ESPN releases its summer preseason CFB Top 25. Where is Ohio State?

ESPN’s preseason Top 25 is more than just a speculative ranking—it’s a barometer of expectations, a mood-setter for the season, and a spark for debate among fans and analysts alike. The absence of Ohio State from the latest iteration speaks volumes, not just about the Buckeyes’ perceived chances, but about the broader shifts reshaping the college football landscape. For a program that has been a near-constant fixture in preseason polls, their exclusion reflects a combination of roster uncertainty, coaching transitions, and the rising parity that has made the sport’s hierarchy less predictable. Ohio State’s omission comes at a time when the Big Ten is undergoing seismic changes, both competitively and structurally. The Buckeyes, long the conference’s flagship program, now face stiffer competition from teams like Oregon and USC—both of which have elevated their programs under new leadership and infusion of talent. The transfer portal, once a tool Ohio State wielded effectively, has become a double-edged sword, with key departures and unproven replacements creating roster gaps that are harder to paper over. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes’ coaching staff is in flux, with adjustments in the trenches and along the sidelines that raise questions about whether the team’s signature physicality will return in 2024. What happens next depends on whether Ohio State can right the ship before September. The Buckeyes’ schedule offers little margin for error, with early road trips to Oregon State and Michigan State before a showdown in Ann Arbor. A slow start could push them out of playoff contention before October, while a strong opening act might force a reevaluation of their ceiling. The bigger question, though, is whether Ohio State’s decline is part of a larger trend in the sport, where traditional powers must work harder than ever to maintain dominance. Programs like Alabama and Georgia have shown resilience, but the upheaval in college football—realignment, NIL spending wars, and the transfer portal’s influence—means no team is safe from the churn. Ohio State’s absence from the poll isn’t just about one program; it’s a reminder that no ranking is permanent in an era where parity is the new normal.