If the season ended today, the Buckeyes would be in.

Ohio State cracked the first College Football Playoff poll at No. 3 behind No. 1 Clemson and No. 2 LSU. The defending national champions were the highest ranked B1G team selected by the committee.

Michigan State and Iowa cracked the poll at No. 7 and No. 9, respectively, making the B1G the only conference to have three spots in the top seven. Michigan earned the No. 17 spot and Northwestern came in at No. 21.

Last year’s initial poll slotted the Buckeyes at No. 16. The eventual national champions climbed the 12 spots they needed to by winning out and dominating in the B1G Championship.

Ohio State has held the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press and Coaches Poll thought its 8-0 season. The Buckeyes don’t, however, have a win over a ranked foe. They would get a chance to get one when they host Michigan State on Nov. 21.

The College Football Playoff poll will be released every Tuesday night for the rest of the regular season.