The latest CBS Sports 138 college football rankings for the 2026 season have been released, setting the stage for what many expect to be a fiercely contested year.
Early Rankings Signal Shifts
Ohio State sits at the pinnacle, holding the No.1 spot as the preseason favorite, buoyed by a recruiting class that many analysts deem the most talent‑laden in the nation.
Not far behind, Texas climbs to No.2, riding a wave of optimism after a revamped offensive line and a deep wide‑receiver corps that promise more balance on that side of the ball.
Oregon secures the third slot, anchored by a defensive front that returns several starters and a stable of skilled position players who could stretch opponents across the field.
The top five is completed by Notre Dame and Georgia, both programs that have maintained their traditional strengths while integrating fresh coaching philosophies.
LSU’s ascent is one of the storylines of the week; the Tigers have vaulted several spots after hiring Lane Kiffin, a move that has injected new energy into their play‑calling.
Florida, under new head coach Jon Sumrall, has also made a noticeable jump, cracking the No.25 spot as the team leans on improved talent at key positions.
Penn State, however, experiences a dip after a wave of coaching changes and player turnover, a factor that could shape their early‑season trajectory.
South Carolina rebounds into the top 40 after a disappointing 2025 campaign, suggesting a potential turnaround under their current staff.
Meanwhile, Tulane looks poised to dominate the American Athletic Conference, with analysts projecting a strong finish for the Green Wave.
James Madison, the highest‑ranked Sun Belt team, finds itself just outside the top 70, reflecting both the competitiveness of that conference and the challenges of moving up the ladder.
North Texas suffers a steep decline as it navigates fresh coaching hires and a reshaped roster, a scenario that could test the resilience of their program.
Experts widely regard Ohio State and Georgia as the early front‑runners for the national title, citing depth, experience, and recruiting advantages.
Overall, the rankings underscore how quickly the landscape can shift, with roster moves, coordinator changes, and spring practice performances all feeding into the early narrative of the season.