The 2026 preseason Associated Press (AP) Top 25 college football rankings are out, with Ohio State earning the No. 1 position. Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas round out the top five. The release of the poll marks the traditional start of intense fan discussion and debate leading up to the season's kickoff.
This year's rankings follow a year where twelve teams that were ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 finished the 2025 season outside the poll, serving as a reminder that initial rankings do not guarantee final standings. Fans often engage in passionate arguments about their favorite teams' placements, particularly concerning perceived slights within conference or regional comparisons.
The AP poll is compiled by voters across the country, some of whom may not closely follow every team daily, potentially requiring research into starting quarterbacks and team compositions leading up to the season's first games. Several teams, including Penn State, LSU, and Clemson, experienced significant shifts from their preseason expectations in the previous season.
The top 25 teams for the 2026 season are listed as follows:
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Texas
- Indiana
- Miami
- Texas A&M
- Ole Miss
- Oklahoma
- LSU
- Texas Tech
- Alabama
- BYU
- USC (tied)
- Michigan
- Washington
- Penn State
- SMU
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Iowa
- Houston
- Louisville
- Missouri
Clemson received votes and is ranked just outside the top 25, followed by Florida, Boise State, Arizona, and TCU. Notably absent from the preseason rankings is South Carolina.
Ohio State's position at No. 1 is seen as deserved, with the team's early-season schedule including a notable matchup against Texas in week two. Alabama's ranking at No. 13 is considered appropriate by some analysts, while Penn State's ranking, with Matt Campbell entering his first season, is viewed by some as a nod to historical prestige. The significant investment in the LSU roster under Lane Kiffin has not translated to a top-ten preseason ranking, with the team's performance on the field expected to be the ultimate judge. Similarly, USC's No. 14 ranking places considerable pressure on head coach Lincoln Riley to achieve College Football Playoff contention.
The preseason AP poll is generally considered more influential in fan perception than the USA Today coaches poll. With the college football season just two weeks away, the release of these rankings is expected to fuel discussions among fans and media outlets across the country.