A new report from RotoWire just dropped, crunching the numbers on every FBS team’s average roster age for 2026, and the news for Ohio State fans probably isn’t what they wanted to hear. The Buckeyes are ranked a shocking No. 128 out of 138 teams in FBS for average roster age, coming in at just 19.95 years per player. That’s tough for a program with championship aspirations.
The Veteran Trend is Real, And OSU Is Missing Out
Listen, there’s a clear, undeniable trend in college football right now. If you want to make a serious run at the biggest prize, you need a veteran squad. We’ve seen it play out for the last three College Football Playoff national title winners: Michigan in 2023, Ohio State in 2024, and Indiana last season. What’s the common thread? They all rode a wave of experienced players, either by keeping their guys around or by snatching up seasoned talent from the transfer portal. So, if that’s the formula for success, seeing Ohio State this far down the list is a major red flag for anyone hoping to see them contend again in 2026. This isn’t just about being “young,” it’s about being significantly younger than almost every other team contending for titles.
Why the Buckeyes Are So Young (And What It Means)
So, why is OSU clocking in at such a low average age of 19.95? It makes sense when you dig a little. The team saw a ton of experienced players make the jump to the NFL draft last season, leaving some big shoes to fill. That means in 2026, the Buckeyes are going to be relying heavily on a lot of younger guys to step up big time. Sure, they’ve worked the transfer portal to bring in some veteran talent, and honestly, the average age could have been even lower without those efforts. But even with those moves, they are still 128th in the nation. That’s a huge shift, and it puts a massive spotlight on how quickly these young players will need to mature and perform under pressure.
And the oldest teams aren’t all Power Four contenders either. UTSA, a Group of Five squad, is the oldest overall at 21.02 years. Among the Power Four, Oklahoma State leads with an average of 20.74 years. Even in the Big Ten, Michigan State is the oldest at 20.64. The only team in their own conference with an even younger roster than Ohio State? That’d be USC, averaging 19.87 years. So, while being old isn’t a guarantee, being this young definitely raises questions about consistency and depth across the entire roster. It makes you wonder how deep the experience goes on game day, and that’s the real kicker.
We’ve seen how important veteran leadership is, especially when games get tight. The trend is loud and clear: older teams are winning championships. Whether this pattern holds true in 2026 is the million-dollar question. But let’s be real, while overall roster age is a big indicator, having experienced players in your starting lineup and in key positions could still make all the difference. There are always other variables at play, of course, but Ohio State fans are going to be watching every snap, hoping their young guns can defy the odds and prove that age is truly just a number. It is going to be a fascinating season to watch unfold!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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