Miami Opens at No. 7 in AP Preseason Poll
Miami will begin the 2026 college football season ranked No. 7 in the Associated Press Top 25, a placement that reflects both national respect and rising expectations. The Hurricanes earned one first‑place vote and stand as the highest‑ranked ACC team in the poll, which was released Monday and compiled by 69 media members who cover college football. AP contributed reporting to this story.
Big Ten Makes History at the Top
Ohio State and Oregon claimed the top two spots, marking the first time in 65 years that the Big Ten has opened a season with the Nos. 1 and 2 teams. The Buckeyes received 40 first‑place votes and enter the season No. 1 for the ninth time, tying Alabama for second‑most preseason top rankings behind Oklahoma. Oregon’s No. 2 ranking is the highest preseason position in program history.
Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas round out the top five, followed by defending national champion Indiana at No. 6. Miami sits just behind the Hoosiers, who received eight first‑place votes.
Hurricanes Positioned for Another Run
Miami’s No. 7 ranking underscores the program’s continued rise after last season’s playoff run. The Hurricanes return a strong offensive core and add key transfers, giving them a roster capable of challenging for another postseason berth. Their placement also highlights the ACC’s limited representation, with only SMU at No. 19 and Louisville at No. 24 joining Miami in the Top 25.
SEC Packs the Poll, Big 12 and ACC Trail
The Southeastern Conference leads all leagues with nine ranked teams, marking the third straight year it has reached that number. Five SEC teams appear in the top 10, the most since 2013. The Big 12 places four teams in the poll, led by Texas Tech at No. 12.
The ACC’s three ranked teams reflect a shifting national landscape, with no Group of Six programs appearing in the Top 25.
Ohio State Loaded Again
Ohio State’s offense is stacked with Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, star receiver Jeremiah Smith and running back Bo Jackson. Despite replacing eight defensive starters for a second straight year, the Buckeyes are expected to contend immediately, with early tests against Texas, Indiana and Oregon.
Georgia Leads the SEC Charge
Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs remain a national force, landing in the preseason top five for the ninth straight year. Texas, Texas A&M, Mississippi and Oklahoma round out the rest of the top 10, each entering the season with renewed optimism.
Indiana Begins Title Defense
Indiana, the first modern team to finish 16‑0, opens at No. 6 as it transitions from Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza to TCU transfer Josh Hoover. Despite returning significant talent, voters showed caution, placing the Hoosiers just outside the top five.
