NCAAF · 2 hours ago

Bleacher Report Predicts the College Football AP Top 25 Poll Ahead of Next Week’s Release

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

Have Your Say! What Does the 1st AP Poll Look Like?
Debate the AP Poll Projections

We’ve officially audited Bleacher Report's predicted 2026 AP Top 25, but college football is all about the debate!

Top of the Board: Do you agree with Ohio State and Oregon sweeping the top two spots over SEC powers Texas and Georgia?

The Indiana Respect: Is No. 6 the right spot for defending champion Indiana, or are the media voters still underestimating them?

The Dark Horse: Which team in the 15-25 range, like BYU, SMU, or Houston, is most likely to crash the 12-team playoff bracket?

Drop your hot takes, thoughts, and AP Poll predictions in the comments!
Bleacher Report Predicts 1st College Football AP Poll of 2026
Projecting the AP Poll: Bleacher Report Predicts the Preseason Top 25

With the US LBM Coaches Poll officially out in the wild, the college football media landscape is prepping to drop its own ballot. Bleacher Report’s Julia Stumbaugh put together a projected preview of the initial Associated Press (AP) Top 25 rankings heading into the 2026 campaign. Between the Big Ten and SEC locking down the top of the board and an expanded 12-team playoff race creating pure drama across the bubble, here is how the press corps is projected to rank the top 25 teams before Week 1 kicks off on August 27.
25. Houston
Big 12

The Cougars grab the final spot at No. 25, emerging as an intriguing sleeper candidate in the Big 12. With explosive perimeter athletes and high-energy play, Houston completes a stacked preseason big board.
24. Mizzou
SEC

Eliah Drinkwitz and the Tigers hold No. 24, giving the SEC yet another dangerous representative on the national big board. Missouri brings physical trench play and veteran leadership to the field every Saturday.
23. SMU
ACC

Rhett Lashlee's Mustangs slide into No. 23 after a breakout 9-win season. Bringing a high-tempo offense to Dallas, SMU has the playmaking depth to challenge anyone on its conference schedule.
22. Clemson
ACC

Dabo Swinney's Tigers claim No. 22, aiming to recapture their throne in the ACC. With a talented defensive front and key offensive returners, Clemson brings plenty of big-game experience to the table.
21. Iowa
Big Ten

Kirk Ferentz lands the Hawkeyes at No. 21, relying on one of the most elite defensive and special teams units in the entire country. If Iowa gets efficient ground play, Iowa City will be a graveyard for visiting contenders.
20. Utah
Big 12

Morgan Scalley's program snags No. 20, bringing its gold-standard physical defense and disciplined execution into the Big 12 title race. The Utes are always a nightmare matchup when November rolls around.
19. Washington
Big Ten

The Huskies hold down No. 19, leaning on physical, old-school football on the West Coast. Washington brings a tough, disciplined roster capable of grinding out key conference wins in hostile environments.
18. Penn State
Big Ten

Happy Valley checks in at No. 18, featuring a top-tier defensive unit that keeps them firmly in the Big Ten upper echelon. If the Nittany Lions can generate consistent explosive plays, they'll quickly climb up the ballot.
17. Tennessee
SEC

The Volunteers enter at No. 17, bringing their signature fast-paced tempo into another competitive SEC slate. With relentless offensive pacing and a rowdy crowd at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville remains a tough assignment for visiting teams.
16. USC
Big Ten

Lincoln Riley brings his high-flying Trojans into No. 16, relying on rising signal-caller Jayden Maiava to trigger a big-play passing attack. If the defense can hold up its end of the bargain, USC has the juice to contend for a playoff spot.
15. Michigan
Big Ten

The Wolverines lock down No. 15, leaning heavily on a stingy, physical defensive front in Ann Arbor. While the offense retools, Michigan's trench identity ensures they'll be in every single fourth-quarter fistfight in the Big Ten.
14. Alabama
SEC

Tuscaloosa lands at No. 14, relying on classic line-of-scrimmage power and deep defensive talent to stay firmly in the championship conversation. The Crimson Tide remain a dangerous matchup for anyone on their schedule.
13. LSU
SEC

The Lane Kiffin era kicks off in Baton Rouge with the Tigers claiming No. 13. Fueled by a massive transfer portal haul featuring quarterback Sam Leavitt and tackle Jordan Seaton, Death Valley is primed for instant fireworks under the lights.
12. BYU
Big 12

Kalani Sitake has turned Provo into a physical fortress, snagging No. 12 after an impressive 12-win campaign. The Cougars bring a battle-tested roster that thrives in high-stakes conference battles, making them a dangerous postseason candidate out West.
11. Ole Miss
SEC

Even amidst coaching carousel transitions, the Rebels keep their foot on the gas at No. 11. Superstar playmaker Trinidad Chambliss returns as one of the most electric dual-threat weapons in college football, giving Oxford enough juice to crash any postseason party.
10. Texas Tech
Big 12

Joey McGuire's squad surges into No. 10, earning major respect as the premier team to beat in the Big 12. Backed by quarterback Will Hammond and a friendly schedule path, the Red Raiders are positioned for a potential milestone campaign.
9. Oklahoma
SEC

Norman enters the party at No. 9, relying on high-octane dual-threat playmaker John Mateer to ignite their offensive engine. The Sooners feature the defensive speed and playmaking depth needed to hold their ground against the top tier of the conference.
8. Texas A&M
SEC

The Aggies march into No. 8, leaning on dual-threat dynamic quarterback Marcel Reed to direct traffic in College Station. With impressive trench play and an electric home environment at Kyle Field, Texas A&M is primed to make serious noise in the SEC race.
7. Miami (FL)
ACC

Mario Cristobal has the Hurricanes riding high at No. 7 as the consensus team to beat in the ACC. Powered by top transfer quarterback Darian Mensah and explosive receiver Malachi Toney, Coral Gables is treating 2026 like a full-blown national title pursuit.
6. Indiana
Big Ten

The defending national champions snag No. 6, taking a prime position on the board as Curt Cignetti looks to build on a legendary run. With high-profile portal addition Josh Hoover stepping under center, the Hoosiers carry plenty of firepower to prove last year was no fluke.
5. Notre Dame
Independent

Marcus Freeman's Fighting Irish claim No. 5, backed by dynamic young quarterback CJ Carr and an elite defensive core. Operating as an independent powerhouse, South Bend benefits from a very manageable runway toward a high seed in the 12-team playoff field.
4. Georgia
SEC

Kirby Smart's Bulldogs sit comfortably at No. 4, bringing their trademark physical defense and championship pedigree back into the national spotlight. With Gunner Stockton commanding the huddle, Athens remains a terrifying destination for any opponent aiming for the title.
3. Texas
SEC

Arch Manning officially takes the helm in Austin as the Longhorns land at No. 3. Steve Sarkisian's group brings deep SEC championship aspirations and an enviable stack of blue-chip portal additions that make them an absolute nightmare to defend in space.
2. Oregon
Big Ten

Dan Lanning has Eugene buzzing as the Ducks claim No. 2 on the board. Bringing back star quarterback Dante Moore to run a high-octane attack, Oregon combines explosive perimeter playmaking with a physical front seven that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country.
1. Ohio State
Big Ten

The Buckeyes grab the No. 1 spot on the projected media ballot with a loaded roster ready to conquer the Big Ten. With young signal-caller Julian Sayin pulling the strings and generational wideout Jeremiah Smith stretching defenses downfield, Ryan Day's squad possesses the highest raw talent floor in college football.
Have Your Say! What Does the 1st AP Poll Look Like?
Debate the AP Poll Projections

We’ve officially audited Bleacher Report's predicted 2026 AP Top 25, but college football is all about the debate!

Top of the Board: Do you agree with Ohio State and Oregon sweeping the top two spots over SEC powers Texas and Georgia?

The Indiana Respect: Is No. 6 the right spot for defending champion Indiana, or are the media voters still underestimating them?

The Dark Horse: Which team in the 15-25 range, like BYU, SMU, or Houston, is most likely to crash the 12-team playoff bracket?

Drop your hot takes, thoughts, and AP Poll predictions in the comments!
Bleacher Report Predicts 1st College Football AP Poll of 2026
Projecting the AP Poll: Bleacher Report Predicts the Preseason Top 25

With the US LBM Coaches Poll officially out in the wild, the college football media landscape is prepping to drop its own ballot. Bleacher Report’s Julia Stumbaugh put together a projected preview of the initial Associated Press (AP) Top 25 rankings heading into the 2026 campaign. Between the Big Ten and SEC locking down the top of the board and an expanded 12-team playoff race creating pure drama across the bubble, here is how the press corps is projected to rank the top 25 teams before Week 1 kicks off on August 27.