Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ohio State Tops 2026 Coaches Poll Under Ryan Day

8/5/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ohio State coach Ryan Day led the Buckeyes to a No. 1 ranking in the 2026 US LBM Coaches Poll with 38 of 72 first-place votes and 1,741 points.
Ohio State opens Sept. 5 versus Ball State, then meets No. 4 Texas and has six top-25 opponents.
Quarterback Julian Sayin, a 2025 Heisman finalist, returns with receiver Jeremiah Smith as Ohio State adds 51 transfers after losing 12 starters (four offense, eight defense).

History

Historical Context

In 2002, Jim Tressel led Ohio State to a perfect 14-0 season, ending Miami’s 34-game winning streak with a 31-24 double-overtime victory in the Fiesta Bowl, the program’s first national title since the 1968 season. The win cemented the Buckeyes as a Big Ten powerhouse and set a recruiting model that current coach Ryan Day continues to build on.

1 of 2

Story summary

Ohio State coach Ryan Day led the Buckeyes to a No. 1 ranking in the 2026 US LBM Coaches Poll with 38 of 72 first-place votes and 1,741 points.
Ohio State opens Sept. 5 versus Ball State, then meets No. 4 Texas and has six top-25 opponents.
Quarterback Julian Sayin, a 2025 Heisman finalist, returns with receiver Jeremiah Smith as Ohio State adds 51 transfers after losing 12 starters (four offense, eight defense).

1 / 2