Full Breakdown
Ohio State Tops Preseason Coaches Poll as Texas Faces Grueling Schedule
8/6/2026, 10:39:35 AM
Core Event: 2026 USA Today Preseason Coaches Poll Unveiled
On August 5 2026, the USA Today preseason coaches poll placed Ohio State at No. 1 with 38 of 72 first-place votes. Oregon was No. 2, Georgia No. 3, Texas No. 4 and Notre Dame No. 5. Indiana landed at No. 6, and the SEC contributed five of the top-10 teams. The Big 12’s highest-ranked member was Texas Tech at No. 12, the lone Big 12 entry besides Texas.
Background & Context
Ohio State entered the poll after a 2025 campaign that ended 12-0 in the regular season but saw losses in the Big Ten championship and the first round of the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes return Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, projected top-10 receiver Jeremiah Smith, and a veteran offensive line. New defensive coordinator Matt Patricia takes over a unit that carried the program in 2025.
Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 4, face a schedule that includes Ohio State in week two and road trips to Baton Rouge, Knoxville, College Station and the Dallas area. Texas Tech’s No. 12 ranking marks its first top-25 appearance after a 23-0 Orange Bowl loss to Oregon the prior season.
Data & Statistics
- First-place votes: Ohio State 38, Oregon 6, Georgia 7, Texas 2, Notre Dame 5, Indiana 14.
- SEC representation: five of the top ten teams.
- Big 12 representation: Texas Tech #12, Texas #4, Texas A&M #3, Oklahoma #9.
- Texas schedule: seven top-25 opponents, four in the top-10; only two home games (vs. Ohio State and Ole Miss).
Official Statements & Responses
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire said the ranking was “right where I thought,” calling the respect “humbling” and “exciting.” He highlighted quarterback Will Hammond.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day announced the Buckeyes will open on September 5 against Ball State, beginning his pursuit of a second national title in three years.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ohio State's interesting to me. I think it's obvious with Julian Sayin, the offensive firepower that they have coming back, Jeremiah Smith, they're just loaded up,” — Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN analyst
- “It's probably right where I thought. When you look at everybody around us, they are really good teams. I wouldn’t have been surprised if we were farther down or if we were higher up. Wherever you look at the polls and everything, it's just always good to be in it when you start the season. It's a lot easier to get to where you want to go,” — Joey McGuire, head football coach
Why It Matters
The poll cements Ohio State as the preseason favorite, aiding recruiting and title momentum. Texas’s tough schedule means early performance will heavily influence its playoff chances, testing depth and coaching. Texas Tech’s entry into the top-25 provides a benchmark for its rebuilding efforts.
What’s Next
- September 5: Ohio State vs. Ball State (home opener).
- Week 2: Texas travels to Austin to face Ohio State.
- September 5: Texas Tech opens at home against Abilene Christian.
These early matchups will shape the narrative of the 2026 college football season and set the stage for the College Football Playoff race.
