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The AP poll has delivered a historic preseason statement, placing Ohio State at No. 1 and Oregon at No. 2. The result gives the Big Ten its first preseason top-two finish since 1961 and only the second such occurrence in the conference’s history.
The Associated Press released its 2026 preseason Top 25 on Monday, Aug. 17, following a vote by 69 media members who cover college football for the AP and other news organizations. Ohio State collected 40 first-place votes, while Oregon received 14.
Historic AP Poll Puts Big Ten Power on Full Display
Ohio State is beginning a season ranked No. 1 for the ninth time and the first time since 2015. The Buckeyes are now tied with Alabama for the second-most preseason No. 1 selections, trailing only Oklahoma, which has started atop the rankings 10 times.
Oregon’s No. 2 position is even more significant. The Ducks have achieved their highest preseason ranking in program history after previously opening at No. 3 four times. The ranking reflects rising confidence in a team that believes it can compete for the national championship in its new conference environment.
The last time the Big Ten occupied the top two spots was in 1961, when Iowa and Ohio State led the preseason poll. That season ended differently for the two programs: Iowa faded late and finished unranked, while Ohio State went 8-0-1 and ended No. 2 behind unbeaten Alabama.
Powerful Top Five Sets the Tone
Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas completed the top five, creating a group packed with championship expectations. Defending national champion Indiana opened at No. 6, followed by Miami, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Oklahoma.
- No. 1: Ohio State
- No. 2: Oregon
- No. 3: Georgia
- No. 4: Notre Dame
- No. 5: Texas
- No. 6: Indiana
- No. 7: Miami
- No. 8: Texas A&M
- No. 9: Ole Miss
- No. 10: Oklahoma
Notre Dame received six first-place votes, Indiana earned eight and Miami received one. LSU landed at No. 11, followed by Texas Tech, Alabama, BYU and Southern Cal. Michigan, Washington, Penn State, SMU and Tennessee rounded out the next five positions.
Ohio State Faces Immediate Championship Pressure
The Buckeyes enter the season with an explosive offense. Quarterback Julian Sayin was the nation’s most accurate passer by a wide margin last season, while receiver Jeremiah Smith leads the country in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns over the past two years.
Freshman running back Bo Jackson also enters the campaign after rushing for more than 1,000 yards. Those weapons explain why Ohio State is favored to remain among the nation’s elite despite needing to replace eight defensive starters for a second straight year. At least six transfers are projected to start or play major roles on defense.
Ohio State will be tested quickly. The Buckeyes visit Texas on Sept. 12 and face five preseason-ranked opponents across their nine-game conference schedule, including Indiana on the road and Oregon at home.
Texas, Georgia and Indiana Carry Major Questions
Texas begins at No. 5 for the third consecutive season and faces arguably the most demanding schedule among the leading teams. The Longhorns will play seven games against preseason Top 25 opponents, including four against teams ranked in the top 10.
Quarterback Arch Manning will be closely watched as he moves into his second year as a full-time starter. Manning is already viewed as a leading Heisman Trophy candidate, but his performance will be central to Texas’ hopes of navigating a punishing schedule.
Georgia opens in the top five for the ninth consecutive year under coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs return experienced offensive players, including quarterback Gunner Stockton, running backs Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens, and tight end Lawson Luckie.
Indiana, meanwhile, starts sixth after completing a historic 16-0 season. The Hoosiers must replace Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 NFL draft pick Fernando Mendoza, with TCU transfer Josh Hoover expected to take over at quarterback. Voters appear to have tempered expectations because of that major transition.
SEC Strength Adds Fuel to National Debate
The SEC leads all conferences with nine teams in the preseason Top 25. Five of the nation’s top 10 teams come from the conference, its strongest showing in the top tier since 2013.
The Big 12 placed four teams in the rankings, led by No. 12 Texas Tech. The ACC has three ranked teams: Miami, SMU and Louisville. No Group of 6 program made the Top 25, although Boise State was the leading vote-getter outside the rankings.
The conference debate will intensify on Sept. 12, when Oklahoma visits Michigan and Ohio State travels to Texas. The Big Ten has won three consecutive College Football Playoff championships through Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana. The conference is now chasing an unprecedented fourth straight title.
FAQs About the AP Poll
Who is No. 1 in the 2026 preseason AP poll?
Ohio State is ranked No. 1 after receiving 40 first-place votes from the 69-member voting panel.
Why is Oregon’s ranking historic?
Oregon is ranked No. 2, its highest preseason position in program history. The Ducks previously opened as high as No. 3.
When did the Big Ten last hold the top two spots?
The Big Ten last placed two teams at No. 1 and No. 2 in 1961, when Iowa and Ohio State led the preseason rankings.
How many SEC teams are ranked?
The SEC has nine teams in the preseason Top 25, including five among the top 10.
