College Football Rankings 2026: CFN Preseason Top 10

The CFN 2026 Preseason College Football Rankings begin with the ten teams that we think have everything to be deep in the College Football Playoff National Championship hunt.

They’re the true national title contenders, the difference makers, and the ones who have the most talent, upside, and potential to make a run at a special season.

Of course, this will change several times and in several ways over the coming months, but for now, here are the stars of the show.

CFN 2026 Preseason Top 10 College Football Rankings

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (10) runs with the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Below are our rankings for all of the top ten teams. You can find previews for all 138 teams here.

10. Miami Hurricanes

Predicted Record: 10-22025 Final Record: 13-32025 CFN Preview Rank: 102025 CFN Final Rank: 3Week 1: at StanfordSwing Game:Florida State, Oct. 17

Be careful assuming Miami will walk right into another national title game appearance. It’s really, really good and talented, but it’s also reloading after losing a slew of dominant parts.Miami 2026 Team Preview

9. Texas A&M Aggies

Predicted Record: 9-32025 Final Record: 11-22025 CFN Preview Rank: 122025 CFN Final Rank: 9Week 1: Missouri StateSwing Game: at Missouri, Oct. 10

Somehow, no one seems to believe that last year was real. This season’s team brings another great defense, QB Marcel Reed, and has the fuel of disrespect to take the focus to a whole other level.Texas A&M 2026 Team Preview

8. LSU Tigers

Predicted Record: 10-22025 Final Record: 7-62025 CFN Preview Rank: 82025 CFN Final Rank: 32Week 1: ClemsonSwing Game: at Auburn, Oct. 24

All in. Lane Kiffin is the real deal, he’s got all the talent and resources needed, and now LSU will go from okay to amazing in a snap. There’s no grace period. Win everything immediately.LSU 2026 Team Preview

7. Oklahoma Sooners

Predicted Record: 10-22025 Final Record: 10-32025 CFN Preview Rank: 132025 CFN Final Rank: 13Week 1: UTEPSwing Game: South Carolina, Oct. 31

Better than the version that got to the College Football Playoff last season, the Sooners combine Heisman-caliber QB John Mateer with another dominant defense. It’ll be a special run.Oklahoma 2026 Team Preview

6. Texas Longhorns

Predicted Record: 10-22025 Final Record: 10-32025 CFN Preview Rank: 22025 CFN Final Rank: 8Week 1: Texas StateSwing Game: at Tennessee, Sept. 26

Pressure? Just go from elite to College Football Playoff National Championship amazing. With a better ground game, another great defense, and Arch Manning, the Longhorns will at least get to the tournament.Texas 2026 Team Preview

5. Georgia Bulldogs

Predicted Record: 11-12025 Final Record: 12-22025 CFN Preview Rank: 62025 CFN Final Rank: 6Week 1: Tennessee StateSwing Game: Auburn, Oct. 17

Remember how everyone talked about how young last year’s defense was? It’s all grown up, it’s better – if there’s a pass rush – and as long as there’s more explosion on offense, nothing less than a national title run will do.Georgia 2026 Team Preview

4. Indiana Hoosiers

Predicted Record: 10-22025 Final Record: 16-02025 CFN Preview Rank: 182025 CFN Final Rank: 1Week 1: North TexasSwing Game: at Michigan, Oct. 24

Can Indiana reload fast enough to keep it all going? Curt Cignetti has his guys in place with another dominant defense and ultra-efficient attack to lead the Hoosiers back to the CFP.Indiana 2026 Team Preview

3. Oregon Ducks

Predicted Record: 10-22025 Final Record: 13-22025 CFN Preview Rank: 72025 CFN Final Rank: 2Week 1:Boise StateSwing Game: at Illinois, Oct. 24

Except for the confidence that comes with a national title trophy in the case, Dan Lanning’s team has everything to win it all. There will be a ten-ton chip on the team’s shoulder from jump.Oregon 2026 Team Preview

2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Predicted Record: 11-12025 Final Record: 10-22025 CFN Preview Rank: 52025 CFN Final Rank: 10Week 1: Wisconsin (in Green Bay)Swing Game: at North Carolina, Oct. 3

After being left out of the College Football Playoff, the Irish have the team to not just get in, but to win it all. The backfield lost its star running backs, but QB CJ Carr is special, the defense is Marcus Freeman’s best yet, and with the talent across the board, it’s national title or bust.Notre Dame 2026 Team Preview

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Predicted Record: 12-02025 Final Record: 12-22025 CFN Preview Rank: 42025 CFN Final Rank: 4Week 1:Ball StateSwing Game: at USC, Oct. 31

It’s the best team in college football with an offense loaded with guys who should be in the NFL already. The defense, though, has to undergo just enough of an overhaul to matter with road games at Texas, Indiana, and USC, and getting Oregon and Michigan at home.Ohio State 2026 Team Preview

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