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Ohio State Rises to No. 1 in 2026 Rankings

4/15/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ohio State is No. 1 in ESPN's way-too-early 2026 rankings, up from sixth last season.
Coach Ryan Day leads a veteran roster, including quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith.
The Buckeyes' recruiting class ranks third nationally, bolstered by key transfer portal additions.
Indiana fell from No. 1 to No. 6 after its national championship win.

History

Historical Context

The Ohio State Buckeyes, under Coach Urban Meyer, won the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014, finishing with a 14-1 record. This victory marked a pivotal moment in NCAA football, emphasizing elite recruiting and strategic gameplay. Today, Coach Ryan Day's Buckeyes, ranked No. 1, continue this trend, reflecting the evolving dynamics of college football where recruitment increasingly influences championship success.

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Story summary

Ohio State is No. 1 in ESPN's way-too-early 2026 rankings, up from sixth last season.
Coach Ryan Day leads a veteran roster, including quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith.
The Buckeyes' recruiting class ranks third nationally, bolstered by key transfer portal additions.
Indiana fell from No. 1 to No. 6 after its national championship win.

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