The 2026 college football season is upon us, and the excitement is palpable as teams gear up for training camp. The highly anticipated preseason poll from Phil Steele has been released, ranking all 138 college football teams from 1 to 138. This year's rankings offer a fascinating glimpse into the potential contenders and underdogs, with some surprises and familiar faces alike.
One of the most notable teams in the poll is Notre Dame, who takes the top spot. The Irish, led by quarterback CJ Carr and a strong defensive secondary, are looking to make a strong case for a College Football Playoff bid. Their recent success and impressive recruiting class have them in the spotlight, with many eyes on Marcus Freeman's program.
Oregon, who made a run to the College Football Playoff last year, is ranked second. The Ducks' return of quarterback Dante Moore and a talented defense, anchored by Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti, make them a force to be reckoned with. The addition of Koi Perich from Minnesota further bolsters their safety position.
Georgia, led by returning quarterback Gunner Stockton, is ranked third. The Bulldogs' stout defense and SEC title defense make them a top contender. Ohio State, ranked fourth, is looking to reload after losing some key pieces to the NFL Draft. Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have a strong returning quarterback in Julian Sayin and a talented defense led by Matt Patricia.
Texas, ranked fifth, is facing high expectations after Arch Manning's late-season surge. The Longhorns have bolstered their offense with playmakers and a strong defense, making them a top contender. Indiana, ranked sixth, is looking to repeat as national champions after a successful transfer portal reload. TCU transfer Josh Hoover is a notable addition, and the Hoosiers have a strong chance of repeating their success.
Oklahoma, ranked seventh, is making a strong turnaround under Brent Venables. The Sooners have a strong returning quarterback in John Mateer and a vaunted defense. Ole Miss, ranked eighth, is led by Pete Golding, who took over for Lane Kiffin. The Rebels have a strong returning quarterback in Trinidad Chambliss and a new coordinator in John David Baker.
Miami, ranked ninth, is looking to build on their strong run to the national championship. The Hurricanes have a new quarterback in Darian Mensah and a strong defense. USC, ranked tenth, is led by Lincoln Riley and has a strong returning quarterback in Jayden Maiava. The Trojans' strong recruiting class and defensive coordinator Gary Patterson make them a top contender.
The rest of the rankings offer a mix of familiar names and surprises. Alabama, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech are among the top 10, while Michigan, Washington, and South Carolina are also ranked highly. BYU, Tennessee, and Penn State are also in the top 25. The poll continues with a mix of SEC, Big Ten, and other conference teams, offering a diverse range of contenders.
As the season unfolds, the rankings will shift and teams will rise and fall. The excitement of college football is in the unknown, and the preseason poll provides a fascinating glimpse into the potential storylines and surprises of the upcoming season. The media days circuit is just around the corner, and the anticipation is building as teams prepare for the challenge of the 2026 college football season.
