On Thursday, we got the first official rankings of the 2019 season as USA Today released their preseason Coaches Poll. At the top of the poll was the defending national champion Clemson Tigers, followed by Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma. The Ohio State Buckeyes rounded out the top five in fifth.

Six other Big Ten teams were included in the initial rankings with Michigan standing in seventh and Penn State at No. 14, followed by Wisconsin (17), Iowa (19), Michigan State (20), and Northwestern (25).

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The panel of coaches involved with the poll have indicated their willingness to participate, and are chosen by random from all conferences and independents. They rank their choices, with first place receiving 25 points and No. 25 receiving 1.

The Buckeyes come in with 1,368 points, 47 points behind the Sooners. Clemson received 59 of the 65 first place votes, giving them 1,619 points. The Crimson Tide was ranked first in the six other ballots.

The first AP Poll of the season will be released on Aug. 19. For the first time, SB Nation will be releasing their own fan-voted Top-25 every week during the season. If you want to participate, and to share your feelings about Ohio State’s season in LGHL’s Fan Pulse, you can sign up HERE.