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. The top spot goes to Notre Dame, who missed out on the College Football Playoff last year but returns with a strong lineup, including quarterback CJ Carr and cornerback Leonard Moore.
Notre Dame's ranking is well-deserved, as they have a solid foundation with returning key players and a top-ranked recruiting class. The Irish's 10-2 record last season and their impressive performance at the Manning Passing Academy further solidify their position as a top contender. Marcus Freeman's program is generating significant hype as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Oregon, ranked No. 2, is another team to watch. The Ducks' return of quarterback Dante Moore and their strong defensive lineup, featuring Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart, make them a force to be reckoned with. Oregon's run to the College Football Playoff last year and their recent portal additions further enhance their chances of a successful season.
Georgia, ranked No. 3, also has a strong returning quarterback in Gunner Stockton, who led the Bulldogs to an SEC title and a top-7 Heisman Trophy finish. The Bulldogs' stout defense and SEC dominance make them a top-tier team in the conference.
Ohio State, ranked No. 4, is another team that missed out on a national championship last year but has reloaded well. With quarterback Julian Sayin and standout receiver Jeremiah Smith returning, the Buckeyes have a strong offensive and defensive lineup. Ryan Day's team is poised for a successful season.
Texas, ranked No. 5, faces high expectations after Arch Manning's late-season surge in 2025. The Longhorns have bolstered their offense with playmakers and are looking to level up their defense with new coordinator Will Muschamp. Steve Sarkisian's team is a force to be reckoned with.
Indiana, ranked No. 6, reloaded through the transfer portal and landed the top-ranked portal class. With TCU transfer Josh Hoover as the heir apparent to No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, the Hoosiers are a team to watch. Curt Cignetti's program is on a quest for a repeat national championship.
Oklahoma, ranked No. 7, put together an impressive turnaround last year with a new staff and quarterback John Mateer. The Sooners have a strong defense and are looking to rebound from a rocky finish to the 2025 season. Brent Venables' team is a contender in the Big 12.
Ole Miss, ranked No. 8, had a high-profile coaching change last season, with Pete Golding taking over for Lane Kiffin. The Rebels ran with it, reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals. Golding's team is looking to put his stamp on the program with a full offseason.
Miami, ranked No. 9, had a strong run to the national championship last season, fueled by strong play in the trenches. The Hurricanes have high-level returners on offense and defense, with new quarterback Darian Mensah and former Missouri EDGE Damon Wilson. Mario Cristobal's team is a force to be reckoned with.
USC, ranked No. 10, is shaping up to be a big year for Lincoln Riley and the Trojans. With quarterback Jayden Maiava returning and a strong recruiting class, the Trojans are a top-10 team. Riley's team is a contender in the Pac-12.
The rest of the rankings reveal a highly competitive landscape, with teams like Alabama, Texas A&M, and Michigan making their presence known. The SEC and Big 12 conferences are particularly strong, with multiple teams in the top 25. The season promises to be an exciting one, with many teams vying for conference and national championships.
As the media days circuit begins, the college football season is just about here. Training camp is on the horizon, and teams will soon take the field. The preseason poll provides a glimpse into the potential contenders, but the real test will come when the season kicks off. The excitement and anticipation are palpable as fans eagerly await the start of the 2026 college football season.
