Big Ten Holds AP Top 2 Spots for First Time in 65 Years

Ohio State and Oregon have secured the top two spots in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 college football poll, marking the first time in 65 years that the Big Ten Conference holds the first and second positions. The rankings, released on August 17, set the stage for the upcoming season with Ohio State receiving 40 first-place votes from the 69-member media panel and Oregon collecting 14.

The Buckeyes, who have been ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll for the ninth time in program history, are followed by Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas in the top five. The poll places defending national champion Indiana at No. 6, giving the Big Ten three of the nation's top six teams. This preseason placement underscores a conference belief in a possible fourth consecutive national title for the Big Ten, following championships by Michigan, Ohio State, and Indiana in recent years.

The Southeastern Conference leads all leagues with nine ranked teams, including Georgia at No. 3 and Texas at No. 5, showcasing its depth. The Big Ten follows with eight ranked teams. Five teams received first-place votes: Ohio State, Oregon, Notre Dame (6), Indiana (8), and Miami (1).