Ohio State Faces Unfavorable Historical Trend After AP Top 25 Release

History isn't on Ohio State's side entering the 2024 season.

The Associated Press revealed its college football preseason top 25 poll on Monday, and while the Buckeyes' No. 2 ranking looks good, it could portend a disappointing ending for the title-hungry program.

According to Action Network's Brett McMurphy, Ohio State's AP ranking marks "the 18th time in school history" it has placed inside the top two of the preseason poll.

"Ohio State has never won [the] national title when starting year ranked No. 1 or No. 2," added McMurphy.

Per ESPN Bet, the Buckeyes (+325) are tied with AP No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs for the best odds to win the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.

Ohio State returns several 2023 starters, including edge-rushers Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, corner Denzel Burke, running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

During the offseason, the program added former five-star Alabama recruit Caleb Downs and Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns during his freshman and sophomore seasons, via the portal.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day discussed his team's high expectations during Big Ten media days in July.

"Every time I've gone into a season at Ohio State ... you expect to win every game. That's just what it is," Day told reporters.

Ohio State has gone 33-6 over its past three seasons, but that hasn't prevented fans from calling for Day's job, with his with 0-3 record against Big Ten rival Michigan during that span a major sticking point.

The Buckeyes play three preseason top-10 teams this year, including Big Ten newcomer Oregon (No. 3) on Oct. 12.

Ohio State also travels to No. 8 Penn State (Nov. 2) and ends the regular season with a home game against No. 9 Michigan (Nov. 30).

The program last won the national title in 2014.