Ohio State ranked No. 1 in ESPN's 2026 college football preseason rankings

ESPN’s preseason analytics place Ohio State at the top of both the College Football Power Index (FPI) and Bill Connelly’s SP+ efficiency rankings for the 2026 season. The Buckeyes hold a 28.7 rating in the FPI with a projected 10‑2‑2 record and rank first in defensive SP+ and second in offensive SP+. Their schedule includes matchups against several other top‑ten teams.

Analysts also highlight a new wave of defensive talent expected to anchor the Buckeyes’ top‑ranked defense. Prospects such as true‑freshman linebacker Cincere Johnson, transfer safety Earl Little Jr., and linebacker Payton Pierce are singled out as players who could become standouts, while transfers like defensive tackle James Smith are projected to solidify the interior line.

Together, the high preseason rankings and the focus on emerging defensive players underline Ohio State’s status as the favorite to win the 2026 college football national championship.