Full Breakdown
Ohio State Secures No. 1 Spot in the 2026 AP Preseason College Football Poll
8/19/2026, 11:45:09 AM
Core Event: Buckeyes Earn Top Ranking
On August 17, 2026, the Associated Press released its preseason Top 25 poll, placing the Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 1 with 1,672 points and 40 of the 69 first-place votes. Oregon follows at No. 2 with 1,597 points and 14 first-place votes.
Background & Context
Ohio State’s ascent follows a 12-2 campaign in 2025 that ended with a loss to Miami (FL) in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The program has finished a season ranked No. 1 in the final AP poll six times, but opening a year at the top is rare. The 2026 poll also gives the Big Ten its first top-two placement in 65 years.
Data & Statistics
- Points: Ohio State 1,672; Oregon 1,597.
- First-place votes: Ohio State 40; Oregon 14; Indiana 8; Notre Dame 6; Miami (FL) 1.
- Conference representation: The SEC leads with nine teams in the Top 25; the Big Ten follows with eight, including Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, USC, Michigan, Washington, Penn State, and Iowa.
- Upcoming matchups: Ohio State opens at home against Ball State (Sept. 5) and travels to No. 5 Texas (Sept. 12), a early test against a fellow top-five opponent.
Official Statements & Responses
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has not issued a formal comment on the poll ranking. The athletic department highlighted the return of Heisman-contending quarterback Julian Sayin and elite receiver Jeremiah Smith as key factors in the preseason expectations.
Verbatim Quote
- “Ryan Day has a national championship, but he’s not in the top tier because Ohio State’s expectations and resources are so, so high,” — Chris Vannini, *The Athletic*
What’s Next: Early-Season Outlook
The Buckeyes’ schedule features six opponents already ranked in the preseason Top 25, including Texas, Notre Dame, Indiana, USC, Michigan, and Iowa. Their first conference test arrives with a mid-October clash against No. 6 Indiana, a rematch of the 2025 Big Ten championship. Success in these games will determine whether Ohio State can convert its preseason No. 1 status into a national-title bid.
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*All figures and statements are drawn from the Associated Press poll release and accompanying coverage from NCAA, ESPN, CBS Sports, WAKA, Sportsnet, and local outlets.*
