Former ESPN analyst David Pollack has released his early top-five rankings for next season. He’s placing the Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 2 despite the team’s disappointing campaign this past year.
Pollack announced his predictions on his show, focusing on teams he expects to dominate preseason discussions in August.
The Indiana Hoosiers captured the national championship against Miami Monday night. But Pollack didn’t include the defending champions in his personal preseason rankings.
Ohio State earned the No. 2 spot in Pollack’s early projections. The Oregon Ducks landed at No. 3 with quarterback Dante Moore returning.
“From what I saw from Julian Sayin [in 2025], I’ve 100 percent got Ohio State in my Top 5,” Pollack said on “See Ball Get Ball.” “Is 4 Jeremiah Smith still there? Ok, offense is going to be easy. Bo Jackson is back, the offensive line is back. Chris Henry Jr., I played with his dad; he looks like the next freak (at OSU), so that’s another 1-2 punch [at receiver]. They’re going to lose a lot of guys, but I trust Ohio State to be back in the Top 5.”
Every player Pollack mentioned is projected to return to Columbus next season.
The Buckeyes won a national title just one year ago. Their recent success makes another championship run realistic this fall.
Ohio State faces the same challenge as other programs across college football. They’re trying to match the blueprint Indiana established during its undefeated season.
It’s unclear whether the Hoosiers can maintain their dominance. But the Buckeyes want to prove they can return to the top of college football.
The team gets a fresh start in August to make it happen.
Pollack has the Texas Longhorns and quarterback Arch Manning as his No. 1 team for next season.
Ohio State and Texas will meet in Austin on Saturday, Sept. 12. The matchup should provide an early test for both programs’ championship hopes.
