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Ohio State voted No. 1 in 2026 preseason polls

8/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ohio State Buckeyes were voted No. 1 in the 2026 AP preseason poll, also topping the US LBM Coaches poll, giving the Big Ten its first top-two preseason placement in 65 years.
Ohio State opens vs. Ball State on Sept. 5, then at No. 5 Texas on Sept. 12.
Quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith return as Heisman candidates, while the defense loses NFL prospects Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese.

History

Historical Context

In the September 17 1961 AP preseason poll, Ohio State earned the No. 1 spot with 45 of 50 votes while fellow Big Ten member Michigan State ranked fourth, giving the conference two teams in the top five for the first time. The 2026 preseason poll again placed Ohio State at No. 1 and secured a second Big Ten team in the top two, mirroring the 1961 breakthrough and underscoring the league’s enduring influence.

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Story summary

Ohio State Buckeyes were voted No. 1 in the 2026 AP preseason poll, also topping the US LBM Coaches poll, giving the Big Ten its first top-two preseason placement in 65 years.
Ohio State opens vs. Ball State on Sept. 5, then at No. 5 Texas on Sept. 12.
Quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith return as Heisman candidates, while the defense loses NFL prospects Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese.

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