NOTES:
Ohio State, last season’s Big Ten runner-up, opens the season at No. 1 after receiving 28 of 56 first-place votes. It marks the Buckeyes’ 25th all-time appearance atop the preseason poll and their first since 2015. Only Alabama (62) and Georgia (37) have more No. 1 appearances.
Oregon begins the season at No. 2 following an appearance in last season’s College Football Playoff Semifinals, marking the highest preseason ranking in program history. The Ducks’ previous best was No. 4 in 2024.
Notre Dame also enters the season at its highest preseason ranking ever at No. 3, surpassing its previous best of No.
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