Preseason Power Rankings
Phil Steele has just released his 2026 preseason college football poll, a snapshot that has already sparked conversation among analysts and fans alike.
At the very top of the list sits the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, who earned the No. 1 spot thanks to a blend of seasoned talent and promising newcomers.
Quarterback CJ Carr is expected to drive the offense, while cornerback Leonard Moore anchors a secondary that finished among the nation’s best last year.
Head coach Marcus Freeman will look to build on his momentum, with senior leaders like Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price also slated to contribute significantly.
Teams to Watch
Close behind, Oregon secured the second seed, bolstered by the return of quarterback Dante Moore, who impressed as a sophomore and will be joined by playmakers such as Koi Perich and Dillon Thieneman.
Georgia, the defending champions, sit at No. 3, anchored by quarterback Gunner Stockton, who aims to refine his game after a solid 2025 campaign.
Ohio State climbs to fourth, with Heisman finalist Julian Sayin slated to take the reins at quarterback, while the Buckeyes’ defense welcomes back standout talent like Evan Stewart.
Texas, ranked fifth, rides the wave of Arch Manning’s late‑season surge in 2025, a development that has raised expectations in Austin.
Indiana, now sixth, has reloaded through the transfer portal after capturing the national championship, adding depth at skill positions.
Oklahoma follows at seventh, with quarterback John Mateer back after a rocky finish to the previous season, hoping to restore the program’s offensive firepower.
Ole Miss holds the eighth spot, featuring quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who returns after a high‑profile legal victory that has kept him in the spotlight.
Miami rounds out the top nine, introducing fresh faces such as Mark Fletcher and Malachi Toney alongside established returners.
Closing the top ten, USC will rely on quarterback Jayden Maiava and a recruiting class that many consider among the nation’s best.