Ryan Day has a lot to be happy about with analyst's Ohio State ranking

Let the countdown begin to Sept. 5. That's when the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Ball State Cardinals in their first game of the 2026 college football season. It's such an exciting time of year when football begins.

Ohio State and head coach Ryan Day are coming from a place of strength. They finished last season with a 12-2 record and reached the College Football Playoff before falling to Miami in the Cotton Bowl. It was a heartbreaker to see them lose, but it was also a successful season.

Now, the Buckeyes are getting some wind on their backs in a preseason ranking that has them looking great.

Ohio State is No. 2 in preseason rankings

Chris Vannini of The Athletic has released a list of the best college football teams ahead of the new season. He has Ohio State at No. 2. The only team above the Buckeyes is Indiana. But without Fernando Mendoza, Indiana may not be as great.

Even though Vannini has Ohio State high, he has a caution.

"The Buckeyes will be in the mix as always with so much talent, but I have some questions about a defense that lost so much and an offense that struggled in the biggest games a year ago," he says.

Why does he put Indiana above Ohio State? "Additions like running back Turbo Richard and receiver Nick Marsh will help new quarterback Josh Hoover. The Hoosiers remain the team to beat," he says.

It's all about retaining and recruiting top talent. Still, without Mendoza, Ohio State could surprise people and take that No. 1 spot from Indiana.