Penn State Tops Big Ten 2025 Preseason Poll Over Ohio State

The 15th annual Cleveland.com Big Ten preseason media poll marks the first time since 2014 that neither Ohio State nor Michigan is the favorite, with Penn State receiving 11 of 24 first-place votes to narrowly edge Ohio State's 10 votes. Penn State, led by quarterback Drew Allar and a strong running back duo, has drawn national championship aspirations and was also voted to have the preseason Coach of the Year, James Franklin. Despite being favored to finish first in the regular season, Ohio State was narrowly chosen by pollsters to win the Big Ten Championship Game. The Nittany Lions have bolstered their roster with key transfers and a new defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, enhancing their chances after reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals last year. Other contenders receiving first-place votes include Oregon and Michigan, while Iowa is predicted to finish seventh. The poll also indicates strong expectations for the Big Ten overall, with many voters predicting three to five teams from the conference will make the College Football Playoff in 2025.