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Ohio State Lands No. 1 in AP Preseason Poll

8/17/2026

37 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ohio State was ranked No. 1 in the AP preseason poll with 40 first-place votes.
Oregon took No. 2, giving the Big Ten top two spots for the first time in 65 years.
Ohio State’s schedule features six top-25 foes, including a Week 2 game at No. 5 Texas on Sept. 12.
The Buckeyes aim to be the 12th team to start and finish at No. 1, a feat last done by Alabama in 2017.

History

Historical Context

During the 1958 season Iowa finished second in the final AP poll while Ohio State placed eighth, and the 1959 season featured both the AP and UPI coaches polls releasing rankings before bowl games. In the 2024 preseason Ohio State received 40 first-place votes, a strong showing as the Big Ten pursues another top-ranked finish.

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Story summary

Ohio State was ranked No. 1 in the AP preseason poll with 40 first-place votes.
Oregon took No. 2, giving the Big Ten top two spots for the first time in 65 years.
Ohio State’s schedule features six top-25 foes, including a Week 2 game at No. 5 Texas on Sept. 12.
The Buckeyes aim to be the 12th team to start and finish at No. 1, a feat last done by Alabama in 2017.

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