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College football rankings 2026
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Ohio State tops 2026 preseason rankings.
Buckeyes remain team to beat despite NFL draft losses.
Background
The 2026 college football season has started with Week 0 and Week 1 games, prompting various outlets to release their initial power rankings. Ohio State is consistently ranked No. 1 in preseason polls, despite losing 11 players to the NFL Draft and a disappointing playoff exit last season. The Buckeyes return key players like quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, and they have bolstered their roster through the transfer portal.
How it unfolded
- Aug 30, 2026ESPN releases its updated Top 25 poll for Week 1, with Ohio State remaining No. 1 after the Week 0 slate.
- Sep 1, 2026ESPN publishes September CFP superlatives, giving Ohio State a 57.5% chance to make the playoff.
- Sep 2, 2026Bleacher Report predicts the Week 1 rankings, listing Ohio State at No. 1, followed by Oregon, Notre Dame, Georgia, and Texas.
- Sep 4, 2026Inside NU releases its Big Ten preseason power rankings, placing Ohio State at No. 1 and Purdue at No. 18.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Ohio State is the clear favorite, with a strong roster and high-powered offense led by Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.
- Caution
- The Buckeyes face a tougher schedule in 2026, with six games against AP-ranked opponents, including four on the road.