Ohio State enters the 2026 preseason as the clear consensus leader for the top ranking in early polls, driven by a 12-2 finish in 2025 that included a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance under Ryan Day. Strong returning production, depth across both lines, and a favorable early schedule position the Buckeyes ahead of Oregon, which posted a 13-2 mark but faces questions after significant roster turnover. Georgia’s consistent SEC contention and Texas’s offensive firepower keep them in the top tier, while Notre Dame benefits from schedule strength. The first AP and Coaches Poll releases in mid-August will lock in initial positioning, with any late roster developments or injury news capable of shifting implied probabilities before Week 1 kickoffs in early September.