# 2026 college sports preseason rankings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-college-sports-preseason-rankings
> Updated: 2026-08-25T22:25:27.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The 2026 college sports preseason period has seen significant focus on team rankings and player performance expectations. Early reports highlighted high preseason expectations for Colorado volleyball and Notre Dame football, with the latter being ranked No. 5 in the preseason coaches poll.

Following the release of the AP and Coaches Polls, debate has emerged regarding specific team placements. While Notre Dame remains a top-five team, some analysts have questioned if they are “overrated” despite quarterback CJ Carr being a Heisman favorite. Additionally, discussions have centered on the Tennessee Volunteers, where concerns exist regarding the consistency of true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon as he takes over the starting role in the SEC.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: College football preseason polls spark debate over Tennessee and Notre Dame

Preseason college football polls for 2026 have released, highlighting debates over Tennessee's potential struggles with freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon and Notre Dame's top-five ranking.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/college-football-preseason-polls-spark-debate-over-tennessee-and-notre-dame

### 2026-08-12: Colorado and Notre Dame enter 2026 seasons with high preseason rankings

Colorado volleyball enters the 2026 season ranked No. 5 in the Big 12, while Notre Dame football holds a No. 5 preseason ranking with analysts suggesting they could compete in the SEC.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-and-notre-dame-enter-2026-seasons-with-high-preseason-rankings

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Cite as: 2026 college sports preseason rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-college-sports-preseason-rankings