College football preseason rankings released for FBS teams

Various media outlets have released preseason rankings for the 138 FBS college football teams ahead of the 2026 season.

Clemson's preseason position varies significantly across different publications. The Athletic ranked the Tigers at No. 33, noting roster losses following a 7-6 season. Fox Sports placed them at No. 28, while CBS Sports ranked them at No. 27. USA TODAY Sports included them in their top 25 at No. 25, and Pro Football Network positioned them at No. 22.

Texas Tech's standing is also being evaluated within the broader context of the 138-team rankings. Analysts note that while preseason rankings provide a snapshot of talent based on recruiting and the transfer portal, they are subject to anchoring bias and can be rendered inaccurate by injuries or schedule variances during the season.