The latest preseason US LBM Coaches Poll has left the Michigan State Spartans absent from the rankings, a surprising omission given the strength of their upcoming slate.
Rankings reveal the landscape
The poll did feature several of the Spartans' scheduled opponents, with Oregon positioned at No. 2, Notre Dame at No. 5, Michigan at No. 16 and Washington at No. 19, underscoring the challenge that awaits the team.
Ohio State topped the chart with 1,741 votes, while Oregon followed in fourth place with 1,637, reflecting the high expectations for both programs.
Michigan State is slated to open its season against Toledo on September 4 at 8 p.m. ET, a game that will serve as the first test of the new coaching staff's preparations.
The absence of votes does not necessarily predict performance, but it does highlight the competitive nature of the poll and the tight margins that define college football rankings.