The 2026 preseason AP Poll has already sparked conversation across college football, with Texas Tech finding itself positioned at No. 12, the highest spot the program has held in over four decades. Only the 1977 squad, which reached No. 8, outranked this year’s team, making the Red Raiders’ climb a notable milestone for a program that has been steadily ascending under head coach Joey McGuire.
A New Era for the Big Ten
For the first time in 65 years, the Big Ten’s top two spots in the preseason rankings are occupied by Ohio State and Oregon, a pairing that signals a shifting balance of power. Ohio State entered the poll with 40 first‑place votes, underscoring its status as the preseason favorite, while Oregon claimed the No. 1 spot on 14 ballots, highlighting the conference’s renewed depth.
The Southeastern Conference continues to dominate the conversation, boasting nine of the 25 ranked teams. Traditional powerhouses such as Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas anchor the upper tier, while the conference’s depth reflects its reputation as the most competitive league in the nation.
Conference Champions and Unexpected Highs
Texas Tech, the recent Big 12 champion, arrives as the highest‑ranked team from that league, sitting at No. 12. The achievement marks a culmination of five seasons under McGuire, during which the Red Raiders have cracked the preseason top 25 on three occasions, a testament to consistent improvement.
Among the standout performers to watch, Ohio State’s quarterback Julian Sayin has emerged as a Heisman Trophy finalist and was recognized last season as the nation’s most accurate passer. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Smith continues to lead the country in receiving yards and touchdowns over the past two seasons, positioning him as a key weapon for his team’s offense.
Georgia Bulldogs, currently ranked No. 5, are chasing a sixth consecutive conference title game appearance, a streak that has made them the team to beat in the SEC. Indiana, the defending national champion, sits at No. 6 and returns a top‑10 transfer class, adding to the intrigue of a season that could see the Big Ten claim its fourth straight College Football Playoff championship.
The early rankings suggest that while the SEC’s grip remains strong, the Big Ten’s resurgence and the Big 12’s rising profile could reshape the playoff picture. As the season unfolds, the interplay of veteran talent, emerging stars and coaching strategies will determine whether these preseason expectations translate into on‑field dominance.