Ohio State enters the 2026 college football season as the consensus preseason No. 1 across multiple polls, including the FWAA-NFF Super 16 and early Coaches Poll releases, fueled by a loaded roster featuring returning quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith following a 12-2 campaign that reached the CFP quarterfinals. Oregon, Notre Dame, and Texas sit close behind in rankings, with Georgia also prominent in SEC previews. Trader sentiment reflects this hierarchy, as recent transfer portal activity, coaching continuity under Ryan Day, and nonconference schedules shape early positioning. Key upcoming factors include the first regular-season games in early September and any injury developments during fall camp that could shift the AP Poll or Coaches Poll.