The preseason Coaches Poll released as the first official ranking snapshot for the upcoming college football season reflects significant changes across the landscape, with Ohio State positioned at No. 1 and Oregon at No. 2. Georgia follows in the No. 3 slot, while Texas and Notre Dame complete the top five.
Indiana, the reigning national champion with a 16-0 record from last season, enters the preseason rankings at No. 6. The Hoosiers underwent notable transitions on their roster, most significantly replacing Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza with Josh Hoover from TCU. The team’s offensive line is expected to be among the nation’s strongest, while the defensive front incorporates former Kansas State edge rushers as part of a defensive overhaul.
Miami ranks as the highest-rated ACC team at No. 7, drawing on momentum from an appearance in last season’s College Football Playoff title game. The Hurricanes present a significantly different offensive look with only three returning starters, supplemented by an elite transfer class featuring former Duke quarterback Darian Mensah, his previous leading receiver Cooper Barkate, and South Carolina’s Vandrevius Jacobs.
Conference representation shows the SEC holding nine teams within the poll, with Alabama at No. 11, LSU at No. 13, Tennessee at No. 18, and Missouri at No. 25. The Big Ten placed eight teams in the rankings, while the Big 12 and ACC added four and three teams respectively. Clemson appears at No. 23, marking its lowest preseason Coaches Poll ranking under Dabo Swinney since 2011. The rankings were compiled from 73 voting panelists selected by random draw from the American Football Coaches Association. The Associated Press is scheduled to release its preseason rankings on Aug. 17.
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