Overview
- Cody Nagel of CBS Sports lists Ohio State at No. 1 for the third straight year in his post-spring Big Ten power rankings.
- He cites a returning offensive core that includes star receiver Jeremiah Smith, quarterback Julian Sayin, and seven other starters.
- Nagel points to a steady talent pipeline, noting 29 NFL draft picks over the past three cycles, tied with Georgia and Texas.
- He balances the praise with concerns about five seasons without a Big Ten title, an expected defensive reload in 2026, and a schedule that looks difficult.
- The order behind Ohio State is Oregon at No. 2, Indiana at No. 3, USC at No. 4, and Michigan at No. 5, in a league that has produced the last three national champions.