Ohio State debuts the 2026 season ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25, with Oregon right behind at No. 2 — marking just the second time ever the Big Ten has held the top two spots in the preseason poll, and the first time in 65 years. The Buckeyes received 40 first-place votes to Oregon’s 14 among the 69-member media panel. The SEC placed five teams in the top 10, led by No. 3 Georgia and No. 5 Texas, while defending national champion Indiana enters as the team every contender is chasing. (source: ESPN)
Ohio State Opens 2026 at No. 1 as Big Ten Claims Top Two Spots in Preseason AP Poll
Ohio State debuts the 2026 season ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25, with Oregon right behind at No. 2 — marking just the second time ever the Big Ten has held the top two spots in the preseason poll, and the first time in 65 years. The Buckeyes received 40 first-place votes to Oregon's 14 among the 69-member media panel. The SEC placed five teams in the top 10, led by No. 3 Georgia and No. 5 Texas, while defending national champion Indiana enters as the team every contender is chasing. (source: ESPN)
