Ohio State is preseason favorite in Big Ten media poll for 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 27, 2026, 2:28 PM
Last updated Jul 27, 2026
The Cleveland.com poll has selected Ohio State as the preseason favorite for the Big Ten again, marking the ninth time in the history of the poll. The Buckeyes have previously only won the title as the preseason favorite three times in 16 years. Oregon and Indiana are ranked second and third, respectively, followed by USC and Michigan. Historically, the poll's accuracy has been low, with only four correct predictions in 15 years. Upcoming Big Ten media days will further highlight the expectations set for this season.
- •Ohio State tops the Big Ten media poll again for 2026.
- •Oregon is ranked second, Indiana third, USC fourth, and Michigan fifth.
- •Historically, fewer than 25% of preseason favorites have won the title.
- •Big Ten media days are set to begin soon.
- •Michigan's performance hinges on a key Week 2 matchup against Oklahoma.
- 2:28 PMYahoo Sports — Ohio State picked as Big Ten favorite in annual poll
- 12:18 PMYahoo Sports — Buckeyes Voted Big Ten Favorite in Preseason Media Poll
"Ohio State opens the 2026 season as the Big Ten’s preseason favorite after a dominant vote in the annual media poll.
"Ohio State tops the annual Big Ten media poll but history suggests the preseason favorite rarely wins the title.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 27, 2026, 2:28 PMOhio State picked as Big Ten favorite in annual poll
Ohio State tops the annual Big Ten media poll but history suggests the preseason favorite rarely wins the title.
- Yahoo SportsJul 27, 2026, 12:18 PMBuckeyes Voted Big Ten Favorite in Preseason Media Poll
Ohio State opens the 2026 season as the Big Ten’s preseason favorite after a dominant vote in the annual media poll.
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