We asked "College Football 26" to predict the Buckeyes' season

🔮 The prediction: Ohio State drastically underwhelms in a 9-4 season.

• The video game Buckeyes lose to Texas before rattling off six straight wins — and then crumbling.
• Losses to Penn State, UCLA and (we're sorry) Michigan send the 8-4 Buckeyes to the Rate Bowl against West Virginia, which they win.

Stunning stats: Despite being the game's highest-rated player, Jeremiah Smith has a relatively pedestrian season with 81 receptions, 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns.

• But Buckeye fans will be thrilled if Julian Sayin reproduces this simulated season of 41 touchdowns and three interceptions.

The big picture: No. 3 Oklahoma (led by Heisman-winner John Mateer) beats No. 1 Miami for the national title.

Reality check: It's just a video game, Buckeye fans.

• Maybe we'll get an octopus next year.

📥 Send us your score prediction for OSU-Texas. Reply to this email with your guess and whoever gets closest wins free Axios swag!