Ohio State and Penn State stand alone atop the preseason Big Ten power rankings, giving the league two national heavyweights in its quest for a third national championship in a row.

While fresh off a march through the debut 12-team College Football Playoff to capture the ninth national title in program history , the Buckeyes haven’t taken home the Big Ten title since 2020. The Nittany Lions advanced all the way to the national semifinals at the Orange Bowl before suffering a heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame .

Penn State lands atop USA TODAY Sports’ rankings based on an edge in experience at key positions such as quarterback, an improved collection of skill talent, maybe the best offensive line of the James Franklin era and the makings of another top-ranked defense.

Landing behind th

See Full Page