ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings

18. Ohio State
When it comes to drama and intrigue, Ohio State is the nation's No. 1 team. The Buckeyes are No. 18 because of the uncertainty swirling around their program. Ohio State lost its coach (Jim Tressel) and its starting quarterback (Terrelle Pryor) in an eight-day span this spring. Luke Fickell, 37, will lead his alma mater as a first-time head coach, with no guarantees beyond the season. The NCAA is expected to rule on Ohio State's infractions case this fall. By the way, Ohio State also must replace seven defensive starters, identify a starting quarterback and survive without three key offensive starters for the first five games. After winning or sharing the past six Big Ten titles, Ohio State faces a truly unique challenge.
-- Adam Rittenberg, ESPN.com's Big Ten blogger
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ESPN Video
- 00:43
High schooler with Down syndrome sinks 3-pointer
Leslie County (Ky.) High School's Ethan Wolfe, who has Down syndrome, checks into the game and knocks down a 3-pointer.
- 02:04
Hurts surprises family with donation toward a new home
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts surprises a family, whose child is battling cancer, with a $30,000 donation to go toward a new home.
- 01:25
Ron Rivera rings the bell after final day of cancer treatment
Washington coach Ron Rivera receives an ovation as he walks down the hospital hallway to ring the bell after his final day of cancer treatment.


