Week 2 is in the books, and with it comes a clearer picture of who is for real, who still has work to do, and where Ohio State fits into the mix. The Buckeyes left no doubt in their home opener against Grambling, while the rest of the Big Ten flexed its muscles yet again. Here are my takeaways as we turn the page to another packed week of college football.

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1. Julian Sayin is the Real Deal

Any questions about how the sophomore would respond after a gritty debut against Texas were answered quickly. Sayin opened with 16 straight completions, finishing 18-of-19 for 306 yards and four touchdowns in just one half. He looked calm, decisive, and explosive. If this is the baseline, the ceiling for the Buckeye offense is sky-high.

2. Jeremiah Smith is Him

The sophomore wideout already looks like the next great Buckeye receiver. His 87-yard touchdown was one of the longest in program history, and he finished with 119 yards and two scores. Smith has the rare ability to take over a game, and when paired with Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and the tight end group, Ohio State’s passing game is back to being lethal.

3. Running Back Depth Emerging

Ryan Day said he wanted to see more explosiveness in the run game — mission accomplished. Bo Jackson broke the century mark (108 yards, 1 TD) in limited carries, while James Peoples and Isaiah West also showed flashes. CJ Donaldson continues to be steady, but now the Buckeyes look like they have a stable of backs who can all contribute.

4. Defense Bounces Back

Matt Patricia’s defense had to prove the Texas performance wasn’t a one-off. Against Grambling, they were suffocating. The Tigers crossed midfield only once, had three turnovers, and finished with just 166 total yards. Riley Pettijohn’s scoop-and-score highlighted a unit that looks deeper and more aggressive with every snap.

5. Depth Matters, and the Buckeyes Have It

From Lincoln Kienholz to Tavien St. Clair, from young running backs to freshmen on defense, Ohio State got everyone meaningful snaps. That will pay dividends later in the year. When you can blow out an opponent and still give young players real experience in front of 100,000 fans, that’s how championship depth is built.

What are your top questions entering Ohio State vs. Ohio?

Photo Credit: The Columbus Dispatch