The first edition of the basketball rankings has been released. The Buckeyes find themselves outside the top 25 at number 28. The reason cited for this large drop from last year is the losses of Ron Lewis, Ivan Harris, Mike Conley, Daequan Cook and Greg Oden.

According to the polls, the experts predict OSU to finish third in the Big Ten. Michigan State (8) and Indiana (9) are the only Big Ten teams ranked higher.

It is important to note, though, that the preseason rankings are not as important as College Football. There are many more opportunities for the good teams to prove themselves and rise in the polls before March Madness begins. This is certainly not too big of a hole for OSU to climb out of.