Ohio State entered the preseason conversation with a clear signal: the Buckeyes are back at the summit of the US LBM Coaches Poll, holding the No. 1 position for the first time since 2015. The team gathered 38 first‑place votes out of a possible 72, translating to 1,741 vote points, a tally that underscores both confidence and consensus among coaches.
A potent offensive nucleus
Central to the excitement is the quarterback‑receiver pairing of Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. Analysts have described the duo as among the most dynamic in the country, suggesting that their chemistry could translate into a prolific passing attack that opponents will find difficult to contain.
The schedule, however, does not afford the Buckeyes any easy victories. Six of their regular‑season opponents appear in the top 25, featuring matchups against Oregon (No. 2), Texas (No. 4), Indiana (No. 6), USC (No. 14), Michigan (No. 16) and Iowa (No. 22). This concentration of ranked foes sets the stage for a season that could shape playoff narratives early on.
Indiana, the defending national and Big Ten champion, received the second‑most first‑place votes with 14, yet settled at No. 6 in the poll. Their presence highlights the competitive balance in the conference, while Georgia, Texas and Notre Dame rounded out the top five, each bringing distinct storylines into the mix.
Coach Ryan Day, now in his fourth consecutive season participating in the poll, remains a steady presence as the Buckeyes navigate expectations and challenges. His involvement reflects both continuity and the program’s ambition to translate preseason optimism into on‑field results.
The Associated Press will release its own preseason top‑25 rankings on August 17, an event that will further illuminate how the Buckeyes are perceived across the broader coaching landscape.