Ohio State Buckeyes fans enter the 2026 college football season with clear national championship expectations—and the Associated Press voters agree. The initial 2026 preseason AP Top 25 poll places Ohio State firmly at No. 1, just ahead of No. 2 Oregon. This ranking confirms the Buckeyes as the early favorite to contend for a College Football Playoff berth and a national title.
Ohio State Edges Oregon for Top Spot in 2026 Preseason AP Poll
The Buckeyes sit atop the 2026 preseason Associated Press Top 25 rankings, narrowly ahead of Oregon. If these rankings hold through the season, fans could see a potential No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown on November 7 in Columbus. Ohio State’s placement reflects strong returning talent, coaching stability under Ryan Day, and high expectations after last season’s early College Football Playoff exit.
Other notable ranked teams on Ohio State’s 2026 schedule include No. 5 Texas, No. 6 Indiana, No. 14 USC, No. 16 Michigan, and No. 22 Iowa. This challenging slate still positions the Buckeyes as favorites in every contest at this early stage while holding the No. 1 ranking.
Ohio State 2026 Schedule Loaded with Ranked Opponents
The Buckeyes open at home against Ball State before facing their first major test on the road at No. 5 Texas. Additional ranked matchups create both risk and opportunity. An early loss could be offset by later wins against marquee opponents, helping maintain or improve College Football Playoff positioning.
Road games present the toughest challenges. Traveling to Texas and USC will test the No. 1 team’s resolve, yet voters expect Ohio State to win both. The matchup at No. 6 Indiana on October 17 also stands out—especially after Fernando Mendoza’s departure to the NFL. Indiana’s ability to hold its ranking will be closely watched.
A favorable aspect of the schedule is hosting Michigan in Columbus. Ryan Day has already moved Senior Day to Week 1 to minimize distractions ahead of “The Game.” With the Buckeyes ranked No. 1 and Michigan potentially more stable under Kyle Whittingham, the rivalry game could carry significant College Football Playoff implications. Columbus is expected to deliver an electric atmosphere.
Can the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes Stay Atop the Rankings All Season?
Starting the year ranked No. 1 shows that AP voters view Ohio State as a legitimate national title contender from day one. The Buckeyes aim to avenge last season’s early Playoff exit and prove they can handle the pressure of the top ranking alongside a demanding schedule filled with ranked Big Ten and non-conference foes.
Whether Ohio State remains at No. 1 throughout 2026 will depend on consistency, road performance, and navigating the tough slate. For now, the preseason AP Top 25 ranking sets a high bar and fuels national title expectations in Columbus.
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