Ohio State Reigns Supreme
The 2026 AFCA preseason coaches' poll has been released, and Ohio State University sits at the summit, earning 38 of 72 first‑place votes and marking its first No. 1 position since 2015. The Buckeyes are propelled by Heisman Trophy hopefuls Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, whose performances have generated early buzz.
Conference Power Plays
Close behind, Oregon University holds the second spot, while traditional powerhouses Georgia, Texas, and Notre Dame round out the top five, occupying positions three through five respectively. The Big Ten continues to dominate the rankings, with eight of its members appearing across the top tier, including defending champion Indiana University at No. 6. Indiana’s coach Curt Cignetti has underscored the conference’s depth, noting that its teams are primed for playoff contention.
SEC Strength
The Southeastern Conference also boasts a strong presence, with nine squads in the top 25, half of them within the top ten. Teams such as Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss fill slots seven through ten, while Alabama, Texas Tech, LSU, USC, and BYU round out the top twenty.
Shifts and Surprises
Notable shifts include Penn State University, now led by coach Matt Campbell, falling from No. 3 a year ago after coach James Franklin was dismissed, and Clemson University’s descent to its lowest preseason ranking since 2011 following a six‑game slump in 2025. LSU University announced the departure of coach Brian Kelly after just eight games in the previous season.
Emerging Faces and Future Outlook
New storylines emerge as Miami University welcomes fresh quarterback Darian Mensah, alongside returning standouts Mark Fletcher and Malachi Toney, while Michigan University, under new coach Kyle Whittingham, prepares for a rebound. The poll also spotlighted additional figures such as Fernando Mendoza and Josh Hoover, who are expected to influence their respective programs.