Ohio State is just days away from representing itself in front of select media members as part of a three-day, 18-team Big Ten Media Day in Chicago, Ill., at the Hilton Chicago. Head coach Ryan Day, quarterback Julian Sayin, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Jaylen McClain will be on hand to preview the upcoming season as the Buckeyes try to contend for another national title and reign supreme as one of college football’s elite programs.Ahead of the teams making their way through Tuesday, which will feature the Illinois Fighting Illini, Iowa Hawkeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions, Wisconsin Badgers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights and USC Trojans before the Buckeyes arrive to address reporters Wednesday, the Cleveland.com preseason media poll was unveiled Monday,.Where Did Ohio State Rank In Preseason Polls?Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) runs during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectDespite failing to repeat as national champions last season, the Buckeyes represent the conference as the way-too-early favorite. As submitted by voters who cover college football or any of the 18 schools across the country, the Buckeyes beat out the defending champion Hoosiers (No. 3), who enter this fall riding a 16-game winning streak (including the postseason) under coach Curt Cignetti. Ohio State also beat out the Oregon Ducks and coach Dan Lanning, too, as they finished No. 2 in the conference poll despite losing to the Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff.— On3 (@On3) July 27, 2026Ohio State will play nine of the teams that make up the conference this fall since the new scheduling structure was implemented under the 18-team format a few years ago, including No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 (USC), No. 5 (Michigan Wolverines), No. 8 (Iowa), No. 9 (Illinois), No. 11 (Nebraska Conhuskers), No. 14 (Northwestern Wildcats) and No. 15 (Maryland Terrapins). Conference play begins in late September, as the Buckeyes host the Illini for the first time in nearly a decade. It’ll be the second consecutive year both teams will play each other, as the Buckeyes won the game at Gies Memorial Stadium last October in a 34-16 rivalry triumph. It was the most points the defense allowed during the regular season.Without further ado, here is how the voters saw the conference shaping up. Included are when and where the Buckeyes will play their respective Big Ten opponents this season.Which Big Ten Teams Does Ohio State Draw This Season?Ryan Day said he will shave his beard before Ohio State's opener Thursday at Minnesota.