The 2026 preseason AP Top 25 college football rankings have been released, with Ohio State taking the top spot ahead of Oregon and Georgia.
Why it matters: This year's rankings set the stage for a highly anticipated college football season. Ohio State's No. 1 ranking marks the first time in 65 years that the Big Ten has claimed the top two spots in the preseason poll.
Ohio State received 40 first-place votes, solidifying its position as the favorite heading into the new season.
Oregon secured the No. 2 spot with 14 first-place votes, indicating strong support from the AP voters.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) dominates the rankings with nine teams included in the preseason poll.
This marks Ohio State's ninth time starting a season ranked No. 1, the first since 2015.
Driving the news: The Associated Press unveiled the preseason Top 25 on August 17, 2026, just two weeks before the college football season kicks off. Fans eagerly await the start of the season, often debating the rankings and their implications.
The 2026 season begins on September 3, with teams gearing up for intense matchups.
Local sports talk shows are buzzing, as fans express their opinions on the rankings, often leading to heated discussions.
Voters from across the country participated in the rankings, bringing diverse perspectives but also potential biases due to regional affiliations.
State of play: The rankings feature a mix of traditional powerhouses and rising programs. Following Ohio State and Oregon, Georgia is ranked No. 3, with Notre Dame and Texas rounding out the top five.
Indiana and Miami follow at Nos. 6 and 7, respectively, indicating a competitive year for the Big Ten and ACC.
Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma complete the top ten, showing the depth of talent across the conferences.
Notably absent from the top 25 are teams like Clemson and Florida, which raises eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
The big picture: The preseason rankings are not just about bragging rights; they have real implications for the teams involved. Historically, teams that start the season ranked high have a greater chance of making the playoffs.
Last year, twelve teams that were ranked in the 2025 preseason poll fell out of the rankings by season's end, including No. 2 Penn State and No. 4 Clemson.
The volatility of college football rankings means that fans should not overreact to the initial polls; performance on the field is what truly counts.
With the season approaching, teams will look to prove their worth and validate their rankings.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans are weighing in on the rankings, with many expressing surprise at certain placements.
Some argue that Ohio State deserves its top rank, citing a strong returning roster led by key players.
Critics point out that the rankings may not accurately represent team strengths, as some voters lack intimate knowledge of all programs.
The absence of teams like Florida State and South Carolina from the rankings has sparked debate about their potential this season.
By the numbers: The 2026 preseason AP Top 25 features a total of 25 ranked teams, with notable mentions just outside the rankings.
Clemson, Florida, Boise State, Arizona, and TCU are among those receiving votes but not making the cut.
The SEC leads all conferences with nine teams ranked, emphasizing its dominance in college football.
The Big Ten follows closely behind with eight teams, highlighting its competitive nature this season.
What's next: As the countdown to the season begins, teams will be preparing for their opening games and finalizing their rosters.
Ohio State will aim to maintain its No. 1 status as they face Texas in a highly anticipated matchup in week two.
Fans should expect lively discussions and debates over the rankings as the season progresses, especially with the potential for surprises.
Coaches will be under pressure to deliver results that match their preseason rankings, particularly for teams like USC and LSU.