Sporting News Ranks Indiana No. 1 in 138-Team Preseason Poll as Ohio State Lands No. 2
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 27
Sporting News Ranks Indiana No. 1 in 138-Team Preseason Poll as Ohio State Lands No. 2
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 27
Summary
Indiana opened at No. 1 in Sporting News' 2026 preseason 1-138 rankings, ahead of Ohio State at No. 2 despite the Buckeyes holding the top spot in the AP and Coaches polls.
The outlet leaned on Indiana's status as defending national champion and a roster built around transfer quarterback Josh Hoover, while Ohio State returns passer Julian Sayin, rusher Bo Jackson and receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Georgia, Notre Dame and Oregon rounded out the top five, with Texas at No. 6 and USC the only top-25 team scheduled for Week 0 action.
Week 0 also spotlights North Carolina at No. 89 in Bill Belichick's second season, facing No. 33 TCU in Dublin after a 4-8 campaign.
The full ranking spans all 138 FBS teams entering the season, including new FBS members North Dakota State at No. 56 and Sacramento State at No. 137.