Entering the opening weeks of the college football calendar, the Ohio State Buckeyes hold the consensus number one ranking across major preseason polls, including the FWAA-NFF Super 16 and expert ballots. Backed by an explosive returning offensive core featuring elite skill-position talent and a formidable defensive foundation, the Buckeyes command the top spot as the team to beat, setting the stage for a highly competitive race toward the national championship playoffs.