Spring football is in the rearview mirror, and as the summer heat ramps up, so do the power rankings. USA TODAY's Paul Myerberg has dropped his post-spring Big Ten football power rankings for 2026, and Buckeye Nation has plenty to cheer about.
Ohio State enters the rankings as the top dog in the conference, a testament to the program's resilience and roster management in the modern era of college football. The Buckeyes are coming off a season that was both brilliant and heartbreaking. They started the year ranked No. 1 after a statement win over Texas, rolled through an undefeated regular season, and toppled arch-rival Michigan along the way. But the dream season hit a wall in the Big Ten Championship Game, where they fell to Indiana in a razor-thin loss, followed by a Cotton Bowl quarterfinal defeat to Miami in the College Football Playoff.
Rather than dwell on the disappointment, Ohio State got to work. The offseason saw a nation-leading 11 players head to the NFL draft, plus a wave of departures via the transfer portal. But head coach Ryan Day and his staff responded by bringing in 51 new faces to the program, blending returning talent with fresh blood. It's a recipe that's become common across the Big Ten, as NIL and the transfer portal have turned roster construction into a year-round chess match.
Myerberg sees the potential for something special in Columbus. "The most loaded offense in the country has the potential to be among the most potent in school history," he writes. He highlights superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith and third-year quarterback Julian Sayin, the preseason Heisman Trophy favorite, as the catalysts for what could be a historic offensive season.
Of course, talent alone doesn't guarantee titles—just ask last year's Buckeyes. But with the pieces in place and a top ranking to defend, Ohio State is poised to make another run at the College Football Playoff. For fans looking to gear up for the season, there's no better time to stock up on Buckeyes apparel and show your support for the team that's once again sitting atop the Big Ten.