The calendar has turned to August. That means summer is coming to an end and the college football season is approaching at resounding speed.
The first full week of August signals the release of the US LBM Coaches Poll that kicks off the discussion about which teams start the season as College Football Playoff contenders and which teams may have some ground to make up.
Ohio State starts at No. 1 for the first time since 2015, followed by Big Ten rival Oregon and then SEC stalwarts Georgia and Texas. But history shows teams that begin at the top of the poll don't always stay there.
Like most offseasons, there's been tremendous turnover across the country with massive amounts of moves in
the transfer portal and key additions from the high school ranks. So in order to help you get prepared for the upcoming campaign, we break down each team in the Top 25 with an outlook for their seasons.
1. Ohio State (12-2)
Points: 1,741 (38 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 6. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Ball State.
Ohio State is the preseason favorite to capture its second national championship in three years, though this is a rare position with the program earning its first No. 1 ranking to start the season since 2015. The Buckeyes have two Heisman Trophy favorites in QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith, the most top-to-bottom roster talent in the country and the starting personnel to finish at or near the top of the Big Ten on both sides of the ball. The defense that ranked first in the country last season took some major hits but looks to have enough talent to again be excellent with DL Kenyatta Jackson leading the way.
2. Oregon (13-2)
Points: 1,637 (6 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 4. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Boise State.
This is the highest preseason ranking in program history for the Ducks. The Oregon offense will be anchored by quarterback Dante Moore, who will throw that includes all-conference TE Jamari Johnson and WR Dakorien Moore. The defensive front should be the nation’s best with Matayo Uiagalelei and Bear Alexander leading the way. The back end of the defense brings in Minnesota safety transfer Koi Perich. The biggest question mark is an offensive line that has come up short in the team’s past two playoff berths.
3. Georgia (12-2)
Points: 1,591 (7 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 5. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Tennessee State.
The Bulldogs have lost their first game in the College Football Playoff the past two seasons, giving a sense of urgency to have a better finish in 2026. The foundation of a title run starts with QB Gunner Stockton, who isn’t going to wow people with his athletic skills but will make all the right plays when needed. His biggest challenge is finding chemistry with a receiving corps that needs young players to emerge. There are lesser worries around running back and offensive line. Georgia again features elite talents on defense with DBs Ellis Robinson and KJ Bolden leading the backline and Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole among the best linebackers in the conference. A third consecutive SEC title would be nice, but the pieces are all there to contend for a national title.
4. Texas (10-3)
Points: 1,544 (2 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 13. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Texas State.
If this is going to be the final season for Arch Manning, then the Longhorns have gone all out to make sure he has enough firepower to go out with a bang. The backfield was refreshed with the arrivals of Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State), but the jewel from the transfer portal was Auburn receiver Cam Coleman, who will team with Ryan Wingo to be an outstanding 1-2 punch. The onus will be on the offensive line to protect Manning and open holes for the running game. On defense, new coordinator Will Muschamp will look to get major production out of standout DL Colin Simmons in his aggressive scheme. Veteran DB Jelani McDonald will hold down the secondary that needs improvement after allowing almost 235 yards per game last season.
5. Notre Dame (10-2)
Points: 1,524 (5 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 11. Opens: Sept. 6 vs. Wisconsin in Green Bay, Wis.
Notre Dame won’t struggle for motivation after coming up just short of last year’s playoff field. To avoid that fate, the Irish have to start fast and leave themselves some room for error in November. Offensively, Notre Dame has to replace two great running backs as the focus shifts to quarterback CJ Carr. The defense is reliant on transfers in the middle of the line but has outstanding depth in the back seven. The secondary could be one of the nation’s best with Leonard Moore and Christian Gray being joined by Colorado transfer DJ McKinney.
6. Indiana (16-0)
Points: 1,522 (14 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 1. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. North Texas.
The defending national champions will reload behind TCU QB transfer Josh Hoover. Another big addition is Michigan State WR transfer Nick Marsh, who should be explosive next to returner Charlie Becker. While the offense should continue to shine, is this another top-10 defensive unit? Glue pieces at cornerback and linebacker are gone, as well as many of the veterans who followed the Indiana staff from James Madison. DL Tyrique Tucker and LB Rolijah Hardy are two important cornerstones to success. As with Oregon, this preseason ranking sets a new program record.
7. Miami (Fla.) (13-3)
Points: 1,409. Previous ranking: 2. Opens: Sept. 4 at Stanford.
A drive short of winning the whole thing last season, the Hurricanes’ challenge now is demonstrating their staying power in the national championship picture. The pieces are certainly in place, with established talents RB Mark Fletcher and WR Malachi Toney returning. Darian Mensah arrives after bumpy arrival from Duke to take over at quarterback. Samson Okunlola leads an offensive line that must continue its high standards. The defense starts with veteran LB Mohamed Toure but the group must replace first-round draftees Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor on the edges. Bryce Fitzgerald is poised to have a standout sophomore campaign in the secondary.
8. Texas A&M (11-2)
Points: 1,174. Previous ranking: 8. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Missouri State.
Eleven wins to start the season had the Aggies in position to reach their first SEC title game before losses to rival Texas in the regular-season finale and Miami in the opening round of the playoff spoiled the finish. QB Marcel Reed and WR Mario Craver return to give A&M two elite weapons. Isaiah Horton (Alabama) should be a strong second receiving option. The defense looks again to be stingy with a secondary that includes Marcus Ratcliffe, Dalton Brooks and Colorado transfer Tawfiq Byard. Now the bad news: The offensive line needs major gains for the offense to jump to the level needed to be a true contender, and the schedule is more difficult with trips to Alabama, LSU and Oklahoma and a home game against Texas.
9. Oklahoma (10-3)
Points: 1,104. Previous ranking: 10. Opens: Sept. 4 vs. Texas-El Paso.
Much of the optimism for a return to the College Football Playoff rests on the shoulders of QB John Mateer regaining his form after a thumb injury impacted his throwing ability in the final months of the season. WR Isaiah Sategna III should have a big season if Mateer bounces back. A young offensive line that struggled hopefully now has the seasoning to hold its own and take pressure off Mateer to do everything. Brent Venables finally got the defense to the dominant status he expects in his third year. This group could be equally good with DL David Stone and LB Kip Lewis leading the front seven and brothers Eli and Payton Bowen patrolling the secondary.
10. Ole Miss (13-2)
Points: 1,096. Previous ranking: 3. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Boise State.
After a drama-filled finish to last season that ended with their loss in the CFP semifinals, the Rebels are on firmer ground entering Pete Golding’s first full campaign. A court ruling allowed QB Trinidad Chambliss to return, giving the offense a gigantic boost. He will team with RB Kewan Lacy to give Ole Miss two of the best players at their respective positions in the country. Suntarine Perkins and Will Echoles anchor the front seven with transfers Jordan Renaud (Alabama) and Blake Purchase (Oregon) adding to the pass rush. The portal also bolstered the linebacker group with the arrivals of Keaton Thomas (Baylor) and Luke Ferrelli (California).
11. Alabama (11-4)
Points: 1,050. Previous ranking: 9. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. East Carolina.
Eight losses in two seasons — the same amount in the last five campaigns in the Nick Saban era — has Kalen DeBoer’s seat getting warmer. The Tide’s success should again start on defense with Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb leading one of the nation’s best secondaries. Up front, Yhonzae Pierre looks poised to become one of the country’s top pass rushers. The outlook is more uncertain on offense. DeBoer must decide on either Austin Mack or Keelon Russell at quarterback with Russell’s dynamic ability a potential game-changer. However, the biggest concern is whether the offensive line can take a major leap after last year’s group was dominated at times and is rebuilding.
12. Texas Tech (12-2)
Points: 1,034. Previous ranking: 7. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Abilene Christian.
Though the 2025 campaign ended with a resounding thud in the playoffs against Oregon, the Red Raiders should again be among the contenders in the Big 12. That is despite all the offseason turmoil surrounding transfer QB Brendan Sorsby. Projected starter Will Hammond gained experience last season before a knee injury, and it will help having top RB Cameron Dickey and an experienced line back. Talented veterans A.J. Holmes Jr. and Ben Roberts are joined by transfers Austin Romaine from Kansas State and Adam Trick from Miami (Ohio) on the defense, but DE David Bailey and LB Jacob Rodriguez won’t easily be replaced.
13. LSU (7-6)
Points: 951. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. No. 23 Clemson.
The Lane train arrives in Baton Rouge with high expectations after a disappointing finish to the Brian Kelly era. Kiffin brought in Arizona State transfer Sam Levitt to start at quarterback and remade the receiver room with several additions, including Jayce Brown (Kansas State) and Jackson Harris (Hawaii). The addition of Jordan Seaton (Colorado) should help what was an underperforming offensive line. On defense, the Tigers return LB Whit Weeks after a leg injury to lead the unit. They will need big contributions from DL Princewill Umanmielen (Mississippi) and DB Ty Benefield (Boise State) to keep LSU in CFP contention.
14. USC (9-4)
Points: 838. Previous ranking: 21. Opens: Aug. 29 vs. San Jose State.
The stakes feel higher this season for Lincoln Riley because of USC’s obvious talent and opportunity to make a national splash. That’s if QB Jayden Maiava makes the leap under center in his second full season as starter, the defense hits the ground running under new coordinator Gary Patterson and a standout recruiting class adds depth and production. The opportunity comes via matchups with the Big Ten’s best of the best: Ohio State and Oregon at home, Indiana on the road.
15. BYU (12-2)
Points: 781. Previous ranking: 12. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Utah Tech.
After handling everybody on their schedule not named Texas Tech, the Cougars still weren’t invited to the playoff. The goal this time will be to leave no doubt and conquer the Big 12. QB Bear Bachmeier broke out as a freshman and should be even better this year with a full offseason of preparation. All-Big 12 RB LJ Martin rejoins him in the backfield, and Bruce Mitchell leads what should be a strong offensive line. The question is how much playmaking will come from the receiving corps. A deep linebacker unit led by Isaiah Glasker will anchor the defense, but there’s talent at all three levels, including DL Keanu Tanuvasa and DB Evan Johnson.
16. Michigan (9-4)
Points: 719. Previous ranking: 21. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Western Michigan.
The Wolverines are hard to predict because of the newness of former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, just Michigan’s second outside-the-family hire since 1969. One big factor in how the season plays out is the development of former five-star QB Bryce Underwood after his underwhelming first season. Several high-impact former Utes came along, including DL John Henry Daley, WR JJ Buchanan and DB Smith Snowden. Whittingham posted three top-15 finishes in his final five years at Utah and could do the same in Year 1 with the Wolverines.
17. Penn State (7-6)
Points: 463. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Marshall.
A slew of former Iowa State starters followed new Nittany Lions coach Matt Campbell from Iowa State to the Big Ten, notably QB Rocco Becht, WR Chase Sowell and DB Marcus Neal Jr. Their ability to make an immediate impact will play a big role in Penn State being a factor in the playoff hunt in November. The defense looks to be the strength of the team with LB Tony Rojas returning from injury and Audavion Collins and Zion Tracy back in the secondary to provide experience. But the biggest boost to hopes of a fast start under Campbell might be a schedule that avoids Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana.
18. Tennessee (8-5)
Points: 428. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Furman.
The biggest question for the Volunteers as Josh Heupel enters his sixth year as coach is the identity of his starting quarterback. Either option — redshirt freshman George MacIntyre or incoming freshman Faizon Brandon — will be lacking experience. That puts a significant burden on the offensive line to shoulder the running game and protect whoever is behind center. The defense looks to be improved with arrival of coordinator Jim Knowles. He brings LB Amare Campbell with him from Penn State to team with Arion Carter in the middle of the unit. The defensive line and secondary are areas that will determine if Tennessee is good enough to slow down opponents and make a run in the SEC.
19. Washington (9-4)
Points: 406. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Sept. 6 vs. Washington State.
Washington is a Big Ten sleeper. But to make the leap into playoff contention, the Huskies will need their veteran offensive line to protect quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and do a much better job with the run game. Last year’s offense disappeared against top-notch competition and must improve against a slate that features USC, Iowa, Penn State, Indiana and Oregon. The defense looks to build on being one of the best groups in the Big Ten last season, and Xe'ree Alexander leads a strong linebacker unit that will benefit from Jacob Manu returning to full health.
20. SMU (9-4)
Points: 378. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Sept. 7 at Florida State.
SMU became an immediate player upon joining the ACC and now looks to take the next step. Heading into his third season directing the Mustangs’ attack, QB Kevin Jennings is a rare commodity in the transfer era. His new receivers must develop chemistry quickly and he needs to cut down on interceptions, but if everything clicks his long-shot Heisman candidacy could bear fruit. LBs Brandon Booker and Alexander Kilgore are back to lead the defense, but the rest of that side of the ball needed a rapid retool via the portal.
21. Utah (11-2)
Points: 313. Previous ranking: 14. Opens: Sept. 3 vs. Idaho.
Long-time coach Kyle Whittingham is off to Michigan and Morgan Scalley now occupies the big office, but it should still be business as usual for the Utes as they look to be in the Big 12’s upper echelon. There should be continuity on offense with QB Devon Dampier and RB Wayshawn Parker back in camp, though a few key pieces on the interior line must be replaced. There are also holes to fill on defense. But that side of the ball is Scalley’s expertise, and LB Johnathan Hall is a good cornerstone upon which to build.
22. Iowa (9-4)
Points: 291. Previous ranking: 17. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Northern Illinois.
Iowa still has position battles to settle at cornerback, defensive end, linebacker and, of course, quarterback. All but the latter should be settled by the end of August, with Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown potentially battling for the starting job under center into and through Week 1. A bigger concern for Iowa might be on special teams after losing several key personnel and its longtime coordinator LeVar Woods, but Kirk Ferentz makes that group a priority because it is a big part of his team's success.
23. Clemson (7-6)
Points: 235. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Sept. 5 at No. 13 LSU.
When you’ve been to the top of the mountain as Clemson football has, there’s proverbially nowhere to go but down. More and more program supporters are wondering aloud if Dabo Swinney can get the Tigers back to the summit in the sport’s new reality. The numerous questions on offense start with home-grown QB prospect Christopher Vizzina. Can he connect with what should be an elite receiving group with T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco? The defense should be a strength with LB Sammy Brown and DL Will Heldt returning and, believe it or not, some incoming transfers to bolster the secondary.
24. Houston (10-3)
Points: 194. Previous ranking: 19. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Oregon State.
The Big 12’s other set of Cougars could be in the championship hunt as well following a breakthrough 2025 campaign in Willie Fritz’s second season. QB Conner Weigman returns, and he’ll be joined by RB Mekhi Hughes, whom fans might remember as Darian Mensah’s running mate at Tulane two seasons ago. The defense needs to get stronger up front, but DB Kentrell Webb usually keeps the big plays to a minimum.
25. Missouri (8-5)
Points: 158. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Opens: Sept. 5 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
There’s no disputing that Eli Drinkwitz has upgraded the product at Mizzou. But in order to break out of the middle tier of the SEC, a whole lot of new parts need to come together quickly – and the Tigers might just do it. It starts with QB Austin Simmons, last year’s opening-day starter at Ole Miss before Trinidad Chambliss became a star, and several new pass catchers looking to open things up for what should again be a strong ground attack led by Ahmad Hardy. The defense has a lot of newcomers as well, but the first half of the schedule should give them time to develop.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football rankings are out. What you need to know about every Top 25 team
