Ohio State leads a wide-open preseason field in the 2026 NCAA football Top 25, with Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame, and defending champion Indiana closely clustered near the top.As of mid-August 2026, the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll provides the clearest official snapshot heading into a season that begins with Week 0 games late in the month. Ohio State sits at No. 1 with 38 first-place votes, followed by Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame, and Indiana (which received 14 first-place votes as the defending national champion after an undefeated 2025 run). Miami, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss round out the top 10.
The Associated Press Top 25 is expected around August 17. Expert rankings (CBS Sports, On3, Phil Steele, Athlon, The Athletic, and others) show broad agreement on the elite tier but notable variation just below it, reflecting roster turnover, transfer portal movement, quarterback situations, and tough schedules.
Consensus Top Contenders
- Ohio State: Returning stars include quarterback Julian Sayin (a Heisman finalist) and elite wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The offense looks potent, though the defense must replace significant NFL talent and faces a demanding slate that includes road games against Texas and others. Most polls and projections place the Buckeyes No. 1 or in the top three.
- Oregon: Dante Moore’s return at quarterback anchors a high-powered attack and strong defense under Dan Lanning. The Ducks frequently rank No. 2 and are viewed as genuine national title threats after recent College Football Playoff appearances.
- Georgia: Consistent SEC power with returning quarterback Gunner Stockton. The Bulldogs remain perennial contenders seeking deeper playoff success.
- Texas: Arch Manning enters another high-expectation season with improved supporting pieces and defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. The Longhorns sit in the top five across most rankings.
- Notre Dame: CJ Carr leads a talented group that returns substantial production. Independent status and a favorable schedule make the Irish a popular dark-horse or top-five pick (Phil Steele ranked them No. 1 in one early projection).
- Indiana: The defending champs (16-0 in 2025 under Curt Cignetti) return key pieces and added portal talent, including quarterback help. They sit sixth in the Coaches Poll but higher in some expert lists, with questions about repeating amid elevated expectations.
Other strong top-10 candidates include Miami (recent title-game appearance), Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Alabama.
Broader Preseason Top 25 Landscape (Coaches Poll Baseline)
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Georgia
- Texas
- Notre Dame
- Indiana
- Miami
- Texas A&M
- Oklahoma
- Ole Miss (Mississippi)
- Alabama
- Texas Tech
- LSU
- USC
- BYU
- Michigan
- Penn State
- Tennessee
- Washington
- SMU
- Utah
- Iowa
- Clemson
- Houston
- Missouri
The Big Ten and SEC dominate, with the Big Ten claiming the top two spots and eight ranked teams overall, while the SEC has nine. The Big 12 is represented by Texas Tech (highest at 12), BYU, Utah, and Houston; the ACC by Miami, SMU, and Clemson. No Group of Five teams cracked the Coaches Poll Top 25.
Key Themes and Variables
Expert consensus highlights a relatively open national championship race compared to recent years. Returning quarterbacks (Sayin, Moore, Manning, Carr, Stockton, and others) create multiple legitimate title threats. Defensive continuity, offensive line play, and early-season results will shape the rankings quickly—Ohio State’s early test against Texas is already a marquee matchup.
Potential risers or teams frequently mentioned just outside or on the fringe of the top 25 in various projections include Florida, Louisville, Auburn, South Carolina, and others who received votes. Schedules, injuries, and portal/recruiting impacts will cause significant movement once games begin.Phil Steele, CBS Sports, On3 composites, and analytics models (such as SP+) largely align with the Coaches Poll’s top half while shuffling mid-tier teams based on projected efficiency, returning production, and strength of schedule.
Some place Indiana or Notre Dame higher; others elevate LSU, Michigan, or Texas Tech.The 2026 season promises drama in a 12-team playoff era. Preseason rankings set the stage, but early results—especially involving the loaded Big Ten and SEC—will determine which of these “possible” Top 25 teams solidify or tumble. Football is back soon, and the only certainty is change