The Ohio State Buckeyes have solidified their position at the pinnacle of college football, remaining the top-ranked team in both the Coaches and AP polls after a commanding 56-3 victory over Ball State in Week 1.
Quarterback Julian Sayin, making his first start for the Buckeyes, threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score that marked his inaugural rushing touchdown as a Ohio State player. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith complemented the effort with 151 receiving yards and two scores, underscoring the depth of the Ohio State offense.
The win propelled Ohio State to 1801 total points and 50 first-place votes in the Coaches Poll, while also earning an additional six first-place votes in the AP Poll, bringing the Buckeyes to 46 top honors and 1,684 points overall. Meanwhile, Texas vaulted to No. 3 in the Coaches Poll and No. 4 in the AP after a 59-7 win over Texas State, and Oregon slipped to No. 6 following a 34-27 triumph over Boise State, while Michigan dropped to No. 24 after a narrow 13-12 win against Western Michigan.
A Packed September Ahead
With Texas scheduled to visit Columbus on September 12, the Buckeyes will begin a rigorous stretch that includes six preseason top-25 matchups, a slate that features home games against Oregon on November 7 and Michigan on November 28 later in the year.
The early-season surge not only cements Ohio State’s status as a favorite for the national title but also sets the tone for a competitive Big Ten landscape, where each of the upcoming marquee games could shape the playoff picture.