OSU then-redshirt somphomore quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) prepares to throw the ball during a game against Northern Illinois on Sept. 19 at Ohio Stadium. OSU won 20-13. Credit: Lantern File Photo
The preseason Associated Press college football rankings were released on Sunday pitting Ohio State at No. 6 to open the season. Earlier this month, the Amway coaches’ poll was released ranking OSU No. 5.
This is the fourth straight season where OSU entered the season ranked in the top 10.
There are four Big Ten teams ranked in the top 25, all within the top 20. Michigan is ranked No. 7 to open the season, just one spot behind OSU. Reigning Big Ten champion Michigan State sits at No. 12 and Big Ten West division champion Iowa Hawkeyes are at No. 17.
Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes’ top-ranked opponent in 2016 comes in week three at No. 3 Oklahoma, which won the Big 12 and lost in the College Football Playoff semifinals last year.
No. 6 OSU will start its season against Bowling Green at Ohio Stadium at noon on Sept. 3.
| No. 1 |
Alabama |
| No. 2 | Clemson |
| No. 3 | Oklahoma |
| No. 4 | Florida State |
| No. 5 | LSU |
| No. 6 | Ohio State |
| No. 7 | Michigan |
| No. 8 | Stanford |
| No. 9 | Tennessee |
| No. 10 | Notre Dame |
