The Buckeyes' Historic Placement
Ohio State opened the 2026 preseason AP Top 25 with a commanding No. 1 ranking, marking the ninth occasion the Buckeyes have secured the top spot. The margin over No. 2 Oregon was 26 points, a clear indication of the committee's confidence in the program's depth and recruiting momentum.
The poll also revealed a tight race among the traditional powerhouses. Georgia settled at No. 3, while Notre Dame climbed to No. 4 and Texas claimed the No. 5 slot. Indiana, the defending 2025 national champions, dropped to No. 6 despite finishing the previous season undefeated at 16‑0, a testament to the volatility of preseason expectations.
Ohio State's ascent is not an isolated story. The Buckeyes share the second‑most preseason No. 1 selections with Alabama, trailing only Oklahoma, which holds ten such honors. This historical context underscores the program's sustained excellence and the competitive pressure it faces from a resurging conference landscape.
The schedule ahead promises a gauntlet of ranked opponents. Ohio State will meet six teams that appear in the preseason Top 25, including a potential showdown with No. 5 Texas and a rematch against No. 6 Indiana. A recurring rivalry with Michigan remains a focal point, while the Buckeyes also eye a possible Big Ten championship rematch that could shape early College Football Playoff discussions.
Coaching continuity has played a pivotal role in this momentum. Ryan Day, now in his eighth season with the program, boasts an impressive 82‑12 record, reflecting stability and consistent performance. Under his guidance, the offense returns key talent, most notably Julian Sayin, the 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist who amassed 3,610 passing yards and 32 touchdowns last year.
At the receiving end, Jeremiah Smith stands out as the nation's fourth‑best receiver, having logged 1,243 yards in the previous season. His presence, combined with a revamped defensive scheme, positions Ohio State as a balanced threat on both sides of the ball.
Beyond the Big Ten, the broader conference picture adds intrigue. The SEC continues to dominate with nine teams represented in the preseason poll, while the Big Ten's top two spots are occupied by Ohio State and Oregon. New LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, after six successful years at Ole Miss, inherits a program with high transfer‑class expectations, further enriching the competitive mix.
Mid‑major programs also make headlines. Penn State, ranked No. 18, returns with a 7‑6 record from the previous season and will be led by new head coach Matt Campbell and quarterback Rocco Becht. Meanwhile, Indiana's rebuilding efforts feature quarterback Josh Hoover, who is expected to steer the team after the departure of 2025 Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.
The early positioning of teams like Notre Dame and Miami (FL) hints at potential ripple effects on the initial CFP rankings. A possible rematch between No. 7 Miami and Notre Dame could further shuffle perceptions, setting the tone for a season where preseason polls serve as both validation and challenge for the nation's elite programs.