2023 USA TODAY Sports AFCA Preseason Coaches Poll has Ohio State among top five

Did you expect Ohio State to be higher upon this preseason release? #GoBucks

You know the college football season is just around the corner when some of the major polls release their preseason rankings. That’s what we have today with the initial release of the 2023 USA TODAY Sports AFCA Preseason Coaches poll.

As expected, Ohio State is fairly highly ranked, and among the top ten, but the Buckeyes checked in a little lower than what many probably anticipated. These preseason polls can be taken with a grain of salt because we really don’t know exactly how a team will put all of the pieces together and play upon breaking the seal for real on the season.

And with the Buckeyes replacing C.J. Stroud at quarterback, and having to reload on the offensive line while still figuring things out on defense, well — there is pause for concern.

Here’s how the top ten of the USA TODAY Coaches Poll looks with a complete view of the top 25 at the bottom.