Ohio State leads unofficial 2026 Big Ten preseason poll as conference dominance continues
The unofficial 2026 Big Ten preseason poll highlights a tightly contested landscape, with Oregon securing more first-place votes than Ohio State, while Indiana retains its status as a top-tier contender following recent national championship success.
Ohio State has been ranked first in the unofficial 2026 Big Ten preseason poll, narrowly edging out Oregon in a survey compiled by Cleveland.com. The rankings were released ahead of the conference’s media days in Chicago, underscoring a competitive environment where the margin between the top contenders remains minimal.
Although Oregon received 15 first-place votes compared to Ohio State’s 11, the Buckeyes secured the overall top spot in the cumulative rankings. Indiana followed in third place, having received five first-place votes to repeat as the predicted league champion in this specific media assessment. The top six also includes USC, Michigan, Washington, and Penn State.
The poll reflects a conference with legitimate national title aspirations, building on a streak where Michigan, Ohio State, and Indiana have won the past three national championships. This consecutive success across different programs has shifted the perceived balance of power in college football, positioning the Big Ten as a primary contender for national titles.
Oregon’s rapid rise under coach Dan Lanning and Indiana’s transformation are cited as factors expanding the championship race beyond traditional powers. The landscape is further characterised by intriguing coaching changes and several programs capable of reaching the 2026 College Football Playoff.
Indiana is no longer viewed as a feel-good underdog following its breakthrough on the national stage. The Big Ten is aiming for a fourth consecutive national championship this season, with the media rankings serving as a precursor to the intense competition expected in Indianapolis this autumn.
