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 teams from 1 to 138, providing a comprehensive look at the upcoming season. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 teams, with a focus on the intriguing narratives and potential surprises.
Notre Dame: The Irish are ranked No. 1, returning key players like quarterback CJ Carr and cornerback Leonard Moore. The hype is building around Marcus Freeman's program, and with a top-ranked recruiting class, Notre Dame is poised for a strong season. However, the loss of two first-round picks from the backfield could be a challenge.
Oregon: The Ducks are ranked No. 2, led by quarterback Dante Moore's return. Oregon's strong showing in the College Football Playoff last year has carried over, and they've bolstered their defense with transfers. The team's depth at wide receiver and a talented pass rush make them a top contender.
Georgia: The Bulldogs are ranked No. 3, with quarterback Gunner Stockton returning. Georgia's stout defense and SEC title defense make them a force to be reckoned with. The team's depth at quarterback and the potential for a leap forward in 2026 are intriguing.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes are ranked No. 4, led by quarterback Julian Sayin and standout receiver Jeremiah Smith. Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have reloaded well after a national championship run, making them a top-tier team.
Texas: The Longhorns are ranked No. 5, with high expectations after Arch Manning's late-season surge. Steve Sarkisian and Co. have bolstered the offense with transfers, and the defense is looking to level up. The team's potential for a breakout season is a fascinating narrative.
Indiana: The Hoosiers are ranked No. 6, reloading through the transfer portal. Curt Cignetti and the staff aim to keep the program atop the mountain, with notable additions like TCU transfer Josh Hoover. Indiana's quest for a repeat national championship is a compelling story.
Oklahoma: The Sooners are ranked No. 7, with quarterback John Mateer back. After an impressive turnaround last year, Oklahoma has a strong defense and a vaunted offense. The team's potential for a deep playoff run is a significant talking point.
Ole Miss: The Rebels are ranked No. 8, with Pete Golding taking over for Lane Kiffin. Golding has his quarterback returning, and the team's strong showing in the College Football Playoff semifinals carries over. The new coordinator and the team's potential for a breakthrough season are intriguing.
Miami: The Hurricanes are ranked No. 9, with strong play in the trenches and high-level returners. Miami has new faces in the fold but is led by Mark Fletcher and Malachi Toney. The team's potential for a strong season is a significant narrative.
USC: The Trojans are ranked No. 10, with quarterback Jayden Maiava returning and a top-ranked recruiting class. Lincoln Riley's team has a strong foundation, and the potential for a breakout season is a fascinating prospect.
As the season unfolds, these teams will face challenges and surprises, but their rankings and potential for success make them the ones to watch in 2026 college football.
