The college football world has its first official pecking order for 2026. On Tuesday, USA TODAY released the preseason Coaches Poll, and it's the Ohio State Buckeyes sitting atop the mountain to start the year.
The Buckeyes, powered by the dynamic duo of quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, grabbed the No. 1 spot despite a heartbreaking loss to Miami in last season's College Football Playoff quarterfinals. While Columbus saw some key defensive pieces depart—including Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles—the returning firepower is enough to make the coaches across the country believe this is the team to beat.
Right behind them, Oregon slides in at No. 2, giving the Big Ten a dominant 1-2 punch at the top. The rest of the top five features Georgia at No. 3, Texas at No. 4, and Notre Dame at No. 5.
Hoosiers and Hurricanes in the Mix
Defending national champion Indiana checks in at No. 6. The Hoosiers might have lost Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza to the NFL, but they've reloaded with key transfers and returning talent on both sides of the ball. Miami, which fell to Indiana in the national title game, sits at No. 7 despite losing quarterback Carson Beck. The Hurricanes are still a force to be reckoned with.
Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss round out the top 10, setting the stage for what promises to be a wild season.
Full Top 25
Here's the complete Coaches Poll preseason top 25:
- 1. Ohio State
- 2. Oregon
- 3. Georgia
- 4. Texas
- 5. Notre Dame
- 6. Indiana
- 7. Miami
- 8. Texas A&M
- 9. Oklahoma
- 10. Ole Miss
- 11. Alabama
- 12. Texas Tech
- 13. LSU
- 14. USC
- 15. BYU
- 16. Michigan
- 17. Penn State
- 18. Tennessee
- 19. Washington
- 20. SMU
- 21. Utah
- 22. Iowa
- 23. Clemson
- 24. Houston
- 25. Missouri
Also receiving votes: Louisville (153), Florida (147), TCU (63), Illinois (62), South Carolina (50), Arizona (50), Virginia (40), Vanderbilt (37), Auburn (29), Georgia Tech (26), Boise State (24), Oklahoma State (22), UNLV (17), NC State (13), Florida State (13), Virginia Tech (12), Nebraska (12), Memphis (9), Arizona State (8), James Madison (6), Duke (6), Pittsburgh (4), New Mexico (4), Western Michigan (3), Navy (3), San Diego State (2), Kansas State (1), Jacksonville State (1), Hawaii (1), and California (1).
With the season fast approaching, the pressure is on for several coaches featured in this poll. As Andy Staples recently highlighted, there are plenty of coaches already feeling the heat. And while the Big Ten's top-two placement might raise eyebrows, some SEC coaches have already voiced complaints about the Big Ten's schedule. The debate is only just beginning.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, and this poll is just the opening salvo. Buckle up.
