Ohio State Edges Oregon in Big Ten Preseason Poll Ahead of 2026 Season

By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer

The unofficial Big Ten preseason poll was released Monday ahead of the conference’s annual media days in Chicago, offering an early look at how voters expect the league race to unfold in 2026.

The top of the conference remains as competitive as ever, with three programs viewed as legitimate national championship contenders. The preseason media rankings, compiled by Cleveland.com, reflect a conference that continues to be one of the strongest in college football.

Ohio State claimed the No. 1 spot in the preseason poll, but only by the narrowest of margins. The Buckeyes received 15 first-place votes, while Oregon earned 11, highlighting just how little separates the conference’s top two teams entering the season.

Indiana was ranked third after receiving five first-place votes, further cementing its rise from surprise contender to national powerhouse. The Hoosiers, along with Ohio State and Michigan, have combined to win the past three national championships, a stretch that has reshaped the balance of power in college football and intensified the race to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game.

While Ohio State enters the season as the favorite, Oregon’s rapid ascent under coach Dan Lanning has positioned the Ducks as a serious championship threat. Indiana’s continued success has also expanded the conference’s list of title contenders beyond its traditional powers.

The conference features several teams with realistic College Football Playoff aspirations, while coaching changes and roster turnover add intrigue throughout the league. Traditional powers such as Michigan, Penn State and USC remain firmly in the mix, setting the stage for another highly competitive season.

Projected Big Ten Preseason Standings