USA TODAY Sports
Eight have tried. Eight have failed. Now, it's Ohio State's turn.
The Buckeyes are the ninth college football team to win the national title and start the following season No. 1 in the preseason rankings since USA TODAY Sports started administering the Amway Coaches Poll in 1991. None have been able to repeat as champions.
But even though history is against Urban Meyer's team, it would be a surprise if its season didn't end in the College Football Playoff.
AMWAY COACHES POLL: Complete top 25 rankings
Ohio State returns both J.