Earlier today, the preseason USA Today Coaches’ Poll was released and Oregon is ranked third on the list, behind Alabama and Ohio State. This is the second time since 2011 the Ducks started the season in this position.

Oregon actually took a step down from the final Coaches’ Poll last season. Thanks to their Fiesta Bowl victory and Notre Dame’s blowout loss against Alabama in the National Championship game, the Ducks were second in the final rankings.

Alabama received 58 of the 62 available first place votes in this poll. Ohio State received three, and sixth-ranked Texas A&M, led by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, garnered the final first place vote.

Including Oregon, the Pac-12 has five teams in the top 25. Stanford is right behind the Ducks at No. 4, followed by UCLA (21), USC (24), and Oregon State (25). Oregon’s first game against any of these teams will be on October 26, at home against UCLA.