Time to look ahead to the 2021 schedule. I did a 2021 depth chart and its clear OSU has the talent to make the playoffs again but the talent in the back 7 on defense may be a concern against elite teams. The rankings are based on Athlons Way too early rankings. OSU is ranked #5. This is the schedule in chronological order. 

I expect a lot of parity next year. Because of eligibility rules most teams will have a high number of starters back while teams like OSU will see normal attrition to the NFL. 

• @Minnesota-Interesting game to open the season in the B1G. Minny went 3-4 but have Tanner Morgan and their RB back. The defense was terrible giving up 6.9 yards per play but has almost everybody back. This isnt a normal cupcake to start the season.
• #12 Oregon-I expect this game to move to a neutral site after last years was cancelled. Athlon projects Oregon to win the Pac-12. Offensively they could be great. The entire OL is back, the top 2 RBs and WRs are back. QB is somewhat interesting as they split time but they will have plenty of talent. OSU's defense will need to be ready or they could be gashed. The defense was pretty bad and they lost some key pieces at every level. But Cristobal is a good DC and they can build around Kayvon Thibaduex and Noah Sewell. This is going to be a really good game is certainly losable. 
• Tulsa-This is another tough game as Tulsa was the AAC runner up and has most of their starters back. Also a potential trap game coming off Oregon. They had a really good defense and nearly upset Oklahoma State this year. 
• Akron-Finally a breather after 3 tough games to open the season. 
• @Nebraska-Is this finally the year for Nebraska? Another road game in the B1G but Nebraska shouldnt scare anybody at this point. Wandale Robinson is transferring and they started a few seniors. They could really use some guys taking the extra year of eligibility. 
• Purdue-The B1G west is out of the way by game 6. Purdue was pretty bad this year and this should be a prime spot to avenge the 2018 loss. 
• Bye-Halfway point bye is good for health. 
• @Rutgers-Good season by Rutgers for their standards and look for them to continue to improve under Schiano. Still out of a bye this shouldnt be a challenging game.
• Michigan State-MSU wasnt great and shouldnt be this year. The talent on offense isnt anything to be afraid of. 
• @ #19 Indiana-They may improve in '21. Their entire skill player group other than Whop Philyor return along with most of the defense. This will be a big game and a target for OSU to round into final form. 
• Maryland-Tua's little brother returns along with some good skill players. Still this isnt a great team.
• PSU-They will be in for an anxiety filled season after going 4-5 this year. Questions at QB arent going anywhere and Saquon isnt walking through the door anytime soon. They play OSU tough and are one of the best teams on the schedule but they arent the PSU of years past.
• @Michigan-Akward season for Harbaugh with his new contract. They werent great but were really young and have most of the roster back. Nearly the entirety of the defense is back with a new DC. Offensively is a bit of a mess with QB questions, poor pass catchers, and a lot of good but not great running backs. They are in for an interesting year. 

Overall it isnt too brutal of a schedule. The biggest story is the start and end of the season being tough stretches. @Minnesota-Oregon-Tulsa is a tough stretch for breaking in so many new faces on the OL and QB. The month of November is also really tough with @Indiana-Maryland-PSU-@Michigan. But unless PSU or Michigan drastically improve, overall this isnt a schedule that will scare anybody. Beating Oregon is the key to having a great season.