The 2026 college football preseason AP Top 25 has already begun to shape expectations, and the Ohio State Buckeyes sit at the apex of the early rankings. Backed by a potent mix of experience and fresh talent, the Buckeyes are projected to start the season as the nation's top-ranked team.
Central to Ohio State's surge are returning standouts Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin. Smith, a dynamic playmaker, has generated buzz as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, while Sayin's quarterback prowess adds depth to an already formidable offense.
Conference Powerhouses
The Big Ten and SEC continue to dominate the conversation, collectively holding eight of the top ten spots in the Coaches poll. Their grip on the upper echelon of the rankings suggests that the traditional power conferences will once again dictate the national narrative.
Within that landscape, the Texas Longhorns emerge as the primary challenger to Ohio State, with quarterback Arch Manning poised to lead a resurgence. The Week 2 showdown between Ohio State and Texas is already being circled as the season's marquee matchup.
Rising Contenders and Key Schedules
Oregon Ducks, under head coach Dan Lanning, have bolstered their roster with Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola, who will serve as a backup to Dante Moore, a potential top-two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Ducks' ascent adds another layer of intrigue to the early season narrative.
Indiana Hoosiers, the reigning national champions, are slated to face Ohio State on October 17, a clash that could reshape the top tier of the poll. Meanwhile, the Georgia Bulldogs are viewed as Texas' foremost competition within the SEC, promising a fierce intraconference battle.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish are projected to compile a near-perfect record, potentially setting up a showdown with the Miami Hurricanes in November. Such a matchup could determine the eventual national-title contender from the ACC.
Overall, the preseason projections indicate that the Big Ten and SEC will likely retain 18 of the 25 spots in the AP poll, with only minor shifts expected from the Coaches poll consensus. This stability underscores the enduring influence of these conferences on college football's elite.