:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2271921/GYI0064079340.jpg)
The ESPN/USA Today Preseason Coaches Poll came out Thursday morning, and Cleveland is well-represented, with the Ohio State Buckeyes coming in at third place. They didn't receive any first-place votes and were apparently destined for third, two spots up from their final ranking in 2010-2011.
Coming in ahead of them, as expected, were the North Carolina Tar Heels as favorites to take the National Title with 30 first-place votes and the Kentucky Wildcats, who had one lone dissenter in their favor with a single first-place vote. North Carolina were number two on the ballot that placed the Wildcats in first. That's an impressive slate for the Tar Heels, but with all the returning starters, it's easy to back.
Ohio State is the highest-ranked Big Ten team in the poll and the Buckeyes are probably feeling like they deserve first, with a strong recruiting class and, of course, Preseason National Player of The Year, Jared Sullinger. For the full top twenty-five, go here.