Ohio State tops the SP+ rankings for the upcoming 2026 college football season, according to ESPN's Bill Connelly. Despite significant player departures, the Buckeyes' offense and defense are highly rated, fueled by key returnees and promising transfers. The article highlights the team's strengths, including quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson, and the defensive additions, while also detailing the revamped special teams unit.
, SP+ is a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency. In the preseason, Connelly uses four factors to rank teams, each weighted by its predictive power: returning production, recent history, recent recruiting and"coaching change effects.
" Despite the departure of future top-10 picks Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate from the 2025 roster, Ohio State still ranks No. 1 entering 2026, possessing the No. 2 offense, No. 1 defense and No. 67 special teams. Here's a look at the complete top 10:Ohio State's offense is anchored by three stars with significant production: Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin, All-Big Ten running back Bo Jackson and unanimous All-American wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes also return veteran pass-catcher Brandon Inniss and one of the most experienced offensive lines in college football, with Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman and Phillip Daniels. The Buckeyes' defense lost almost all of its production from last season. Reese, Styles and Downs are off to the NFL, as are Kayden McDonald, Caden Curry, Davison Igbinosun and Lorenzo Styles Jr. Still, Matt Patricia's defense ranks No. 1 in SP+ — and by a wide margin. Ohio State’s 8.8 defensive rating is 3.7 points better than No. 2 LSU’s 12.5, indicating Connelly's metrics believe in transfer additions like defensive tackles James Smith and John Walker, linebacker Christian Alliegro and defensive backs Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore, among others. Ohio State's special teams still rank near the middle of the pack in college football. However, Ryan Day has overhauled that department heading into 2026, hiring new special teams coordinator Robby Discher and bringing in kicker Connor Hawkins. The Buckeyes lead all 18 Big Ten teams in SP+, though a few programs aren’t far behind. Oregon is right behind Ohio State at No. 2, while Indiana checks in at No. 5. The league’s next-best teams are USC , Michigan , Penn State , Washington and Iowa .Family’s Love of Columbus Kept Matt Patricia at Ohio State Over Return to NFL: “Ohio State is Such a Special Place” Quick Hits: Matt Patricia Calls Ohio State “A Special Place,” James Smith Says His “Brother” Caleb Downs Convinced Him to Be a Buckeye
College Football Ohio State SP+ Rankings Season Preview
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