Welcome to the Skull Session.
Big Ten Media Days start today in Chicago. Conference commissioner Tony Pettiti and representatives from six schools – Illinois, Iowa, Penn State, Rutgers, USC and Wisconsin – will kick things off on Tuesday before Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin and Jaylen McClain meet with the media on Wednesday.
The @BigTenNetwork presents three days of on-site coverage from @B1Gfootball Media Days Presented by @Discover in Chicago!
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) July 23, 2026
Hear from @bigten coaches and student-athletes from all 18 schools live on BTN
July 28: 11:30 AM – 6 PM ET
July 29: 12:30 PM – 6 PM ET
July 30:… pic.twitter.com/QGrgK2znXW
Have a good Tuesday.
EA SPORTS SPEAKS! Growing up watching ESPN’s College GameDay, I treated the show’s NCAA Football video game simulations like they were legitimate predictions. Before Ohio State faced USC in 2008, one simulation had the Buckeyes pulling off an Instant Classic victory over the Trojans. Needless to say, 8-year-old me was crushed when the actual game ended in a 35-3 loss in Los Angeles.
Eighteen years later, I don’t put much faith in video game simulations or their ability to predict real-life outcomes. Still, I found an article from the Worldwide Leader on the topic impossible to ignore.
Last week, ESPN’s Max Olson simulated the 2026 season 26 times.
“The results were completely up to the computer,” Olson wrote. “We didn’t play any games and didn’t adjust any rosters or settings — and some of them were completely ridiculous.”
Here’s what wasn’t ridiculous: Across the 26 simulations, Ohio State won 15 Big Ten championships and reached the College Football Playoff in 21 of those seasons. The Buckeyes earned a top-three seed in 13 CFP appearances, advanced to nine national championship games and won six national titles.
In all six of Ohio State’s championship seasons, Julian Sayin and Bo Jackson stuffed the stat sheet. During one of the Buckeyes’ 16-0 campaigns, Sayin threw 48 touchdown passes with just two interceptions, while Beau Atkinson (18.5 sacks) and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (17.5 sacks) terrorized opposing quarterbacks. In another title-winning season, Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin each surpassed 1,000 receiving yards.
Game Breakers
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) June 25, 2026
Six Buckeyes rank Top 10 at their position in @EASPORTSCollege pic.twitter.com/IQiMahiqO2
Case in point: The computers love the Buckeyes.
Another entertaining wrinkle from Olson’s simulations? Clemson missed the CFP in all 26 seasons, leading to Dabo Swinney’s departure in 20 of those 26 timelines. In five different simulations, Swinney replaced Steve Sarkisian at Texas. In three others, he took over for Kalen DeBoer at Alabama.
There were even multiple universes where Marcus Freeman left Notre Dame for the NFL and Swinney returned to South Bend. One simulation had him replacing a retiring Kyle Whittingham at Michigan. (Could you imagine?!)
One more thing: Bryce Underwood transferred away from Michigan in all 26 simulations. He landed at Tennessee 10 times, LSU eight times, and USC, SMU, Clemson and Ole Miss once apiece.
The computers might not know the future — but if they’re picking a team to control it, the Buckeyes are a pretty good choice. Clemson and Michigan? Not so much.
ALL EYEZ ON SAYIN. Julian Sayin can put up video game numbers in EA Sports College Football and real life, but NFL scouts want to see more from the Ohio State quarterback before declaring him a top draft pick in 2027.
Well, some scouts.
From ESPN’s Jordan Reid:
In his first year as a starter, Sayin finished with 3,610 passing yards, 32 TDs and eight interceptions. Though his pinpoint accuracy (an FBS-high 77% completion percentage) and quick decision-making stood out, there is disagreement among evaluators about the redshirt sophomore's upside.
"I liked his tape, but the traits are just so limited in a near-perfect setup of surroundings, and you saw that in the playoff," one NFC scout said.
But another AFC scout said, "He's super accurate and operates at a really high level. I think people are underrating him and forgetting that he was in his first year as a starter."
I’ve seen both criticism and praise for Sayin this offseason. I look forward to hearing him speak at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday to hear more about his approach and mindset entering 2026. It’s a make-or-break season for him in more ways than one, and we’ll learn a lot about him from an early road trip to Texas to The Game in Columbus.
COME FLY WITH THEM. Now boarding for flights to Ohio State football games.
Last week, John Glenn Columbus International Airport announced that its airline partners have added 25 flights around five Ohio State football weekends this fall, including three that will use larger aircraft to accommodate Buckeye Nation — and, yes, opposing fans.
Here’s a look at the additional flights from American, Delta, United and Southwest:
- Ohio State at Texas (Sept. 12): 13 flights to and from Austin
- Ohio State at Iowa (Oct. 3): Four American and Delta flights to and from Cedar Rapids
- Ohio State at USC (Oct. 31): Two Delta flights to and from Los Angeles
- Ohio State at Nebraska (Nov. 21): Two American flights to and from Lincoln
The airport's press release noted that these additions are in addition to the airlines' regularly scheduled service to and from those destinations. It also doesn't account for any extra flights that could be added for the College Football Playoff later this season.
All told, if you're planning to follow the Buckeyes on the road this fall, you'll have a few more travel options. And if Ryan Day's team lives up to expectations, don't be surprised if John Glenn's departure board features a few more CFP destinations once December and January roll around.
“PRAY.” Before Ohio State faced Grambling State last season, Tigers coaches and players respectfully acknowledged the talent gap between the two programs. Ahead of this year's matchup with Ball State, a former Cardinals player had a much more succinct assessment.
During a Twitch stream hosted by Ball State student Carter Brimer in December that resurfaced last week, former Cardinals wide receiver Qian Magwood – a Columbus native – discussed the team's trip to Ohio State in 2026.
"We play Ohio State next year," Brimer said. "What's up?"
"Pray," Magwood replied.
Ohio State enters the season as the No. 1 team in ESPN's College Football Power Index. Ball State is... No. 134.
Yeaaahhh, prayer might be the Cardinals' best game plan.
SONG OF THE DAY. “Come Fly With Me” - Frank Sinatra.
CUT TO THE CHASE. UNC football GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave... One Tech Tip: How to soothe thumb pain when texting and scrolling... Fishing, science and the future of Lake Erie... Texas A&M fans seeking base near Kyle Field will soon have answer.
