Penn State, Ohio State and Oregon all possess the talent and depth to win the conference and could finish in any order relative to each other. But something would have to go wrong — very wrong — for any of them to drop to the second tier.

Ohio State football is a fixture in the way-too-early top 25 rankings. However, another Big Ten team has become a trendy pick for the top spot.

It's no surprise that the Big Ten's top powers already lead the recruiting rankings, nearly three weeks before the cycle truly heats up.

With Henry as the focal point, the Buckeyes are building a strong future receiving corps. Henry is one of four 2026 receivers who have given verbal commitments to Ohio State. The Buckeyes also have four-star wideouts Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Jaeden Ricketts, along with three-star receiver Brock Boyd committed in the class.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off a national championship and are among the most renown programs in the country. They are going to have an ultra-talented r

Joining Ohio State on the short list are two other Big Ten foes, Michigan and Penn State, as well as South Carolina from the SEC. The Buckeyes got in on the Washington, DC native late, only offering the young man a scholarship a few months ago in early March. It could be a good sign that OSU made such an impression in such a short period.

Why Penn State is a popular pick for the NCAA football preseason rankings. See who makes a case for them being at No. 1 through No. 4.