Ohio State has to fix its special teams unit, and it needs to happen now. The team won’t be winning a national title while this group keeps failing. According to Land-Grant Holy Land, the unit ranked 82nd in efficiency last season. That poor showing is the single biggest hole in an otherwise fantastic roster.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The stats show a clear problem that coaches need to solve immediately. Land-Grant Holy Land reported the special teams finished 62nd in field goal percentage. They also ranked 91st in average punt yardage across the nation. Those numbers are simply too low for a squad with championship dreams. The unit was just average when it desperately needed to be elite.
Things got even worse in 2025, according to the same source. The team dropped to 84th in total special teams efficiency. Kicker Jayden Fielding had memorable misses that really hurt the team. One 27-yard attempt against Indiana would have tied the Big Ten Championship game. Such errors haunt fans and cost the team valuable points. That’s a lot of pressure.
Why This Matters for 2026
The upcoming 2026 schedule looks pretty tough for the Buckeyes. Land-Grant Holy Land notes this will be one of the hardest years. The team faces road games against Texas, Indiana, and USC. They also play home games against Oregon and Michigan. These are games where every single point counts toward the final score. Think about that.
Ohio State can’t afford to win in spite of its special teams. The unit must actively help the team gain an edge. A major mistake or a small loss of field position can break a game. The offense and defense are strong enough to beat most opponents. But the special teams unit must stop being a liability. Not great.
Per Land-Grant Holy Land, the difference in the 12-team playoff era could come down to these units. Hidden yards and field position matter just as much as big plays. The team needs to be solid even if they aren’t spectacular. They have enough talent on offense and defense to carry the load. Here’s the thing:
Time to Step Up
Coaches need to focus on this area during preseason camp this week. The goal is to move from average to reliable. Land-Grant Holy Land says this is the one thing that will make a difference. The Buckeyes have won a National Championship and led the conference in many stats. They don’t need another year of missed kicks. No kidding.
The fan base wants to see a unit that contributes to wins. They are tired of watching the team struggle in this specific area. Fixing the special teams is the key to a long playoff run. The talent is there to make it happen. Now the team must execute on the field.
What do you think is the biggest issue for Ohio State special teams? Is it the kicker or the return game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
