Preseason Top 25: Rankings That Raise Eyebrows
The latest AP preseason poll for the 2026 college football season has sparked a lively debate among analysts and fans alike. While traditional powerhouses often dominate the conversation, this year’s list includes a handful of placements that feel either too high or oddly low, prompting questions about schedule strength, coaching stability, and talent pipelines.
Texas, listed at No.5, entered the rankings without a single first‑place vote, a detail that has drawn immediate scrutiny toward head coach Steve Sarkisian and his star quarterback, Arch Manning. Critics point to a demanding conference slate and the pressure of living up to preseason hype as factors that could quickly erode the Longhorns’ momentum.
Just a spot above, USC sits at No.14, a position many label overrated given the recent hiring of defensive coordinator Gary Patterson and the broader challenges of navigating a revamped Big Ten schedule under Lincoln Riley. The Trojans’ ability to translate recruiting gains into on‑field success remains under a microscope.
Miami’s placement at No.7 has been championed as underrated. The Hurricanes rode a close CFP runner‑up finish in 2025, returning a core of experienced players and drawing a schedule that appears more navigable than those of several higher‑ranked peers.
Washington, slotted at No.17, is being heralded as a potential playoff sleeper. With quarterback Demond Williams at the helm and new head coach Jedd Fisch shaping the offense, the Huskies could surprise a nation still adjusting to their recent rise.
The conversation also extends to programs projected to tumble out of the final rankings. Texas A&M and Ole Miss, both preseason top‑15 teams, are expected to drop due to recent coaching changes and concerns over talent management, while Oklahoma’s tough slate and late‑season slump have placed it on a similar trajectory.
Finally, Missouri’s No.25 ranking is viewed as a regression candidate after a modest 8‑5 record in 2025 and a Las Vegas over/under set at just 6.5 wins. The Tigers will need to exceed expectations to avoid a steep fall when the final poll arrives.
What This Means for the Season
The disparities highlighted by the preseason poll underscore how much weight is now placed on coaching continuity, schedule difficulty, and perceived talent depth. As the season unfolds, each of these teams will have the opportunity to either validate or refute the early assessments, making the upcoming weeks a critical proving ground for both players and administrators.