping to take their game to the next level this season, and their development will go a long way in determining the team’s success.
Teams have to shade their coverage to prevent the Buckeyes’ passing attack from going off, and this leaves room in the box for the running backs to take advantage. How Jackson, West, and the Buckeyes’ o-line take advantage of this will go a long way in determining if Ohio State can win a national title.
Verdict: Fact
Based on the quotes and statements from Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, it’s clear that the team’s running game will be a major factor in their success this season. With a strong emphasis on improving the running game and a talented group of young backs, it’s hard to argue against the notion that the Buckeyes’ ceiling will be determined by their ability to run the ball effectively.
Oregon: The Ducks Finally Have the Talent and Experience
Oregon head coach Mario Lanning highlighted the Ducks’ experience as one of the key differences in this year’s roster compared to years past. According to Lanning, the team has a lot of experience returning, and this will be a major factor in their success this season. The Ducks have made the College Football Playoff each of the last two years, thanks in large part to extremely talented rosters. However, Oregon’s also been very young the last two years, returning just five starters in 2025.
This season, the Ducks return 14 starters, and there’s optimism that this experience will pay off. Some of the key players returning include Dante Moore, who passed on a probable first-round draft selection to return as a second-year starter. Dakorien Moore is also back, and he’s one of the Big Ten’s top returning receivers. On defense, the Ducks return three future draft picks in Bear Alexander, Matayo Uiagalelei, and A’Mauri Washington, along with one of the best edges in the country, Teitum Tuioti.
Oregon’s never lacked talent under Lanning, but this is the first year that recruiting success is mixed with time in Oregon’s development incubator to create a full-fledged Lanning team. And that’s a scary thing. The Ducks are looking to take their game to the next level this season, and their experience will be a major factor in their success.
Minnesota: The Gophers Will Remain a Consistent Overachiever
Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck opened up Day 2 of Big Ten media days with a fact: Only seven of the league’s 18 teams have won at least eight games in back-to-back seasons. Most of them are the usual suspects: Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. The Gophers have consistently overachieved under Fleck, winning seven-plus games every year since 2018 (sans the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign) and winning eight-plus in four of the last five years.
Can Minnesota defy the odds and win seven-plus games again? I’d bet on it. The schedule is reasonable, and the Gophers will be underdogs on the road against Indiana. They have tough games with Washington, Michigan, and Iowa, but they did avoid Ohio State and Michigan. Eleven starters are back, including star quarterback Drake Lindsey, standout running back Darius Taylor, and stellar guard Greg Johnson, who will be a high-round draft pick in a few months. Minnesota also spent big on its defensive line to keep all-Big Ten edge rusher Anthony Smith from entering the transfer portal.
This is one of the more talented Minnesota teams in recent memory, which should lead to wins. By the way, Fleck did mention the Gophers’ biggest difference maker on the podium – the ability to win close games. Check out their record over the last five years in one-score situations: 2025: 4-1, 2024: 3-5, 2023: 3-2, 2022: 3-1, 2021: 3-3. Minnesota won eight-plus games every one of those seasons except 2024. That penchant for winning close contests carries the Gophers to seven-plus wins in 2026.
