Ohio State No. 1 in ESPN 2026 College Football Power Rankings
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- Ohio State tops ESPN's 2026 preseason rankings at No. 1, returning QB Julian Sayin, RB Bo Jackson and WR Jeremiah Smith on offense while replacing eight defensive starters, four of whom were first- or second-round NFL draft picks.
- Indiana, the reigning national champion at 16-0 in 2025, lands at No. 8 and must replace Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at quarterback with TCU transfer Josh Hoover, whose mobility is lower but who must cut down on turnovers.
- Lane Kiffin takes over at No. 10 LSU after moving within the SEC, inheriting one of the most talented and expensive rosters in the FBS while retaining defensive coordinator Blake Baker.
- Matt Campbell, the new coach at No. 15 Penn State, rebuilt the roster with 39 transfers including 24 from Iowa State, bringing QB Rocco Becht, receiver Chase Sowell and running back Carson Hansen to State College.
- Ohio State would become the fourth straight Big Ten school to win the College Football Playoff national title if it wins in 2026, a conference streak last matched by the SEC from 2019 to 2022.
- No. 17 Michigan begins the Kyle Whittingham era focused on developing QB Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2025, after a 9-4 finish in 2025.
Why it matters: Defending national champion Indiana (16-0 in 2025) sits at only No. 8, reflecting how replacing Heisman-winning QB Fernando Mendoza with TCU transfer Josh Hoover resets expectations despite Curt Cignetti building the program in just three seasons. Ohio State's No. 1 placement is built around a loaded offense but hinges on replacing eight defensive starters and four first-round NFL draft picks — if the new defense holds, the Buckeyes would extend a Big Ten title streak not seen since the SEC won four straight from 2019 to 2022.
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