Ohio State’s difficult road loss to USC has resulted in a dramatic fall in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll, with the Buckeyes sliding from No. 2 to No. 10. The defeat marks the team’s second loss of the season and serves as a significant setback just days before the release of the inaugural College Football Playoff rankings for the 2026 season. While the contest was described as confusing and disappointing, the immediate impact on the national standings underscores the high stakes of the current college football landscape.
Buckeyes suffer a steep ranking drop ahead of the first College Football Playoff rankings.
The new poll highlights a zany season, with Miami (FL) securing the top spot at No. 1, followed by Georgia (No. 2), Indiana (No. 3), and Utah (No. 4). Other notable teams ahead of Ohio State include UCLA (No. 5), Notre Dame (No. 6), Kentucky (No. 7), BYU (No. 8), and Alabama (No. 9). This shift places the Buckeyes in a precarious position, forcing them to overcome a significant hurdle in the eyes of the selection committee and coaches alike.
Within the Big Ten Conference, the rankings reflect a competitive and unpredictable environment. USC, having defeated Ohio State, sits at No. 17, while Iowa holds the No. 20 position and Northwestern ranks at No. 23. As the season progresses, Ohio State must now focus on stabilizing its performance to recover ground in the upcoming playoff rankings, a task that will require immediate consistency and a strong response to the recent on-field struggles.
Source: Yahoo Sports
