A Coffee Table Tradition Returns
There is a distinct, unmistakable sign that summer is progressing and the college football season is looming just around the corner: the annual arrival of preseason preview magazines. For generations of die-hard football enthusiasts, flipping through the glossy, information-packed pages of these physical publications remains a sacred preseason ritual. Among the most anticipated of these annual releases is Lindy’s Sports College Football Preview, a staple that has graced newsstands and coffee tables for decades. The brand-new 2026 edition has officially hit the shelves, offering fans a comprehensive, analytical look at the upcoming gridiron landscape.
For the Ohio State Buckeyes, these preview guides serve as a critical barometer for national perception. Following a season that saw a massive exodus of premier talent to the NFL Draft, analysts and media outlets have spent the spring debating exactly how Ryan Day’s squad will retool for another championship run. While several prominent national publications and digital networks have boldly crowned the Buckeyes as their preseason No. 1 team, Lindy’s Sports takes a noticeably more measured approach. In their highly anticipated national rankings, the Buckeyes find themselves slotted at the No. 3 spot, quietly flying just below the ultimate radar.
Looking Up at the Pace-Setters
By positioning Ohio State at No. 3, Lindy’s establishes a clear top tier for the 2026 season, placing the Buckeyes directly behind two formidable national powerhouses. The publication bestows the coveted No. 1 ranking upon the Oregon Ducks, signaling that Dan Lanning’s program is favored to capture the Big Ten crown and lead the national championship conversation. Slotting into the No. 2 spot are the Texas Longhorns, who continue to boast the roster depth and high-octane offensive capabilities necessary to dominate the Southeastern Conference and secure an elite postseason path.
Landing just behind these two programs is far from a slight; rather, it reflects a nuanced understanding of Ohio State’s current transitional phase. Being ranked third globally still firmly cements Columbus as a primary epicenter for championship aspirations. The ranking acknowledges that while the Buckeyes possess the raw structural framework and elite blue-chip recruiting baseline required to match any program in the country, they must first answer a series of critical personnel questions before they can legitimately claim the sport’s absolute highest throne.
Navigating the Question Marks
Lindy’s editorial staff makes it clear that they fully expect Ohio State to be a major player in the newly expanded College Football Playoff format. The publication projects the Buckeyes to mount a ferocious, deep run into the winter months, potentially challenging for a national title. However, that lofty projection comes with significant caveats. The roster turnover from the previous campaign cannot be ignored, particularly regarding the loss of established, multi-year starters who anchored both sides of the scrimmage line and provided essential locker room leadership during high-stakes games.
The path back to the playoff will require a wave of unproven, highly touted underclassmen to step into the spotlight and immediately produce at an All-Big Ten level. Beyond the natural developmental curve of the roster, the Buckeyes must navigate a grueling regular-season schedule that features high-profile matchups against elite conference rivals. For Ryan Day, the No. 3 ranking provides the perfect motivational fuel. It respects the undeniable talent residing in Columbus while forcing his program to earn its way to the top of the mountain, proving that the Buckeyes are ready to answer every question mark with dominant execution on Saturdays.