Ohio State Tops 2026-27 WCHA Preseason Coaches Poll
The Buckeyes received six first-place votes and finished ahead of defending national champion Wisconsin.
Ohio State topped the 2026-27 WCHA preseason coaches poll with six first-place votes, while defending national champion Wisconsin finished second. The eight conference head coaches could not vote for their own teams.
The result put the Buckeyes first after a 2025-26 season in which they went 24-4-0, won the WCHA Final Faceoff for the third time and reached the NCAA championship game. Ohio State finished as national runner-up for the second consecutive season.
Ohio State returns forwards Jocelyn Amos and Hilda Svensson, the reigning WCHA Rookie of the Year. Coach Nadine Muzerall also added former NHL defenseman Jack Johnson to her staff as associate head coach.
The Buckeyes must replace goaltender Hailey MacLeod, who turned professional. Genny Klein returns after making 10 appearances last season, and two freshmen join the position group.
The WCHA schedule also includes an outdoor Wisconsin-Ohio State game at Lambeau Field in February. Minnesota Duluth will host the Frozen Four, St. Thomas will again host the WCHA Final Faceoff, and the national championship game is scheduled for a Tuesday.
