CBS Sports has released its complete FBS preseason rankings for 2026, a snapshot that sets the stage for what promises to be a volatile college football season.
Preseason Power Rankings Overview
At the very top of the list, the Ohio State Buckeyes sit at No. 1, buoyed by the return of star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin, both of whom are expected to drive the offense.
Close behind, Oregon, Notre Dame, Texas and Miami (FL) occupy the next four slots, each bringing a mix of seasoned veterans and highly touted recruits into their squads.
Notably, both Georgia and Indiana — teams that many analysts had pegged as playoff contenders — received no first‑place votes, underscoring the uncertainty that still surrounds the top tier of the sport.
The rankings also introduce two brand‑new FBS members, North Dakota State and Sacramento State, expanding the CBS Sports 138 to include programs that have recently transitioned to the top tier.
Weekly updates will be driven by expert ballots from CBS Sports and 247Sports, meaning the hierarchy can shift dramatically once regular‑season play begins.
Key Movements and Concerns
Florida’s position took a steep dip, sliding by 49 spots, a reflection of injury concerns and an impending change at the helm of the program.
In contrast, LSU’s climb of 43 spots is largely attributed to the arrival of Lane Kiffin, whose offensive philosophy has sparked optimism about a potential playoff run.
Penn State also enjoyed a boost of 28 spots after Matt Campbell joined the program, with a wave of transfers aiming to solidify the team’s Big Ten ambitions.
Meanwhile, Virginia and Vanderbilt both saw their rankings fall sharply — by 20 and 21 spots respectively — due to roster turnover and the loss of key quarterbacks.
Other programs, including James Madison, Tulane and North Texas, suffered steep declines of 59, 68 and 88 spots as coaching departures and instability reshaped their rosters.