The Ohio State Buckeyes may not have won the Big Ten in 2016, but they did make the College Football Playoff and are among the preseason favorites to return next season. With a bunch of returning stars, headlined by quarterback J.T. Barrett, the Buckeyes are shooting for a national championship. Here's how they rank in the way-too-early top 25 polls published by major publications:
Chat Sports
Ranking: 2
Breakdown: "Ohio State was one of the youngest teams in the country this past season, so it's not surprise that they have plenty of returning star power. Finding replacements (again) in the back seven will be difficult with major contributors going to the NFL, but everyone from the defensive line returns. Samuel and Noah Brown are also the only major offensive players leaving. J.T. Barrett will be one of the best quarterbacks in the country (again), and running back Mike Weber could become a Heisman candidate.
All in all, this Ohio State team is going to be as talented as any Urban Meyer has had in Columbus. However, they also play one of the most difficult schedules. A Week 2 matchup against Oklahoma is no picnic, and road trips to Nebraska and Michigan will be tough."
USA Today
Ranking: 3
Breakdown: "Like the Crimson Tide, the Buckeyes will need to reload after losing several underclassmen to the NFL draft. But there will be far fewer losses this offseason than a year ago, so look for Ohio State to be loaded with talent and experience, not to mention more streamlined and less predictable on offense after some staffing changes."
ESPN
Ranking: 6
Breakdown: "Even after the Buckeyes' unsightly 31-0 loss to Clemson in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, there's no debate they were probably a year ahead of schedule in 2016. Even after losing 12 players to the NFL draft, including 10 who were selected in the first three rounds, coach Urban Meyer guided the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years. With nine starters coming back on offense and eight on defense, Ohio State looks loaded for 2017. Quarterback J.T. Barrett must improve dramatically, and the Buckeyes must improve at wide receiver. Co-offensive coordinator Tim Beck is leaving for Texas, which might be the first of a few moves on Meyer's staff. Former Indiana coach Kevin Wilson has reportedly been hired to replace Beck, and Ryan Day will be the new quarterbacks coach. OSU plays a nonconference game against Oklahoma and Big Ten road contests at Nebraska, Iowa and Michigan."
CBS
Ranking: 2
Breakdown: "The memory of one of Urban Meyer's worst losses will serve as offseason motivation. J.T. Barrett is back -- and that's a good thing. Even after that skunk job by Clemson, Barrett will return for his final season as an elite talent."
FOX
Ranking: 2
Breakdown: "Urban Meyer felt before the season his team was “a year away” from playoff contention. A new offensive coordinator will inherit QB J.T. Barrett and RB Mike Weber but must develop other playmakers. DE Tyquan Lewis’ decision to come back means the Buckeyes’ entire D-line, including DE Sam Hubbard and Jalyn Holmes, remains intact. The secondary must retool after CB Gareon Conley and S Malik Hooker turned pro."
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