Big Ten Secures Top Preseason Spots in AP Top 25

Ohio State and Oregon lead The Associated Press Top 25 preseason rankings, marking the first time in 65 years the Big Ten Conference holds the top two positions. Ohio State received 40 first-place votes, while Oregon received 14. This event stands as the second instance of the Big Ten achieving this feat. The Buckeyes begin the season as the No. 1 team for the ninth occasion, matching Alabama’s record for second-most preseason No. 1 rankings, behind Oklahoma’s ten. Oregon achieves its highest-ever preseason ranking.

Rounding out the top five are Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas. Defending national champion Indiana enters at No. 6, followed by Miami, Texas A&M, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Notre Dame, Indiana, and Miami also received multiple first-place votes.

The Big Ten enjoys a solid presence, seeking a fourth consecutive national title after a triple-win streak in the College Football Playoff. The Southeastern Conference maintains a stronghold with nine teams in the Top 25, and five within the Top 10 for the first time since 2013. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 12 offer significant representation as well.

Top-rated Buckeyes

Ohio State’s offense remains exceptionally strong. Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, the most accurate passer last season, pairs with standout receivers and running backs. Despite needing to replace eight defensive starters, the team integrates multiple transfers expected to contribute significantly. Key early season challenges include a visit to Texas on September 12, among several high-stakes conference matchups.

Bulldogs Set SEC Pace

Georgia, led by coach Kirby Smart, continues strong with a ninth consecutive top-five preseason rank. The Bulldogs aim for their sixth appearance in the College Football Playoff amid a strong conference showing.

Assessing the Hoosiers

Rated No. 6, Indiana follows a victorious national championship season. Despite a wealth of returning talent, the team’s quarterback transition from Fernando Mendoza to Josh Hoover gives voters pause. The Hoosiers were the first team to record a 16-0 season.

Ohio State will endeavor to become the 12th team to commence and conclude at No. 1 since the AP poll’s 1950 debut, last accomplished by Alabama in 2017.

Notre Dame attains its highest preseason rank since 2006, with their quarterback CJ Carr in Heisman contention. Amid this position, the Fighting Irish hold a 10-game winning streak and aim to overcome recent playoff exclusion.

Lane Kiffin’s LSU team ranks No. 11, showing improvement from a previous ranking absence. The inclusion of ten teams from last season’s College Football Playoff highlights robust Top 25 dynamics.

Houston makes a return to preseason rankings after four years, further showcasing the competitive landscape within college football.

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