ClutchPoints’ Preseason 2026 College Football Top 25 Power Rankings

There are fewer than three weeks until the kickoff of the 2026 College Football Season. The first Coaches Poll of the year has come out, with Ohio State sitting first. Meanwhile, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Notre Dame, and Indiana all received first-place votes.

In 2025, Indiana began the season ranked 17th in the pre-season Power Rankings, but steadily moved up, finishing the season as National Champions. Miami (FL) finished second after the runner-up finish, and then Ole Miss, Ohio State, and Oregon rounded out the Top Five. Still, a lot changes in a year. Fernando Mendoza, Roman Hemby, and Elijah Sattat are all gone from Indiana, but they have retooled. Meanwhile, Texas Tech thought they had a star quarterback coming into the program, but Brendan Sorsby was deemed ineligible after a betting scandal.

There are also coaches in new places, as James Franklin is with Virginia Tech, Matt Campbell is now at Penn State, and Lane Kiffin is off to LSU. Further, some of the top non-power conference schools were gutted by the transfer portal, as players followed their coach to new power conference programs.

The landscape of college football has also changed. North Dakota State and Sacramento State jumped up from the FCS ranks to the FBS ranks. North Dakota State will be joining the Mountain West, while Sacramento State heads to the MAC. Meanwhile, the MAC also loses Northern Illinois as they move to the Mountain West. The Mountain West also adds UTEP, but loses five teams, as Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State all head to the Pac-12. They will be joined by Texas State in the Pac-12 from the Sun Belt. Finally, Louisiana Tech leaves Conference USA and heads to the Sun Belt.

While there are changes, there are still teams ready to contend in 2026, and these are the 25 best.

1. Ohio State

Ohio State is the top team in the nation, and there is not much of a doubt. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith may be the best player in the nation, and he has quarterback Julian Sayin back with him. Bo Jackson is also back as the running back, giving massive continuity for the offense. They also bring in Chris Henry Jr., who could be the next great Buckeye wide receiver. Regardless, the defense is returning just three starters. They did bring in defensive tackle James Smith and safety Terry Moore in the portal, but replacing players like Caleb Downs and Avrell Reese will not be easy.

2. Oregon

In 2023, Michigan defeated Washington to win the national title, becoming the first non-SEC team to win since 2018 and Clemson. Then Ohio State took the title in 2024, and Indiana won it all in 2025. The Big Ten has won three straight titles, with three different teams. Oregon hopes to make it four for four. Oregon is bringing back Dante Moore, who passed for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. Moore should be a favorite to win the Heisman. The defensive front line is also amazing. The front four could all be NFL Draft Picks, led by Amauri Washington and Bear Alexander.  Oregon has some holes; they are rebuilding the offensive line and have yet to break through against the best in the conference. With games against Ohio State and Michigan in back-to-back weeks, it could be difficult.

3. Texas

Arch Manning comes into the season with massive expectations once again. Manning struggled to begin the 2025 season, but turned it on to end the year. He also has a great group of playmakers around him. Cam Coleman comes in from Auburn while they return Ryan Wingo. The defense is also solid, with Colin Simmons back after he led the SEC in sacks last year. The offensive line is a major question for the team this year. If they cannot protect Manning, the amazing wide receivers will not be able to do much. The schedule is also brutal, with games against Ohio State, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, LSU, and Texas A&M.

4. Georgia

Kirby Smart has been a machine at Georgia, and consistently puts out top teams, even when they lose a ton to the NFL Draft. Georgia is losing a ton of senior leadership, but Smart has shown he can replace it. The standard at Georgia, a national title, has not been met in recent years, but they have all the tools to contend. Gunner Stockton comes back after passing for 2,894 yards and 24 touchdowns. Joining him is Nate Frazier, who ran for 947 yards and six scores. Regardless, Georgia was one of the worst in creating pressure on the quarterback, and while the interior of the defensive line is solid, they do not have a ton of talent on the edge.  They also have a brutal schedule in 2026 with road games against Alabama and Ole Miss.

5. Indiana

Curt Cignetti may be taking notes on the offseason disrespect for Indiana. They open the season ranked sixth in the Preseason Coaches Poll, and knock on the defending champions. Then Purdue’s new AD said, “We are here to win championships. If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana.” The Hoosiers are coming off a 16-0 season and have made some major additions in the transfer portal. They added Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh, which should continue to make an elite offense. Blue-Chip ratio did not matter for Indiana last year, and they have to prove it again in 2026. The team is not loaded with four-and five-star recruits. Indiana is going from the hunter to the hunted, though, and in a brutal Big Ten, that could be enough to knock them off.

6. Notre Dame

In 2022, Notre Dame shocked the college football world with one signature. CJ Carr, the grandson of Michigan legend Lloyd Carr, decided to sign with the Wolverines’ rival.  After redshirting in 2024, he was a star in 2025. Now, he is ready to lead Notre Dame to the playoffs. Notre Dame is number one in the nation in returning production, and second in the nation on defense. The team is loaded, with players such as Jordan Faison, Jaden Greathouse, and Ashton Craig joining Carr on offense.

On defense, Leonard Moore and Christian Gray lead a solid defense. At the end of the day, Notre Dame is almost guaranteed to be going to the playoffs. If they are in the top 12 of the College Football Playoff rankings, they get in. The schedule they have is a joke, and they will be in the top 12. Still, they will not have a ton of experience against top-quality teams heading into the playoffs.

7. Oklahoma

John Mateer is back for Oklahoma, and he is healthy. Mateer had his ups and downs last year, and a lot of downs after missing time due to a thumb injury. In the middle of the year, he struggled to throw the ball. Still, in the last two games of the year, he threw for 625 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran in a score. This was a playoff team last year and is 16th in returning production. The secondary is led by Peyton and Eli Bowen and will be solid. Meanwhile, Oklahoma has the hardest schedule in the nation. They have to visit both Michigan and Georgia in the first four weeks of the year, while also facing Texas, Florida, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.

8. Miami

Miami has done a great job with transfer quarterbacks and will need to do it again. This year, it is Darian Mensah, who won the ACC last year at Duke. Meanwhile, Mark Fletcher Jr. returns at running back and will be a force for Alabama. Meanwhile, the defense has to replace players such as Rueben Bain and Akeem Mesidor. They hit the portal for that again, bringing in Damon Wilson II. The offensive line could also be an issue, but with a weaker ACC, Miami should be the favorite in the conference.

9. Texas A&M

Marcell Reed was a beast in 2025, throwing for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns. The Aggies were dominant last year with Reed until the end of the year. They lost to Texas in the final game of the year, dropping to 11-1, and then losing in the College Football Playoff to Miami, 10-3. The team brings back an amazing receiving corps, joining Reed, while also having a solid defense. Still, they lost 15 starters. It does not matter much, as the Aggies bring back the 14th-ranked returning efficiency and should be a contender in the SEC.

10. Ole Miss

Ole Miss was one of the best teams in the nation in 2025. Then came the drama. Lane Kiffin left for LSU and did not coach in the playoffs. Ole Miss brings back Trinidad Chambliss, who passed for 3,937 yards and 22 touchdowns. Adding to it, Kewan Lacy is back after running for 1,567 yards and 24 scores. The offense is loaded, but the defense lost a ton to LSU and Lane Kiffin. Pete Golding is in his first season as the head coach, and has a brutal SEC schedule, but the offense is solid. If the defense can make strides with all the losses, it will be another playoff season for Ole Miss.

11. Texas Tech

Texas Tech thought they hit gold with Brendan Sorsby. At one point in the gambling scandal, it looked like Sorsby would be eligible, but he will not be playing for Texas Tech in 2026. In a weaker Big 12, it may not matter whether Sorsby is at quarterback or not. Will Hammond will be the starting quarterback, and there is hope he will play Week 1. Meanwhile, Texas Tech is 12th in returning production. Cameron Dickey ran for over 1,100 yards and 14 scores. There is not a ton of depth for Texas Tech this year, but they should still be solid.

12. LSU

LSU has a new head coach and tons of new weapons. After suffering through the Brian Kelly era, Lane Kiffin shows up to revitalize LSU. Sam Leavitt shows up behind a solid offensive line. He is joined by Tre Wilson II and Jayce Brown, along with Trey’Dez Green as weapons for Leavitt. There has been a ton of turnover with the roster, especially with the defensive end. If the defensive transfer hit, this team could win the SEC. If not, they could be fighting to stay in the Top 25.

13.  Michigan

Gone is Sherrone Moore and in is Kyle Whittingham. The team has a ton of solid offensive options, outside of a stellar offensive line. Bryce Underwood is back, and he should make a massive jump this year in his sophomore season. Meanwhile, with the backfield of Jordan Marshall and freshman Savion Hiter, the team should be dominant on the ground under Whittingham. Still, the schedule is brutal. They have Oklahoma, Indiana, Oregon and Ohio State on the schedule, which could easily lead to an 8-4 year and missing out on the playoffs.

14. USC

In the Big Ten, there is a clear top tier with Oregon, Indiana, and Ohio State. Still, the second tier is stacked and has Michigan plus USC. Jayden Maiava comes back as the quarterback for USC after passing for 3,711 and 24 touchdowns in 2025; he leads the offense. In front of him is an offensive line that brings back four starters. Still, they have to figure out the receiver position, with both Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane gone. The special teams could be an issue, and add that into a crowded Big Ten, USC could be boom or bust.

15. Alabama

Alabama does not have a decided quarterback. They are not the favorite in the SEC, and the rushing attack struggled last year. Kalen DeBoer got Alabama to the playoffs in 2025, but it was not a successful run. This has led to Alabama being doubted in the SEC, which is perfect for them. The secondary is one of the best, if not the best, in the nation. Ryan Coleman-Williams is a top receiver in the nation and will make Austin Mack or Keelon Russell look good. If they can figure out the QB position, the defense is solid enough to make a run.

16. BYU

Kilani Sitake has produced a perennial contender in the Big 12. In the last two years, they are 23-4. Bear Bachmeier is back, after he passed for 3,033 yards with 15 scores last year. He also ran in 11 scores, while LJ Martin ran in 12. Martin is back as well, after running for 1,305 yards last year. The defense is stellar wth Faletau Satuala and cornerback Evan Johnson. Still, there is little depth behind some of the starters, especially behind Martin. BYU will need to be perfect to make a run in the Big 12.

17. Tennessee

Tennessee rolls into the season with a solid uptempo offense and a great defense. The defense is led by Arion Carter, who will be suspended for the first two games, and would have been a solid draft pick if not for an injury. The front seven on defense is solid, but there is concern about the secondary. Still, there is no decision at quarterback for Tennessee, and with multiple players gunning for the spot, one has to shine. Without that, they will not survive the brutal SEC schedule.

18. SMU

Kevin Jennings is back at quarterback, giving SMU a battle-tested stud at quarterback. He is also behind a stud offensive line, led by PJ Williams, Addion Nichols and Joshua Bates. While the line is stellar, there is not much depth, and if one of those guys goes down, there could be issues for SMU. The defense is an overhaul. The linebacking corps has the most returning production, with Brandon Booker and Alexander Kilgore. Regardless, the secondary and line have plenty of holes. Regardless, SMU could easily make a run in the ACC.

19. Penn State

Penn State will be a boom-or-bust team in 2026. While sitting at 19 in the pre-season rankings, this team could be a top ten team or well outside of the top 25. They bring in a ton of transfers from Iowa State, including quarterback Rocco Becht. Still, a bulk of the team is coming from Iowa State, and they have to play a Big Ten schedule, which could be an issue. The start of the schedule gives Penn State some runway; they lack some major pieces to make a run in 2026.

20. Washington

Demond Williams Jr. comes back, which is huge for Washington. He passed for over 3,000 yards while also dropping 25 touchdowns last year. The team brings back a ton, including four starters on the offensive line. They are 15th in the nation in returning production, and 13th on offense. Returning production can be misleading if the production is not good, but the Washington offense does not fall into that category. The Huskies did lose Denzel Boston as well as Ephesians Pyrsock and Tacario Dacis, but they should be set up for success in 2026.

21. Utah

Utah will have a new look in 2026, with Kyle Whittingham gone. This is the first time since 1993 that Whittingham has not been on the staff. There are also players on this team whose father could have been recruited by Whittingham as a head coach, since he took over that program in 2005. Regardless, this team has been a model of consistency. Since 1999, they have missed a bowl just six times. One of those is a 3-2 COVID season in 2020. They have won less than five games just once since 1999, going 4-7 in 2000. With Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker back, the offense is set up for greatness. Utah is one of the teams that could be in the top-five when this season is over.

22. Houston

Willie Fritz rolls into his third season at Houston. He went 4-8 in his first year, and then 10-3 in year two. He has been great in year three in his career, including bringing Sam Houston to a runner-up at the FCS level in 2012. Connor Weigman is back for Houston. He passed for 2,705 yards last year with 25 touchdowns, while running for 700 yards and another 11 scores. They do have to replace some key pieces on defense, and move to a hunted in the Big 12 instead of a hunter, but still could be set for a solid season.

23. Clemson

Clemson was once a perennial contender for the title, but still, when in this position, they rise. The Tigers made the playoffs each year from 2o15 through 2020, winning two titles and losing in the National Championship Game twice. After going 10-2 in 2021, they would go to the Orange Bowl after winning the ACC in 2022. Then, the “fall off” happened after Clemson went 9-4. They rebounded again, going 7-1 in the conference, winning the ACC in 2024 and making the playoffs. Last year, it was a 7-6 season. The last time Clemson did not play for the ACC title in back-to-back years was 2013 and 2014. Gideon Davidson and T.J. Moore will lead the offense, if the defense can hold up.

24. Louisville

Miami is the main contender in the ACC, then it is open between SMU, Clemson, Louisville, and whoever has an unexpected season. Jeff Brohm is still one of the premier offensive minds in the game, and Isaac Brown is a beast. While their running back is amazing, Brown has missed early-season practice, and that could be an issue all year. There has been a ton of turnover for Louisville, but they were aggressive in the portal. Louisville was 60th in returning production, so unless they gel quickly, this top 25 spot may be short-lived.

25. Boise State 

The Group of Six did not see a single team ranked in the coaches’ preseason top 25. Still, one of them will make the playoffs, and one of them will be a legitimate contender for the top ten in the polls. James Madison made the playoffs last year and was a solid team. They were solid enough that most of the roster got robbed. The same could be said of 2024 Boise State, 2023 Liberty, 2022 Tulane, and 2021 Cincinnati. There is talent outside of the Power Four, and Boise State has it. This starts with Maddux Madsen, who is back after passing for 2,334 yards and 18 scores last year. Meanwhile, Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines combine for nearly 2,000 yards on the ground and another 18 scores. This offense will be hard to stop and could be the Group of Six representative in the CFP.

Just Missed Out: Iowa, Houston, Missouri, Oklahoma State, UNLV

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