Big Ten teams projected top of AP preseason college football rankings
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 1:15 PM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026
The first AP Top 25 poll of the 2026 college football season will be released Monday. Projections indicate a strong showing for Big Ten teams, with Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, Indiana, and Notre Dame filling the top five spots. Ohio State is favored to retain its No. 1 ranking thanks to a solid core of returning players, including Jake Dive and Jeremiah Smith. Oregon's consistent performance in recent seasons places them in contention for a high ranking as well. With the anticipation of the rankings, teams are looking to build on last year's performances to cement their positions.
- •AP Top 25 released Monday, focusing on preseason rankings.
- •Ohio State expected to maintain No. 1 spot with returning talent.
- •Oregon projected to land in the top four based on previous seasons.
- •Texas remains a contender despite past playoff disappointments.
- •Indiana's rise marks a shift in modern college football expectations.
- 1:15 PMCBS Sports — Tomorrow's Top 25 Today: Big Ten takeover in the top five in new college football rankings
"Projecting the preseason college football rankings from the AP Top 25 poll
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