David Pollack Walks Back No. 2 Ranking After Spring Practice
Several college football analysts released their rankings for the upcoming season during the offseason. Some of these rankings include a top 25, while others are limited to a top 10.
Analyst David Pollack gave a top-five ranking before spring practices began, placing the Texas Longhorns, Ohio State Buckeyes, Oregon Ducks, Clemson Tigers and Penn State Nittany Lions in his top five. He ranked the defending national champion Buckeyes at No. 2. However, in his post-spring practice rankings on his podcast, "See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack," he indicated that he would likely drop Ohio State from the No. 2 position.
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Pollack explained that this decision was based on the significant loss of key players from the Buckeyes' roster, as they currently rank No. 101 in returning production, with only 46% of their production returning next season.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
"Ohio State loses 14 guys to the draft," Pollack said. "And tons of guys that you are looking at, and they're still going to be some ballers. They're still going to be really, really good. I'll say this, I don't know if I would put Ohio State two. I can say that. I might move Ohio State down the list a little bit."
As Pollack noted, the Buckeyes have lost several key players this season. These include quarterback Will Howard, defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, and defensive backs Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock.
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Also not returning are linebacker Cody Simon, offensive tackles Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins and tight end Gee Scott Jr. Furthermore, offensive lineman Josh Simmons and Rimington Trophy winner Seth McLaughlin have also said goodbye.
Pollack concluded that this was the one area he would change in his pre-spring top five rankings. Although he did not specify how far down he would drop Ohio State, it seems likely that Oregon would become his new No. 2 team, as he mentioned he wouldn't alter the rest of the rankings.
The Buckeyes will have the opportunity to prove Pollack wrong about their ranking when they face Texas, Pollack's No. 1 team, on August 30 in Columbus, Ohio.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names Two Teams On The Brink Of College Football History
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