Ohio State is sitting pretty at the top of the 2026 SP+ rankings, and it's not hard to see why. This advanced metric, crafted by ESPN's Bill Connelly, offers a detailed look at college football efficiency, adjusting for tempo and opponents. It’s like having a crystal ball for predicting team performance, using factors like returning production, recent history, recruiting success, and coaching changes.
Even with the exit of future NFL stars like Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, and Carnell Tate, Ohio State holds the No. 1 spot. Their offense is ranked second, defense first, and special teams at 67th. Let’s dive into the top 10 rankings:
SP+ Top 10
- Ohio State: Offense 40.6 (2), Defense 8.8 (1), Special Teams 0.1 (67)
- Oregon: Offense 40.7 (1), Defense 12.6 (3), Special Teams 0.3 (50)
- Notre Dame: Offense 40.2 (3), Defense 14.6 (9), Special Teams 0.3 (47)
- Georgia: Offense 38.2 (5), Defense 13.3 (5), Special Teams 0.6 (3)
- Indiana: Offense 37.4 (9), Defense 13.5 (6), Special Teams 0.5 (22)
- Texas: Offense 37.6 (7), Defense 14.3 (8), Special Teams 0.4 (31)
- Texas Tech: Offense 37.6 (8), Defense 14.7 (11), Special Teams 0.2 (54)
- Miami: Offense 34.4 (12), Defense 13.7 (7), Special Teams 0.3 (42)
- Texas A&M: Offense 37.3 (10), Defense 16.7 (14), Special Teams -0.3 (99)
- LSU: Offense 32.5 (21), Defense 12.5 (2), Special Teams 0.2 (53)
Ohio State’s offense is powered by some serious talent. Quarterback Julian Sayin, a Heisman finalist, teams up with All-Big Ten running back Bo Jackson and unanimous All-American wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Add veteran receiver Brandon Inniss and a seasoned offensive line featuring Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Phillip Daniels, and you've got a formidable unit.
On defense, despite losing key players like Reese, Styles, and Downs to the NFL, Ohio State still boasts the top spot. Matt Patricia’s defense is a force, with new faces like defensive tackles James Smith and John Walker, linebacker Christian Alliegro, and defensive backs Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore stepping up.
Special teams are a work in progress, but with Ryan Day bringing in new coordinator Robby Discher and kicker Connor Hawkins, improvements are on the horizon.
In the Big Ten, Ohio State leads the pack, with Oregon close behind at No. 2 and Indiana at No. 5.
Other notable mentions include USC (No. 13), Michigan (No. 14), and Penn State (No.
17).
Big Ten Teams in the SP+
- Ohio State: 1
- Oregon: 2
- Indiana: 5
- USC: 13
- Michigan: 14
- Penn State: 17
- Washington: 21
- Iowa: 22
Looking at Ohio State’s schedule, they face some tough competition. Key matchups include Texas (No.
6), Indiana (No. 5), USC (No. 13), and a showdown with Oregon (No.
2). The Buckeyes will need to be on top of their game to maintain their No. 1 status.
Ohio State's 2026 season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride. With a powerhouse lineup and strategic adjustments, they’re poised to make a serious run at glory.