College Football AP Top 25 Preseason Rankings Projected for 2026 Season

A projection of the 2026 AP Top 25 college football preseason poll combines returning talent and last season's performance. The prior poll saw Indiana sweep all 66 first‑place votes after a 16‑0 record, setting a high bar. Projected frontrunners include the defending champion Indiana Hoosiers, a loaded Ohio State Buckeyes roster, and an Oregon Ducks team that has regained its quarterback.

The lower tier of the projected list features Houston Cougars at No. 25, followed by Iowa, Clemson, Louisville and Washington rounding out the top 21. Additional teams mentioned in the forecast include Tennessee, Utah, SMU, Penn State and Michigan among the 16‑20 slots.