Preseason AP Poll officially sets Ohio State, Texas up for top-three showdown

COLUMBUS — Ohio State will open the season with one of the biggest nonconference matchups in recent memory. That game is officially now a top-three showdown in the Horseshoe on Aug. 30.

The Buckeyes are beginning the 2025 season as the No. 3 team in the country, according to the newly-released coaches poll. They trail the Texas Longhorns and Penn State. The Longhorns open at No. 1 ahead of their trip to Columbus in the season opener.

Texas received 25 first-place votes. Penn State received 23. Ohio State received 11.

The Longhorns aren’t the only ranked team on the Buckeyes’ 2025 schedule. Ohio State will defend its national championship with a loaded schedule featuring matchups against a total of four ranked opponents.

Ohio State will play the No. 1 team in the country (Texas on Aug. 30), the No. 2 team in the country (Penn State on Nov. 1), the No. 12 team (at Illinois on Oct. 11) and the No. 14 team (at Michigan on Nov. 29) during the regular season.

Other ranked Big Ten teams include Oregon at No. 7 and Indiana at No. 19. Ohio State doesn’t play either of them this season but could see one of them in the Big Ten title game at the end of the season if things break well for the Buckeyes.

Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Texas (25 first-place votes)
2. Penn State (23)
3. Ohio State (11)
4. Clemson (4)
5. Georgia (1)
6. Notre Dame
7. Oregon (1)
8. Alabama
9. LSU
10. Miami
11. Arizona State
12. Illinois
13. South Carolina
14. Michigan
15. Florida
16. SMU
17. Kansas State
18. Oklahoma
19. Texas A&M
20. Indiana
21. Ole Miss
22. Iowa State
23. Texas Tech
24. Tennessee
25. Boise State