Full Breakdown
Ohio State Tops Preseason Coaches Poll as Oregon Holds No. 2 Spot
8/5/2026, 2:00:30 AM
Core Event – Release of the 2026 US LBM Coaches Poll
On August 4, the American Football Coaches Association released the 2026 preseason US LBM Coaches Poll. Ohio State received 38 of the 72 first-place votes and 1,741 total points, earning the top ranking for the first time since 2015. Oregon followed with six first-place votes and 1,637 points at No. 2. The top five were:
1. Ohio State (38 votes, 1,741 pts)
2. Oregon (6 votes, 1,637 pts)
3. Georgia (7 votes, 1,591 pts)
4. Texas (2 votes, 1,544 pts)
5. Notre Dame (5 votes, 1,524 pts)
Defending champion Indiana landed at No. 6, while Miami (FL) entered at No. 7.
Background & Context
The Coaches Poll has been administered by USA Today since 1991. Historically, a preseason No. 1 finish rarely translates into a national championship; only four teams have done so. Ohio State’s ascent marks the fifth time the Buckeyes have opened a season at No. 1 (1980, 1998, 2006, 2015, 2026).
Data & Statistics
- First-place votes: Ohio State 38, Oregon 6, Georgia 7, Texas 2, Notre Dame 5, Indiana 14.
- Points for the top ten range from 1,741 (Ohio State) to 1,096 (Mississippi).
- Conference representation: SEC 9 teams, Big Ten 8, Big 12 4, ACC 3.
- Six programs earned first-place votes, the most since 2008.
Why It Matters / Impact
The poll sets early expectations for the College Football Playoff discussion. Ohio State’s 104-point margin over Oregon signals strong respect among coaches, though the CFP selection committee’s rankings ultimately decide playoff berths. Ohio State’s schedule includes five top-25 opponents (Oregon, Texas, Indiana, USC, Michigan, Iowa), underscoring the difficulty of converting preseason respect into a championship run.
Coach Ryan Day told USA Today Sports that the ranking “doesn’t mean anything” and that the team will focus on winning each game, especially the early road test at Texas.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ryan Day emphasized that the poll’s respect is secondary to on-field performance and that the Buckeyes must navigate a “bullseye” schedule.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All major outlets report identical point totals and vote counts for the top five, and no substantive discrepancies appear in the published rankings. The Associated Press preseason poll is expected later this month, leaving a gap in comparative analysis until its release.
