The wait is almost over.
The much-anticipated 2026 AP Top 25 preseason poll is set to be released at noon ET, offering college football fans insights into how the nation’s top teams are perceived as they gear up for the upcoming season.
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The voters for the Top 25 consist of over 60 journalists who specialize in college football, representing AP members and various news organizations. They are encouraged to base their selections on head-to-head matchups rather than reputation, speculation, or regional biases.
Last season, the Indiana Hoosiers concluded their campaign as the undisputed number one, finishing with a remarkable 16-0 record and clinching the national championship. As the 2026 season approaches, Ohio State leads the odds to win it all at +600, followed closely by Notre Dame and Texas at +650, while Indiana and Oregon are tied at +800.
The Longhorns, who began the 2025 season ranked first after securing 25 first-place votes, are looking to rebound after a challenging season. Despite a strong start, Texas faced setbacks, including losses to Ohio State in Week 1 and to a struggling Florida team in October, which ultimately led to their exclusion from the College Football Playoff.
As they look to the future, all eyes will be on quarterback Arch Manning, who is expected to make significant strides in his second year as a starter. Considered a Heisman Trophy contender, Manning will need to perform at a high level to meet the expectations set for the Longhorns this season.
On the other hand, Ohio State is an early favorite, marking their first appearance at the top of the preseason poll since 2015. The Buckeyes ended last season with a 12-1 record, only dropping in the rankings after a loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. Despite this setback, they secured a No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff but fell short against Miami in the Cotton Bowl.
With key players like quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith returning, along with veteran defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. anchoring the defense, Ohio State appears poised for a strong season ahead.
Historically, the voting for the AP Top 25 has evolved significantly. What once involved phone calls and faxes has transitioned to an online voting system, with automated tabulation. Each team’s point total is calculated on a 1-25 scale, where a No. 1 vote earns 25 points, and so forth down to one point for a 25th-place vote.
After a stunning 16-0 season, the Indiana Hoosiers were unanimously ranked first in the final poll of 2025, a historic achievement for the program. Miami, the runners-up, secured the second spot—its highest ranking since 2002. Ole Miss, Oregon, and Ohio State completed the top five.
However, with eight Hoosiers transitioning to the professional league, including Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, and nine players from Miami, including three first-round picks, the landscape of college football can shift dramatically from one season to the next. In contrast, Ole Miss, Oregon, and Ohio State retain their starting quarterbacks, all of whom are in contention for the Heisman Trophy this year.
The AP Top 25 has a rich history, established in 1936 by former sports editor Alan J. Gould. Over the decades, the number of ranked teams, voters, and ballot tabulation methods have evolved, but the AP remains a trusted authority in ranking college football teams and determining national champions.
