On3 has released its 2026 college football preseason Top 25, and with the season quickly approaching, the rankings give fans plenty to argue about.
At the top, Ohio State checks in at No. 1, followed by Oregon at No. 2 and Texas at No. 3. Georgia comes in at No. 4, while Notre Dame rounds out the top five.
The full Top 25 is:
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Texas
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Indiana
- Miami
- Oklahoma
- Ole Miss
- Texas A&M
- Texas Tech
- LSU
- USC
- Alabama
- BYU
- Michigan
- Washington
- Penn State
- SMU
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Louisville
- Houston
- Iowa
- Florida
There are some interesting decisions immediately. Georgia sitting at No. 4 feels like either respect for the teams ahead of them or another opportunity for Kirby Smart to play the disrespect card. The Bulldogs remain loaded with talent and should once again be right in the middle of the national championship race.
The SEC also dominates the rankings in terms of depth. Along with Georgia and Texas, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, LSU and Alabama all appear inside the Top 14. Tennessee and Florida also crack the Top 25.
Meanwhile, defending national champion Indiana enters at No. 6, giving the Hoosiers plenty of respect after their historic run. Miami sits directly behind them at No. 7, while traditional powers Alabama and Michigan begin much further down at Nos. 14 and 16.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is just how wide-open the championship picture looks. Ohio State might own the preseason No. 1 spot, but Oregon, Texas, Georgia and Notre Dame are right behind them, with several other programs capable of making a run.
Preseason rankings ultimately mean nothing once the ball is kicked off, but On3 has officially given college football fans something else to fight about before Week 1.
