Ohio State Maintains Top Spot in ESPN's Preseason CFB Rankings

The college football offseason is in full swing, and with it comes a flurry of rankings and analyses. ESPN has recently updated its preseason Top 25, and as we approach the 2026 season, Ohio State remains firmly positioned as the top team in the nation. Previously, they were ranked first after the transfer portal closed, and they continue to hold that distinction as of June.

Mark Schlabach of ESPN shared insights on Ohio State's standing, highlighting the return of key players such as quarterback Julian Sayin, tailback Bo Jackson, and standout receiver Jeremiah Smith. Schlabach emphasized, "The Buckeyes should be back in the national championship hunt. OSU's offense is going to be difficult to stop, especially if its offensive line improves." He also mentioned that head coach Ryan Day has made a significant coaching change by hiring Arthur Smith, a former NFL head coach, to enhance the offensive strategy.

The Buckeyes will face a challenging schedule, which includes tough matchups against Texas, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and USC. Schlabach remarked on the team's need to navigate this demanding slate while maintaining their impressive record of not losing more than two games in a season for the past 14 years.

In the updated rankings, Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas follow closely behind Ohio State, occupying the second through fifth spots, respectively. Notably, the Big Ten boasts three teams in the top six, while the SEC has five teams in the top ten, underscoring the strength of these conferences.

Ohio State's season opener is set for Saturday, September 5, against Ball State at their home stadium. Stay tuned for more updates on Ohio State football by following @BuckeyesWire on X and liking their Facebook page.