The Ohio State Buckeyes football team has seen fluctuations in its Coaches Poll standing after a challenging Week 3. Following a significant defeat to Texas, the Buckeyes initially fell five positions, landing at No. 6. Despite subsequently securing an overwhelming victory against Kent State, they experienced another slight decline in the rankings, settling at No. 7, as Ole Miss advanced to the sixth spot.
Ohio State's Shifting Fortunes in the Coaches Poll
On Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Ohio State Buckeyes, with a season record of 2-1, found themselves navigating the repercussions of their recent performance in the US LBM Coaches Poll. The team's earlier loss to Texas on September 12, where they squandered a substantial lead in the fourth quarter, resulted in a notable drop from their initial No. 1 ranking. This marked their lowest position in the AP poll since December 2024.
However, the Buckeyes quickly rebounded with a commanding 59-3 win over Kent State at Ohio Stadium on September 19. This decisive victory showcased their offensive power, contributing to a season total of 109 points scored against their two Mid-American Conference opponents, including a 56-3 triumph against Ball State in their season opener. Despite this impressive rebound, the Coaches Poll reflected a continued downward trend for Ohio State, as they slipped to No. 7 with 1,473 total points. This allowed Ole Miss, fresh off a 32-24 victory against LSU, to surpass them in the rankings, taking the No. 6 spot with 1,501 points. Notably, LSU, previously ranked No. 7, also fell to No. 11 after their defeat.
As Ohio State prepares to enter conference play, the competitive landscape of the Big Ten conference is evident, with seven teams currently ranked in the top 25 of the Coaches Poll. Six of these teams are among Ohio State's nine remaining opponents, highlighting the challenging schedule ahead. Indiana stands out as the highest-ranked Big Ten team, holding strong at No. 4 with nine first-place votes and 1,613 total points.
The current rankings suggest a pivotal period for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Their ability to recover from a significant loss with a dominant performance against Kent State demonstrates their resilience and potential. However, the continued slip in the Coaches Poll, even after a decisive win, indicates that the perception of their strength among voters is still impacted by their earlier defeat to Texas. As they move into conference play with a challenging lineup of ranked opponents, every game will be crucial for the Buckeyes to climb back up the rankings and solidify their position among the nation's elite college football teams. Their journey through the Big Ten will be a true test of their capabilities and consistency.
