Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are among the Big Ten’s distinguished players entering the 2026 season.
With Big Ten Media Days underway in Chicago, the conference announced that a media panel selected 12 players for Big Ten Preseason Honors, including Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Julian & JJ ➡️ B1G Preseason Honors pic.twitter.com/60vKtrYWFk
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 28, 2026
Indiana led all schools with three selections, with wide receiver Charlie Becker, linebacker Rolijah Hardy and defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker earning the preseason recognition. Surprisingly, Hoosiers offensive tackle Carter Smith — a consensus All-American and the 2025 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year — was not among the honorees.
Ohio State tied Oregon and Rutgers for the second-most selections with two apiece. Alongside Sayin and Smith, Oregon was represented by quarterback Dante Moore and defensive back Koi Perich, while Rutgers' selections were running back Antwan Raymond and wide receiver KJ Duff. Iowa offensive lineman Kade Pieper, Minnesota defensive lineman Anthony Smith and USC quarterback Jayden Maiava rounded out the 12-player list.
Sayin was a Heisman Trophy finalist in his first season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, completing a program-record 77% of his passes for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Smith, a two-time Big Ten Receiver of the Year and 2025 unanimous All-American, hauled in 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns last fall.
Both Sayin and Smith are representing Ohio State at Big Ten Media Days alongside head coach Ryan Day and safety Jaylen McClain. The four Buckeyes will meet with reporters Wednesday afternoon in Chicago.
2026 Big Ten Preseason Honors
WR Charlie Becker, Indiana
LB Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
DL Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
OL Kade Pieper, Iowa
DL Anthony Smith, Minnesota
QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
QB Dante Moore, Oregon
DB Koi Perich, Oregon
QB Jayden Maiava, USC
WR KJ Duff, Rutgers
RB Antwan Raymond, Rutgers
