Ohio State Buckeyes Secure No. 2 Spot in USA Today Preseason Coaches Poll with 20 First-Place Votes Behind Texas
The college football season is fast approaching, and anticipation is reaching a fever pitch following the release of the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll. The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the most storied programs in the history of college football, have garnered the No. 2 spot in the initial rankings, signaling high expectations and national championship hopes in Columbus. The Buckeyes received 20 first-place votes, a strong endorsement from coaches around the country, indicating widespread belief in the team’s talent, depth, and coaching as they head into the 2025 season. Only the Texas Longhorns received more first-place votes, securing the top position in the poll with 28.
For Ohio State, this ranking represents more than just preseason hype; it is a testament to the program’s consistent excellence, offseason development, and the trust placed in head coach Ryan Day to lead the team back to the College Football Playoff and contend for a national title. The Buckeyes have been a mainstay in the top tier of college football rankings for years, and this year is no different. After falling short in previous seasons, the team is hungry and determined to reclaim its place atop the college football mountain.
The roster for Ohio State this season is among the most talented in the country. The team is returning key players on both sides of the ball, including standout veterans and rising stars who are poised to make a national impact. The offense will be led by a new starting quarterback, stepping into the spotlight after a competitive offseason battle that showcased the program’s impressive quarterback depth. Although the identity of the Week 1 starter remains officially undecided, both contenders have shown flashes of brilliance, and the coaching staff believes either can execute the Buckeyes’ potent offensive scheme.
In the backfield, Ohio State boasts one of the strongest running back rooms in the country. Anchored by experienced upperclassmen and bolstered by young, explosive talents, the Buckeyes are expected to have a powerful and versatile ground attack. The offensive line, a crucial component of any championship-contending team, returns multiple starters and has been reshaped with key additions through recruiting and the transfer portal. Their ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes will be pivotal throughout the season.
The receiving corps, always a strength for Ohio State, is once again among the best in the nation. Wide receivers from Ohio State have consistently transitioned to the NFL and maintained elite production at the collegiate level. This year’s group is no exception, blending speed, size, and route-running precision. Several receivers are already generating NFL buzz and are expected to dominate opposing secondaries throughout the season.
On the defensive side, Ohio State is returning a stout and aggressive unit led by a formidable defensive line. The front seven is loaded with talent, including players with All-American potential. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has emphasized physicality and discipline, and reports out of fall camp suggest the defense is faster, deeper, and more cohesive than in previous years. The secondary, a point of concern at times last season, has improved through development and key acquisitions. Cornerbacks and safeties alike have shown marked growth, and the defense as a whole is aiming to create more turnovers and limit big plays—two critical areas for success in championship runs.
Special teams, often overlooked in preseason evaluations, may be another advantage for the Buckeyes this season. With a reliable kicker, strong punting game, and dynamic return specialists, Ohio State is expected to win the field position battle in many contests. This hidden phase of the game can make all the difference in tightly contested matchups, especially against top-tier opponents.
The coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, has made several strategic changes following last season. Day has focused heavily on culture, accountability, and attention to detail. The Buckeyes have also been aggressive in recruiting and in utilizing the transfer portal to address specific needs. Strength and conditioning have also seen adjustments to enhance durability and explosiveness as the season progresses. These off-field improvements, combined with on-field talent, are what make Ohio State a legitimate threat to win it all.
The No. 2 ranking is also reflective of the respect Ohio State commands nationally. The USA Today Coaches Poll is voted on by a panel of head coaches from across the country, making it a valuable indicator of how programs are viewed within the industry. That 20 coaches deemed Ohio State the best team in the country—giving them first-place votes—speaks volumes about the Buckeyes’ reputation and perceived readiness. Being ranked second means there is belief, but also room to prove doubters wrong and potentially move into the top spot.
Texas, who narrowly edged out Ohio State for the No. 1 ranking with 28 first-place votes, is another powerhouse with a lot to prove. Their return to national prominence has been highly anticipated, and they bring their own set of playmakers and expectations into the season. The debate over whether Texas or Ohio State deserves the top spot will likely continue throughout the early part of the season, particularly if both teams remain unbeaten heading into October. Should both teams perform as expected, they could be on a collision course for a postseason showdown that would capture the attention of the entire sports world.
Of course, preseason rankings are only predictions. The real story will be told on the field. Ohio State faces a schedule that includes marquee matchups against traditional Big Ten rivals, non-conference challenges, and the looming threat of an expanded College Football Playoff landscape. The margin for error is thin, and each game will be a test of the Buckeyes’ preparation, talent, and mental toughness. But with a deep roster, experienced coaching staff, and one of the most passionate fan bases in the country, Ohio State appears ready to embrace the pressure and rise to the occasion.
Being ranked No. 2 comes with its own set of challenges. Every opponent will bring their best effort in an attempt to knock off a top-ranked team. There is a target on the Buckeyes’ back, and they will need to be at their best week in and week out. Still, this is the kind of pressure that defines great teams. Ohio State has historically responded well to high expectations, and if early signs from fall camp are any indication, this team may be even better than last year’s squad.
Recruiting has also played a significant role in building this year’s team. Ohio State continues to land top-five recruiting classes year after year, and the development of those players is now bearing fruit. Several young players are pushing for playing time, and competition across the board has elevated the team’s overall performance. The pipeline of talent ensures that the Buckeyes are not only contenders this season but are also built for sustained success in the years ahead.
Looking ahead, the Buckeyes will open their season against an out-of-conference opponent that should provide a tune-up opportunity but also carry the risk of early upsets if focus slips. From there, the schedule intensifies with critical Big Ten games that will determine both playoff positioning and bragging rights. Rivalries with Penn State and Michigan loom large, with The Game against Michigan once again expected to carry playoff implications. Last year’s loss to Michigan remains a motivating factor for many players and fans alike, and the Buckeyes are eager for redemption.
Ultimately, the preseason No. 2 ranking is a nod to the strength and consistency of Ohio State’s football program. It is recognition of past accomplishments, present potential, and future promise. But for this team, the ranking is not the goal—it is merely the starting point. The Buckeyes have their sights set on something much bigger: a national championship. And if they can stay healthy, execute their game plans, and rise to the moment in the season’s biggest games, they may very well end the year not just near the top—but at the very top.
As the 2025 college football season kicks off, all eyes will be on Columbus. The Buckeyes are back, they’re loaded, and they’re ready to chase glory. The road ahead is difficult, but champions are forged in adversity. With 20 first-place votes, they’ve already captured the belief of many coaches around the country. Now comes the time to prove it to everyone else.
