Ohio State leads preseason college football rankings for 2026 season

As the 2026 college football season approaches, preseason rankings and analyst predictions are highlighting a shifting landscape in the sport. The Super 16 preseason poll places Ohio State at No. 1, followed by Oregon and Notre Dame. While the SEC remains well-represented with seven teams in the top 16, including Texas at No. 4 and Georgia at No. 5, analysts are noting a growing competitive edge for Big Ten programs.

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit suggested that Big Ten teams appear more invested in the current NIL era compared to SEC programs, noting that SEC players often prioritize professional transitions or transfers once eliminated from playoff contention. Herbstreit also maintained his preseason prediction for Notre Dame to win the national championship, citing their returning talent and strong quarterback play.

The professionalization of the sport is also increasing pressure on coaching staff. With athletic departments spending tens of millions of dollars on rosters through revenue-sharing and NIL deals, the margin for error for head coaches has narrowed, making the 2026 season a critical period for many programs.