The 2026 college football season is upon us, and the excitement is palpable as teams gear up for another year of competition. The On3 preseason rankings provide a glimpse into the potential contenders, with Ohio State taking the top spot and a handful of other powerhouse programs vying for the championship. The experts' insights offer a fascinating look at the upcoming season, shedding light on key players, coaching changes, and potential surprises.
The Top Contenders
Ohio State: The Buckeyes are the clear favorite, with a strong offense led by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin. The defense, however, faces a challenge as it replaces three first-round draft picks. Head coach Ryan Day is expected to lead Ohio State to another national championship run.
Oregon: The Ducks are close to winning their first national championship, according to Dan Lanning. With quarterback Dante Moore leading the offense, Oregon has been a top team for the past three years. However, they need to improve their performance in the College Football Playoff after recent season-ending blowouts.
Texas: Steve Sarkisian's team is expected to be the best in his tenure at Texas. The Longhorns boast a strong front seven with EDGE Colin Simmons and linebacker Rasheem Biles. The addition of new talent, including quarterback Arch Manning and receivers Cam Coleman and Hollywood Smothers, further strengthens their offensive capabilities.
Georgia: Kirby Smart's Bulldogs return 14 players who were part-time starters last year, including quarterback Gunner Stockton and offensive linemen. The defense has the potential to be dominant, led by defensive lineman Elijah Griffin. Georgia aims to improve after a 0-2 record in the College Football Playoff.
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish return star quarterback CJ Carr and a strong defense. Despite losing key players in the rushing attack, Notre Dame's defense is filled with studs, including linebackers Drayk Bowen and Jaylen Sneed. The schedule includes crucial games against Miami and BYU.
Other Notable Teams
Indiana: Curt Cignetti's Hoosiers have reloaded with transfers, including quarterback Josh Hoover and receiver Nick Marsh. They aim to build on their success from the previous season, with excitement surrounding running back Turbo Richard.
Miami: The Hurricanes have made significant changes in the transfer portal, with quarterback Darian Mensah replacing Carson Beck. The team also lost two first-round edge rushers but hopes for a strong performance from Damon Wilson.
Oklahoma: With quarterback John Mateer back, the Sooners have a chance to be Brent Venables' most complete team. The defense, led by All-SEC players, is expected to be nasty, and Tate Sandell is a top place-kicker.
Ole Miss: The Rebels have two of the top 10 players in college football, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. Coach Pete Golding aims to build on last season's success and contend for the SEC title.
Texas A&M: Starting quarterback Marcel Reed is back, and the Aggies have added talent to the front seven. With new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins, Texas A&M aims to improve its offensive performance.
The Rest of the Field
The rankings continue with a mix of familiar names and rising contenders. Teams like LSU, USC, Alabama, BYU, Michigan, Washington, Penn State, SMU, Tennessee, Utah, Louisville, Houston, and Iowa all have their unique stories and aspirations for the season.
Conclusion
The 2026 college football season promises to be an exciting one, with a mix of established powerhouses and rising stars. The experts' insights provide a glimpse into the potential storylines and surprises that may unfold. As the season progresses, the rankings will evolve, and the true contenders will emerge. The excitement is only just beginning, and the journey towards the national championship is set to be a thrilling one.
