Ohio State projected as Big Ten favorite in ESPN preview
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 10:29 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
ESPN has announced its predictions for the 2026 Big Ten football season. According to analyst Bill Connelly, Ohio State is favored to win the Big Ten and is a contender for the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes rank first in SP+ rankings across FBS, with the top projected defense and the second-best offense in the conference. Ohio State is featured in two of the top five anticipated games of the season, including a matchup versus Oregon on November 7. The season kicks off in three months, with specific matchups likely impacting playoff positioning.
- •Ohio State leads in ESPN's SP+ rankings
- •Top projected defense and second-best offense
- •Featured in top five Big Ten matchups
- •Season starts in three months
- •Potential impact on playoff positioning
- 10:29 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN picks top 3 finishers in Big Ten football. Where is Ohio State?
"ESPN previews the 2026 Big Ten football season. What does it say about Ohio State and where the Buckeyes will finish?
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