The 2026 college football season is upon us, and the excitement is palpable as teams gear up for training camp. Phil Steele's preseason poll has been released, ranking all 138 college football teams, and it's a fascinating insight into the upcoming season. The poll showcases a diverse range of teams, with some familiar powerhouses and some surprises that could shake up the rankings.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this poll is the top-ranked team, Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, led by quarterback CJ Carr and cornerback Leonard Moore, are poised to make a strong run at the College Football Playoff. Their recent success, including a 10-2 record last year and a top-ranked recruiting class, has the hype machine revving. However, it's worth noting that the loss of two key running backs to the NFL Draft could be a challenge for the team.
Another standout team is Oregon, ranked second in the poll. The Ducks, with quarterback Dante Moore's return, are considered a top contender. Their recent run to the College Football Playoff and strong recruiting efforts have positioned them as a force to be reckoned with. However, the loss of Dillon Thieneman to the NFL Draft and the addition of Koi Perich from Minnesota could be factors to watch.
Georgia, ranked third, is another team with a strong returning quarterback, Gunner Stockton. The Bulldogs' stout defense and SEC title defense make them a top contender. Ohio State, ranked fourth, is also a team to watch, with a strong returning quarterback, Julian Sayin, and a talented defense led by coordinator 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 new coordinator, Will Muschamp, on the defensive side. Indiana, ranked sixth, is another team with high expectations, having landed a top-ranked portal class and a notable addition, Josh Hoover.
Oklahoma, ranked seventh, is making a strong comeback after an impressive turnaround last year. The Sooners have quarterback John Mateer back and a strong defense, including defensive lineman David Stone and linebacker Owen Heinecke. Ole Miss, ranked eighth, is also making a strong case with a new coach, Pete Golding, and a returning quarterback, Trinidad Chambliss.
Miami, ranked ninth, is a team to watch with a strong run to the national championship last season. The Hurricanes have high-level returners and a new quarterback, Darian Mensah, who is one of the highest-rated transfers this cycle. USC, ranked tenth, is another team with high expectations, returning quarterback Jayden Maiava and a top-ranked recruiting class.
The poll continues with a mix of familiar and surprising teams. Alabama, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech are ranked 11th to 13th, while Michigan, Washington, and South Carolina are ranked 14th to 16th. BYU, Tennessee, and Penn State are ranked 17th to 19th, and Iowa, LSU, and SMU are ranked 20th to 22nd.
The poll then delves into the middle ranks, with Florida, Clemson, and Florida State ranked 23rd to 25th. Utah, Wisconsin, and Pitt are ranked 26th to 28th, while Auburn, UCLA, and Houston are ranked 29th to 30th. Nebraska, Missouri, and Vanderbilt are ranked 31st to 33rd, and Minnesota, Louisville, and TCU are ranked 34th to 36th.
The poll continues with Arizona, Virginia, and Virginia Tech ranked 37th to 39th, while Illinois, Maryland, and Baylor are ranked 40th to 42nd. Georgia Tech, UCF, and Rutgers are ranked 43rd to 45th, and Boise State, Kansas, and Northwestern are ranked 46th to 48th. UTSA, Mississippi State, and Duke are ranked 49th to 51st, while Fresno State, Arkansas, and Kentucky are ranked 52nd to 54th.
The poll then moves into the lower ranks, with West Virginia, Wake Forest, and Kansas State ranked 55th to 57th. North Carolina, Texas State, and Colorado are ranked 58th to 60th, while Michigan State, Oklahoma State, and Purdue are ranked 61st to 63rd. James Madison, Syracuse, and New Mexico are ranked 64th to 66th, while Navy, Stanford, and San Diego State are ranked 67th to 69th.
The final ranks are filled with a mix of mid-major and FCS teams, with San Jose State, Sam Houston State, and Missouri State ranked 70th to 72nd. Northern Illinois, UMass, and Ball State are ranked 73rd to 75th, while Southern Miss and Sacramento State are ranked 76th to 77th. The poll concludes with a mix of mid-major and FCS teams, with a final ranking of 138 teams.
In conclusion, Phil Steele's 2026 college football preseason poll offers a fascinating insight into the upcoming season. With a mix of familiar powerhouses and surprising teams, the poll showcases the diversity and excitement of college football. As the season unfolds, these rankings will be tested, and the true contenders will emerge.
