The 2024 AP preseason college football poll has delivered a surprise that reverberates through the sport’s traditional hierarchies. For the first time in 65 years the Big Ten holds the top two positions, with Ohio State at No. 1 and Oregon right behind at No. 2. The poll, compiled from the votes of 69 national media members, underscores a shifting balance of power that could reshape the playoff picture before a single game is played.
Ohio State’s ascent is not merely a statistical curiosity; it marks the ninth occasion the Buckeyes have entered a season as the preseason No. 1 team, the most recent being 2015. The program’s recent dominance, highlighted by three consecutive College Football Playoff championships, fuels expectations that the conference will again be a decisive factor in the national narrative.
Oregon’s presence at No. 2 reflects a program that has climbed steadily over the past four seasons, finally breaking through to its highest preseason ranking in school history. The Ducks’ rise is emblematic of the Big Ten’s broader resurgence, a conference that has seen its teams dominate recent playoff iterations and now boasts a depth that rivals any other league.
Conference Power Dynamics
While the Big Ten celebrates its historic double‑digit sweep, the Southeastern Conference continues to assert its own dominance, placing nine of its members within the top 25. That concentration marks the third straight year the SEC has commanded at least nine spots, and five of the top ten slots are occupied by SEC programs, a feat not seen since 2013.
Among the other notable entrants, Texas Tech’s No. 12 ranking represents the highest preseason position ever achieved by a Big 12 team, while Notre Dame’s ascent to its highest preseason standing since 2006 adds another layer of intrigue. The poll also features familiar powerhouses such as Georgia, Texas A&M and Houston, each carrying distinct storylines heading into the fall.
Key Players and Challenges
Ohio State’s offense will be anchored by a constellation of talent, including Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, wide‑receiver Jeremiah Smith, and the electrifying freshman Bo Jackson, who already logged a 1,000‑yard rushing season as a rookie. Yet the Buckeyes’ defense faces a significant overhaul, needing to replace eight starters and integrate at least six transfers who are projected to assume major roles.
The schedule adds another layer of complexity. Ohio State opens against Texas on September 12 and will later host Oregon, while five of its nine conference matchups pit them against teams that also appear in the preseason top 25. Such a gauntlet could test the Buckeyes’ depth early and shape their trajectory toward a potential undefeated run.
If the Buckeyes can navigate these challenges, they stand poised to achieve a rare milestone: becoming only the 12th team since the AP poll’s inception in 1950 to finish the season ranked No. 1 after beginning it at the summit. The prospect adds a compelling narrative to a sport already brimming with anticipation.