ESPN ranks Oregon Ducks fourth in 2026 preseason college football poll

ESPN released its college football preseason rankings for 2026, placing the Oregon Ducks at No. 4, behind Ohio State, Georgia, and Notre Dame. This ranking is a deviation from most other preseason polls that have the Ducks in the top three. ESPN's Mark Schlabach noted that the Ducks, having previously fallen to the last two national champions, need to demonstrate their capacity to compete for a national championship. Quarterback Dante Moore's decision to return for the season underscores Oregon's ambition to improve after recent playoff exits. They face Ohio State on November 7, a key matchup as they aim for redemption against Indiana, ranked No. 8 in ESPN's preseason poll.

• 4:27 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN surprisingly puts Oregon outside top 3 in 2026 preseason rankings