A season of resurgence
The Ohio State Buckeyes turned heads across college football after a breakthrough 2025 campaign that saw them climb from a sixth‑place finish in the playoff rankings to a share of the Big Ten title.
Their ascent was cemented when they edged out Texas in a tightly contested 14‑7 showdown, a result that propelled them to the top of the preseason conversations and set the stage for a 2026 season many analysts predict will end with a No. 1 ranking in the US LBM Coaches Top 25.
The buzz surrounding the program is not just hype; it is reflected in the latest USA TODAY Preseason Poll, which officially listed Ohio State as the conference’s favorite to win the Big Ten in the upcoming year.
The road ahead
Fans will get their first official glimpse of where the Buckeyes land in the national rankings when the 2026 US LBM Coaches Top 25 is unveiled live on August 4, 2026, at noon Eastern Time on the USA TODAY Sports YouTube channel.
The schedule that will shape that narrative is already taking shape, with marquee matchups slated against traditional rivals such as Michigan and Iowa, as well as non‑conference tests against Texas, Ball State, Kent State, Illinois, Maryland, Indiana, USC, Oregon, Northwestern and Nebraska.
While several of those games remain pending official designation, the slate promises high‑profile broadcasts on major networks including ABC and FOX, ensuring that each pivotal moment will be watched by a national audience.
What’s at stake
Beyond the rankings, the Buckeyes’ pursuit of the top spot carries broader implications for recruiting, fan engagement, and the program’s narrative under head coach Ryan Day, who has emphasized discipline and depth as cornerstones of his philosophy.
If the team can translate its early‑season momentum into consistent performances, the conversation will shift from ‘can they compete for a title’ to ‘who will stop them.’
Looking ahead
The upcoming poll release will serve as the first concrete measure of how the preseason expectations align with reality, and it will set the tone for a season that could redefine Ohio State’s place in modern college football.