Ohio State Football Ranked No. 2 in Latest AP Poll

By Sarah Miller · July 1, 2034

As of October 2025, the Ohio State football team is ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press (AP) Poll and No. 3 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, positioning them as one of the top contenders for the College Football Playoff.

Current National Rankings for Ohio State Football

The Ohio State Buckeyes have consistently remained among the elite programs in college football, and their 2025 season has reinforced that status. Entering Week 8 of the 2025 NCAA season, they are widely recognized as a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference and a national championship contender.

Latest Poll Results

AP Poll Rank: No. 2
Coaches Poll Rank: No. 3
College Football Playoff (CFP) Ranking (when available): Projected in Top 4
Record: 6-1 (Big Ten: 3-1)
Notable Win: Victory over Penn State in Week 6
Recent Loss: Narrow defeat to Oregon in a top-five matchup

Polling Source	Rank (October 2025)	Previous Week	First-Place Votes	Team Record
AP Poll	2	2	28	6-1
USA Today Coaches Poll	3	3	15	6-1
CFP Committee (Projection)	4	5	N/A	6-1
BetOnline Odds to Win CFP	+	N/A	3.0 (+250)	N/A

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows Ohio State maintaining stability in the AP and Coaches polls despite a close loss to Oregon. Their strong offensive performance and depth on defense continue to earn voter confidence. Projected placement in the top four of the CFP rankings indicates they remain in contention for a national title berth if they win out.

Why Ohio State Remains a Top Contender

Despite a single loss early in the season, Ohio State's overall performance has kept them near the top of national rankings. Key factors include:

Offensive firepower: Led by quarterback Will Howard and head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes rank in the top five nationally in scoring offense (45.2 points per game).
Defensive improvements: After criticism in prior seasons, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has transformed the unit into one of the most aggressive in the FBS.
Strength of schedule: Games against ranked opponents like Oregon and Penn State provide resume-building opportunities.
Player development: Star recruits such as WR Carnell Tate and LB Jack Sawyer have lived up to expectations.

Historical Context of Ohio State’s Rankings

Ohio State has been a fixture in the national polls for decades. Since 2000, they’ve finished in the AP Top 10 in 15 seasons and won a national championship in 2014. Their consistency under coaches like Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer established them as a modern blue-blood program.

In recent years, under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have reached the College Football Playoff three times (2020, 2022, 2023), though they are still seeking their second national title in the CFP era.

About Ohio State Football Program

The Ohio State Buckeyes represent The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). They are members of the Big Ten Conference and play home games at Ohio Stadium, which seats over 100,000 fans.

Key Facts

Head Coach: Ryan Day (since 2019)
Conference: Big Ten (Eastern Division)
National Championships: 8 (last in 2014)
Heisman Winners: 7 (most recent: Troy Smith, 2006)
Notable Rivalries: Michigan (The Game), Penn State, Iowa

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio State Football Rankings

What is Ohio State’s current ranking in the AP Poll?

As of October 2025, Ohio State is ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 college football poll.

Are the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff race?

Yes, Ohio State remains firmly in the College Football Playoff race. With a projected top-four CFP ranking and only one loss, they can reach the semifinals with a strong finish to the regular season and a Big Ten Championship victory.

How many times has Ohio State been ranked No. 1 this decade?

Since 2020, Ohio State has been ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll five separate times, most recently in October 2023 before losing to Michigan later that season.

Who is Ohio State’s toughest remaining opponent in 2025?

Their toughest remaining games include road matchups against Indiana and a potential rematch with Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game. A showdown with Michigan in November will also likely determine playoff fate.

Has Ohio State ever finished a season undefeated and ranked No. 1?

Yes, Ohio State finished the 2014 season with a perfect 14-0 record and won the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship, defeating Oregon. That team was unanimously ranked No. 1 in both final polls.