The 2015 preseason Amway Coaches Poll will be released on Thursday at approximately 11 a.m. ET, and, like every poll that comes out this preseason, expect the defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes to be on top.

The Buckeyes are a clear favorite to repeat, but teams like Alabama, Baylor, Auburn and USC are poised to make a run at their crown this season.

Preseason polls can mean a lot – No. 1 USC and No. 2 Oklahoma played for the national title in 2004 – or nothing at all – try to find where 2013 Auburn was ranked.

Following is an overview on how the poll is conducted, per the official website:

The poll is conducted weekly throughout the regular season using a panel of head coaches at FBS schools. The panel is chosen by a random draw from a pool of coaches who have indicated their willingness to participate.

Below are a few predictions for how the preseason Amway Coaches Poll will look.

SEC West Reigns Supreme

All seven SEC West teams will be ranked in the top 25. Yes, the division is that loaded. Can you pick out a weak link? Mississippi State was tabbed at SEC Media Days to finish last in the division, and the Bulldogs return a Heisman candidate in quarterback Dak Prescott. This is a man’s division.

Georgia and Tennessee from the East will join them.

Not The Same Big 12

TCU and Baylor will both be ranked in the top 10, and that is proof that the Big 12 isn’t the same ol’ Big 12 anymore. The days of Oklahoma dominating the conference are over. Don’t count out Bob Stoops’ Sooners, though. They return a lot of talent.

Who Can Conquer the Champs?

Ohio State will be the cream of the crop in the Big Ten, but Michigan State will be right on the Buckeyes’ tail in the rankings. Expect the Spartans to be no lower than No. 10. Also, Wisconsin should crack the top 20 of the Coaches Poll.

ACC Remains the Same

Florida State, Georgia Tech and Clemson will represent the ACC in the rankings.

Are the Trojans Contenders Again?

Oregon will lead the Pac-12, but the mighty Trojans of USC will be right up there with the Ducks. Arizona State will not be far behind.

Where Are The Powers?

Traditional programs such as Michigan, Nebraska, Texas and Florida will not be in the rankings.

OVER-RATED!

Two teams will be ranked too high in the Coaches Poll: Auburn and Notre Dame. One will be underrated. My guess? UCLA.

Boise Brings The Noisey

The Broncos will be ranked based on their past and future. The boys of the blue turf have a manageable schedule this year, and should teams slip up, could be in the talks for a playoff spot.

Who Will Be The Unranked Team That Comes Out Of Nowhere?

I will spell it out for you: C-A-R-D-S! With a chance to take down Auburn AND Clemson in two of their first three games, look for Louisville to come out firing under Bobby Petrino.

Questions? Comments? Contact Brian at bstultz@campusinsiders.com or via Twitter @brianjstultz.