Ohio State begins the season at No. 1 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, marking the program’s first time opening in the top spot since 2015. The release of the rankings is one of the clearest signs that the college football season is close, with games set to return to campuses in less than a month.
The early poll also highlights how strongly the Big Ten and SEC are positioned entering the new campaign. According to the preseason outlook, those two conferences control much of the upper portion of the Top 25, reinforcing their status as the sport’s dominant leagues before a snap has been played.
Preseason polls are always a mix of expectations, returning talent and program reputation, and this year’s Coaches Poll follows that pattern. Ohio State’s placement reflects the confidence surrounding the Buckeyes heading into the season, while the overall rankings suggest that the race for the College Football Playoff could again run heavily through the Big Ten and SEC.
As always, the preseason Top 25 serves more as a starting point than a final judgment. Still, for teams and fans, the US LBM Coaches Poll offers an early picture of where programs stand and which contenders are drawing the most respect before the season officially begins.
