Ohio State Football Fell to Seventh in AP Rankings
The Buckeyes dropped one spot in the latest Associated Press college football poll following their recent victory.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Football
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Ohio State has slipped to the seventh position in the latest Associated Press college football rankings. The team previously held the sixth spot in the poll after defeating Kent State on September 19, 2026.
Why it matters
Weekly adjustments by voters reflect ongoing performance evaluations across the college football landscape. Maintaining high rankings is crucial for teams aiming to secure favorable postseason positioning.
Ohio State is now ranked 7th in both the Associated Press poll and the AFCA power poll. The team achieved this standing after securing a win against Kent State on September 19, 2026.
The players
Ohio State University
This major public research institution based in Columbus is widely recognized for its successful college football program.
Associated Press
This international news agency maintains influential weekly rankings for college football teams based on votes from sportswriters.
AFCA
The American Football Coaches Association produces a power poll that serves as a key benchmark for college football rankings.
The details
Voters adjust these rankings on a weekly basis, weighing recent game outcomes to determine the standing of top-tier programs. Following the shift in the polls, the Buckeyes are preparing to face Illinois this weekend.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: Ohio State defeated Kent State.
September 26, 2026: Ohio State plays Illinois at 12 PM Eastern Time.
Season Trajectory
This ranking movement signals a shift in the competitive balance of the 2026 season as teams jockey for position within the top ten. The movement affects the team's path toward potential playoff qualification and influences broader conference standing.
The drop to seventh creates a more challenging path for the Buckeyes to climb back into the top five of the national rankings. The team must now secure a decisive win against Illinois on Saturday to demonstrate their capability to voters.
The takeaway
Consistent performance in upcoming games is essential for any team looking to regain momentum in the national polls. Fans should monitor the upcoming matchup against Illinois as a critical indicator of the team's resilience this season.
What happens next
Ohio State is scheduled to play Illinois this Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 12 PM Eastern Time.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKEF.
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