Ohio State Tops 2026 Preseason Top 25 as 12-Team CFP Shrinks Margin for Error

3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Aug 12

Ohio State opens the 2026 preseason top 25 at No. 1, with its title case built around quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith despite major defensive losses to the NFL draft.
Oregon sits No. 2 on the strength of what CBS calls the most talented defense in program history, though Dan Lanning must break in first-year coordinators on both sides.
Notre Dame at No. 3 and Texas at No. 4 face very different pressure points: the Irish have two first-time offensive tackle starters, while the Longhorns must survive a schedule loaded with Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU and Texas A&M.
Georgia rounds out the top five with concerns over unproven wide receivers but optimism about a loaded back seven, while Indiana, Miami, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and LSU complete the top 10.
The ranking frames the 12-team playoff era as less forgiving, with even elite rosters carrying flaws such as quarterback depth issues, transfer-heavy lineups or schedules that could push contenders out before December.