The 2026 college football season is here, and the Associated Press preseason Top 25 gives us an exciting outlook for this year’s race for the national championship. Ohio State enters the season as the No. 1, with Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas following behind. With star players returning and new recruits, the top 10 is filled with teams that can make the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State holds the No. 1 spot with 40 first-place votes. The Buckeyes went 12-2 last season. They have a talented group of players, including players like Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin. Ohio State will have an early test when they travel to No. 5 Texas on Sept. 12.
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Oregon is ranked No. 2, which gives the Big Ten the top two teams in the preseason rankings. The Ducks went 13-2 last season, and Dante Moore returned. Oregon has plenty of talent around Moore, making the Ducks a dangerous team with their eyes on a Big Ten and national championship.
Georgia is No. 3 after another great season. The Bulldogs finished 12-2 and will rely on returning Gunner Stockton to lead the offense. Running back Nate Frazier will also give Georgia a scary rushing attack. Their defense is stacked from top to bottom, which is expected to be the team’s biggest strength.
Notre Dame is No. 4 and received six first-place votes. The Fighting Irish finished last season at 10-2 and enter the season with high expectations. Quarterback play will be the key to Notre Dame returning to the College Football Playoff. The Irish have a very strong defense and great talent.
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Texas completes the top five. The Longhorns went 10-3 last season and will have one of the most anticipated games when Ohio State comes to Austin. Texas has plenty of offensive talent and will need Archie Manning to perform in high-pressure games if they hope to win the SEC championship.
The reigning national champion Indiana starts the season at No. 6. The Hoosiers surprised college football last year by finishing at 16-0. They now have the opportunity to prove themselves as a dominant team for years to come. Their championship experience gives them a lot of confidence, but opponents will love to defeat the defending champions.
Miami is ranked No. 7 after finishing 13-3 last season and received one first-place vote. The Hurricanes lost the national title game last year and brought in Darian Mensah. They have eyes on an ACC championship.
Texas A&M sits at the No. 8 spot after an 11-2 season. Returning quarterback Marcel Reed looks to continue his good college campaign. The Aggies hope to return to the College Football Playoff and compete for an SEC championship.
Ole Miss is No. 9 and enters the season with several talented players. Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy returned to Ole Miss. Both could play major roles for the Rebels in an attempt to compete in the SEC.
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Oklahoma completes the top 10. The Sooners went 10-3 last season, and they have a chance to prove themselves. Their matchup against Michigan on Sept. 12 will be an early test.
In my opinion, Ohio State deserves to be No. 1. They had a great season last year and have one of the most talented rosters in college football. Teams like Oregon, Georgia, and Texas also have a chance to compete for the national championship, but they will have to play well under pressure. Any of these teams could win, but I believe Ryan Day and the Buckeyes will finally get it done.
