The college football world just dropped its preseason AP poll on Monday, and yeah, Ohio State landed at the No. 1 spot. That’s a huge deal, sure, pairing up perfectly with their top ranking in the US LBM Preseason Coaches Poll. But honestly? The *real* headline, the absolutely wild, jaw-dropping news here, isn’t just about being No. 1 *this* year. It’s about the unbelievable streak the Buckeyes just extended by showing up in that preseason poll at all.
The Streak That Time Forgot… Or Did It?
We’re talking about a record that stretches an insane 38 consecutive seasons appearing in the preseason AP poll. Think about that for a second. Thirty-eight years! If you’re reading this, chances are you weren’t even a flicker in anyone’s eye the last time Ohio State wasn’t part of the initial AP poll release before the games actually kicked off. Seriously, do the math yourself. The last time this powerhouse program *missed* the preseason AP poll was way back in 1988. That year marked the start of the John Cooper era as head coach, and yeah, it was a rough one. They finished with a pretty forgettable 4-6-1 overall record, including a tough 2-5-1 in the Big Ten. That’s how far back you have to go to find a time when Ohio State wasn’t considered a preseason contender. It’s a level of consistency that few, if any, programs can even dream about.
Clemson’s Streak Ends as Buckeyes Keep Rolling
This kind of longevity isn’t just impressive; it’s practically mythological in the constantly shifting landscape of college football. Other elite programs have certainly built their own impressive runs, don’t get me wrong. Oklahoma holds a solid 26-year streak, Georgia is right there with 24 years, and Alabama has an 18-year run of their own. Those are phenomenal numbers. But none of them even come close to what Ohio State has been doing year after year after year. What makes Ohio State’s achievement even more striking is how fragile these streaks can be. Just look at Clemson. They had a fantastic run going, appearing in the preseason AP Top 25 for 14 straight years. That’s no small feat! Yet, their streak came to a screeching halt this season, with the Tigers finding themselves outside the preseason Top 25. It shows you just how incredibly difficult it is to maintain that level of consistent recognition and reputation.
Yeah, getting into the preseason poll doesn’t win you any championships. Performance on the field is what truly matters when those actual games begin. But let’s be real, this streak speaks volumes. It’s a testament to the sheer reputation and undeniable staying power of what is arguably the best college football program of all time. It’s an early statement that sets the tone for the entire season. Now, all eyes are on them to see if they can live up to that top ranking and extend their dominance beyond just the polls.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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