{"id":751607,"date":"2026-07-09T01:33:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T01:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/751607\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T01:33:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T01:33:11","slug":"phil-steele-releases-2026-preseason-poll-ranking-all-college-football-teams-1-to-138","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/751607\/","title":{"rendered":"Phil Steele releases 2026 preseason poll, ranking all college football teams, 1 to 138"},"content":{"rendered":"

Training camp is on the horizon with the 2026 college football season quickly approaching. It\u2019s also time for preseason polls, and Phil Steele<\/a> has released his full rankings of teams, 1 to 138.<\/p>\n

Notre Dame<\/a> sits atop Steele\u2019s 2026 college football rankings after missing out on the College Football Playoff a year ago. Despite losing two first-round picks out of the backfield, the Fighting Irish return plenty of key pieces, headlined by quarterback CJ Carr<\/a> and cornerback Leonard Moore<\/a>. As a result, the hype is building around Marcus Freeman\u2019s<\/a> program.<\/p>\n

[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]<\/a><\/p>\n

As for the rest of the rankings, there are plenty of contenders toward the top, but surprises throughout. Here is how Phil Steele ranked every team in college football heading into the 2026 season.<\/p>\n

1. Notre Dame<\/p>\n

When Notre Dame<\/a> went 10-2 last year, the Irish had two stalwarts at running back in Jeremiyah Love<\/a> and Jadarian Price<\/a>. They\u2019re both now heading to the NFL, but all eyes are on quarterback CJ Carr<\/a>, who impressed at the Manning Passing Academy.<\/p>\n

Combine a secondary anchored by Leonard Moore<\/a> and Adon Shuler<\/a>, and Notre Dame has the makings of a top-ranked team, according to Phil Steele. The Fighting Irish also went to work on the recruiting trail, landing the No. 2-ranked class in the nation, according to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Oregon<\/p>\n

Following last year\u2019s run to the College Football Playoff, Oregon<\/a> got a huge boost when quarterback Dante Moore<\/a> turned down the NFL Draft for another season in Eugene. His return is a big reason why the Ducks are considered a top team in the country, and they sit at No. 2 in Phil Steele\u2019s rankings.<\/p>\n

Oregon also notably lost Dillon Thieneman<\/a> to the NFL Draft, but went into the portal to bring in Koi Perich<\/a> from Minnesota<\/a> to fill the safety spot. Of course, the Ducks also still have Dakorien Moore<\/a> and Evan Stewart<\/a> at wide receiver, as well as a talented pass rush anchored by Matayo Uiagalelei<\/a> and Teitum Tuioti<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Georgia<\/p>\n

Georgia<\/a> also has its quarterback returning from a season ago as Gunner Stockton<\/a> is back in the fold. He helped the Bulldogs to another SEC title and finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting, and he will look to take a leap forward in 2026.<\/p>\n

In addition, UGA is sure to have a stout defense once again this coming season, making the Bulldogs one of the top teams in the SEC. In fact, they\u2019re the top-ranked team from the conference in Phil Steele\u2019s rankings.<\/p>\n

4. Ohio State<\/p>\n

Ohio State<\/a> came up short in its attempt at a national championship repeat last year and then lost some key pieces to the NFL Draft. But Ryan Day<\/a> and the Buckeyes reloaded well, which is why they check in at No. 4 in Phil Steele\u2019s college football rankings.<\/p>\n

Quarterback Julian Sayin<\/a> is back after becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2025, as is standout receiver Jeremiah Smith<\/a>. The defense also has a slew of talent under second-year coordinator Matt Patricia<\/a>, led by EDGE Kenyatta Jackson<\/a>, along with fresh faces on the way to Columbus.<\/p>\n

5. Texas<\/p>\n

Once again, Texas<\/a> is facing high expectations after Arch Manning\u2019s<\/a> late-season surge in 2025. The Longhorns also bolstered the offense with playmakers, which helped them to No. 5 in Phil Steele\u2019s college football rankings.<\/p>\n

Steve Sarkisian<\/a> and Co. made a big splash in the transfer portal by landing Auburn<\/a> transfer Cam Coleman<\/a>, who\u2019ll now give Manning another big-time playmaker alongside Ryan Wingo<\/a>. The defense is also looking to level up with new coordinator Will Muschamp<\/a> back on the Forty Acres and Colin Simmons<\/a> also returning to lead the charge.<\/p>\n

6. Indiana<\/p>\n

Following last year\u2019s national championship, Indiana<\/a> once again reloaded through the transfer portal. IU landed the top-ranked portal class this cycle, according to the On3 Team Transfer Portal Index<\/a>, as Curt Cignetti<\/a> and the staff try to keep the program atop the mountain.<\/p>\n

TCU<\/a> transfer Josh Hoover<\/a> is the most notable addition as he looks to be the heir apparent to No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza<\/a> in Bloomington. Indiana also comes in at No. 6 in Phil Steele\u2019s preseason poll as the quest for a repeat begins.<\/p>\n

7. Oklahoma<\/p>\n

After Brent Venables<\/a> overhauled the staff last year, Oklahoma<\/a> put together an impressive turnaround en route to a College Football Playoff appearance. The Sooners now have quarterback John Mateer<\/a> back, as well, as he looks to rebound from a rocky finish to the 2025 season.<\/p>\n

As a result, OU is at No. 7 in Phil Steele\u2019s preseason poll entering 2026. The Sooners also bring back plenty of pieces on their vaunted defense, including defensive lineman David Stone<\/a> and linebacker Owen Heinecke<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8. Ole Miss<\/p>\n

At the end of the 2025 regular season, Ole Miss<\/a> was front-and-center amid the highest-profile coaching change in college football. Pete Golding<\/a> then took over for Lane Kiffin<\/a> and ran with it, leading the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals.<\/p>\n

Now, Golding will be able to put his stamp on the program with a full offseason, and he has his quarterback returning. Trinidad Chambliss<\/a> scored a legal victory in his lawsuit against the NCAA and will look to pick up where he left off, though he\u2019ll have a new coordinator calling the shots in John David Baker<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9. Miami<\/p>\n

Last season, Miami<\/a> put together a strong run to the national championship, fueled by strong play in the trenches. The Hurricanes have plenty of new faces in the fold this year, but have high-level returners in Mark Fletcher<\/a> and Malachi Toney<\/a> on offense.<\/p>\n

Miami will also have a new quarterback once again in Duke<\/a> transfer Darian Mensah<\/a> \u2013 one of the highest-rated transfers this cycle. Mario Cristobal<\/a> also made a splash on defense by landing former Missouri<\/a> EDGE Damon Wilson<\/a> after losing two talented pass-rushers to the NFL Draft.<\/p>\n

10. USC<\/p>\n

Rounding out Phil Steele\u2019s Top 10 in his preseason poll, it\u2019s also shaping up to be a big year once again for Lincoln Riley<\/a> and USC<\/a>. The Trojans notably have their quarterback returning in Jayden Maiava<\/a> along with 14 other starters from last year\u2019s group, which went 9-4.<\/p>\n

USC was another big winner on the recruiting trail, as well, with the No. 1-ranked class according to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings<\/a>. Riley made a splash at defensive coordinator, too, with Gary Patterson<\/a> coming in to take over the unit.<\/p>\n

Nos. 11-25<\/p>\n

11. Alabama<\/a>
12. Texas A&M<\/a>
13. Texas Tech<\/a>
14. Michigan<\/a>
15. Washington<\/a>
16. South Carolina<\/a>
17. BYU<\/a>
18. Tennessee<\/a>
19. Penn State<\/a>
20. Iowa<\/a>
21. LSU<\/a>
22. SMU<\/a>
23. Florida<\/a>
24. Clemson<\/a>
25. Florida State<\/a><\/p>\n

Phil Steele\u2019s preseason poll: Nos. 26-75<\/p>\n

26. Utah<\/a>
27. Wisconsin<\/a>
28. Pitt<\/a>
29. Auburn<\/a>
30. UCLA<\/a>
31. Houston<\/a>
32. Nebraska<\/a>
33. Missouri<\/a>
34. Vanderbilt<\/a>
35. Minnesota<\/a>
36. Louisville<\/a>
37. TCU<\/a>
38. Arizona<\/a>
39. Virginia<\/a>
40. Virginia Tech<\/a>
41. Illinois<\/a>
42. Maryland<\/a>
43. Baylor<\/a>
44. Georgia Tech<\/a>
45. UCF<\/a>
46. Rutgers<\/a>
47. Boise State<\/a>
48. Kansas<\/a>
49. Northwestern<\/a>
50. UTSA<\/a>
51. Mississippi State<\/a>
52. NC State<\/a>
53. Duke<\/a>
54. Fresno State<\/a>
55. Arkansas<\/a>
56. Kentucky<\/a>
57. West Virginia<\/a>
58. Wake Forest<\/a>
59. Kansas State<\/a>
60. North Carolina<\/a>
61. Texas State<\/a>
62. Colorado<\/a>
63. Michigan State<\/a>
64. Oklahoma State<\/a>
65. Purdue<\/a>
66. James Madison<\/a>
67. Syracuse<\/a>
68. New Mexico<\/a>
69. Navy<\/a>
70. Stanford<\/a>
71. San Diego State<\/a>
72. Florida Atlantic<\/a>
73. Arizona State<\/a>
74. Old Dominion<\/a>
75. Cal<\/a><\/p>\n

Nos. 76-138<\/p>\n

76. Western Michigan<\/a>
77. Cincinnati<\/a>
78. Tulane<\/a>
79. Army<\/a>
80. UNLV<\/a>
81. Tulsa<\/a>
82. USF<\/a>
83. Liberty<\/a>
84. Air Force<\/a>
85. Marshall<\/a>
86. East Carolina<\/a>
87. Memphis<\/a>
88. Miami (OH)<\/a>
89. Louisiana<\/a>
90. Louisiana Tech<\/a>
91. Boston College<\/a>
92. Utah State<\/a>
93. Eastern Michigan<\/a>
94. Jacksonville State<\/a>
95. Washington State<\/a>
96. Colorado State<\/a>
97. North Texas<\/a>
98. Toledo<\/a>
99. Hawaii<\/a>
100. Iowa State<\/a>
101. North Dakota State<\/a>
102. Western Kentucky<\/a>
103. Arkansas State<\/a>
104. Temple<\/a>
105. Wyoming<\/a>
106. Troy<\/a>
107. Appalachian State<\/a>
108. Delaware<\/a>
109. FIU<\/a>
110. Ohio<\/a>
111. Kennesaw State<\/a>
112. Nevada<\/a>
113. Rice<\/a>
114. Oregon State<\/a>
115. Georgia Southern<\/a>
116. New Mexico State<\/a>
117. Akron<\/a>
118. Coastal Carolina<\/a>
119. Bowling Green<\/a>
120. South Alabama<\/a>
121. Central Michigan<\/a>
122. Charlotte<\/a>
123. Louisiana-Monroe<\/a>
124. Middle Tennessee State<\/a>
125. UAB<\/a>
126. UTEP<\/a>
127. Buffalo<\/a>
128. UConn<\/a>
129. Georgia State<\/a>
130. Kent State<\/a>
131. San Jose State<\/a>
132. Sam Houston State<\/a>
133. Missouri State<\/a>
134. Northern Illinois<\/a>
135. UMass<\/a>
136. Ball State<\/a>
137. Southern Miss<\/a>
138. Sacramento State<\/a><\/p>\n

As the media days circuit begins, the college football season is just about here. There are just a few weeks left until training camp starts, and it\u2019ll be time for teams to take the field.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Training camp is on the horizon with the 2026 college football season quickly approaching. It\u2019s also time for…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":751608,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[399,398,396,397,99],"class_list":["post-751607","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ncaa-football","tag-football","tag-ncaa","tag-ncaa-football","tag-ncaafootball","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/751607","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=751607"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/751607\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/751608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=751607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=751607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=751607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}