Ohio State Ranked #1 in Coaches Poll and Ryan Day Challenge to Running Backs
Ohio State was ranked first in the initial coaches’ football poll. This ranking will probably not last long, as the Buckeyes face a daunting schedule. However, it is a good thing to start at the top in college football. With losses, the team’s ranking tends not to fall too far and also tends to rise quickly.
Ohio State’s head football coach also issued a public challenge to the running backs. This is important and linked because to beat good football teams, you must control the ball and shorten the game. A team does this by effectively running the ball. The offensive line for the Buckeyes suffered in the final two games of last season. Do you think Ohio State will be able to run the ball?
Ohio State Ranked First in Initial Coaches Poll
Ohio State was ranked first in the initial coaches poll, which was released today. This lofty ranking is the result of a talent-laden roster. However, the Buckeyes face a difficult schedule in 2026. There will be many high-profile games for the Buckeyes in the fall of 2026. The top ranking may not last very long, but it is good because top-ranked teams tend not to fall too far when they lose and tend to rise quickly in the polls with wins.
Despite the challenging schedule, Ohio State is highly likely to make the College Football Playoff in 2026. The Buckeyes start their season September 5 with a home game against Ball State. After that easy game, things get interesting, as the Buckeyes travel to Austin to take on Eli Manning and the Texas Longhorns.
Things will get interesting for Ohio State as no fewer than six of their 2026 opponents are ranked in the poll. Oregon is number two, Texas is number four, Indiana is number six, USC is number fourteen, Michigan (by the way, there should be hate in hate week) is number 16, and Iowa is number twenty-two. In the poll, the SEC tops it with nine teams in the top 25. The Big Ten has eight teams, while the Big 12 and ACC place four and three teams, respectively.
Run the Ball!
One way to win against a tough schedule is to control the clock and shorten the game by running the ball. Ohio State has an interesting situation at running back. Last season, the Buckeyes lost the last two games of the season. They lost those two games because they were dominated in the trenches.
They are returning Bo Jackson, who rushed for 1,000 yards as a freshman. Isaiah West also returns for his sophomore season. Both of those players had offseason shoulder surgery. Florida transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson is a good third option as he proved he can run in a difficult conference. True freshman Legend Bey generated buzz in the offseason and is likely to see action on the outside. Options five plus include Anthony ‘Turbo’ Rogers, true freshman Favour Akih and walk-on Stanley Jackson Jr. The team needs those players to step up, and needs the experienced offensive line to play well.
Conclusion
We will see how the season plays out. Ohio State has a challenging schedule, but is ranked first in the Coaches Poll, which was released today. To beat all those tough teams, the Buckeyes will need to run the ball effectively. This is despite having a very accurate quarterback in Julian Sayin and some very talented wide receivers. However, football games are won in the trenches.
