NCAAF · 1 hour ago

On3 Predicts the College Football AP Top 25 Poll Ahead of Next Week’s Release

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

It's Your Turn: Which Teams Do You Think Belong in the AP Top 25?
Overrated, Underrated, or Just Right? You Call the Shots!

Before the AP voters drop the official poll next week, we want your raw, unedited takes on On3's projected numbers:
- THE OVERRATED PRETENDER: Is Lane Kiffin’s portal-heavy LSU squad actually worthy of a Top-10 spot before playing a single down together in Baton Rouge?
- THE UNDERRATED SNUB: Did On3 disesteem powerhouses like Alabama, Penn State, or Washington by slotting them outside the initial 12-team playoff bubble?
- THE SPICY PREDICTION: Name one program in this projected Top 25 that won't even finish with a winning record when November wraps up.
Sound off with your boldest Week 1 takes and let us know who belongs at No. 1!
On3 Predicts AP Top 25
Preseason Projection: On3 Predicts the Preseason AP Top 25

With the US LBM Coaches Poll officially setting the baseline for the 2026 college football season, media members across the country are finalizing their ballots for the upcoming Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Poll.

On3’s Thomas Goldkamp compiled a projected consensus forecast of how the AP media panel will rank the nation's elite before Week 1 kicks off. Featuring traditional blue-bloods at the top, rising dark horses in the Big 12 and ACC, and 12-team playoff contenders lurking across the SEC and Big Ten, here is On3's projection of the AP Top 25.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Big Ten

Ryan Day’s Buckeyes possess the highest raw talent floor in college athletics, pairing generational wideout Jeremiah Smith with Julian Sayin to form a terrifying passing attack. Columbus enters the fall as On3's projected No. 1 team in America.

"Quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith are back. The Buckeyes have talent at every other position and will once again be one of the preseason favorites."
2. Oregon Ducks
Big Ten

Dan Lanning has constructed a masterpiece in Eugene, boasting a starting 22 loaded with future NFL first-round draft picks across both lines of scrimmage. With Dante Moore operating a lethal offense, the Ducks are a complete force.

"Quarterback Dante Moore is back to lead the charge for the Ducks this season. He’ll have one of the most talented pass-catching corps to work with nationally. If there’s a potential snag for Oregon, it’s replacing some very good coordinators who departed for head coaching jobs."
3. Georgia Bulldogs
SEC

Kirby Smart’s program remains the absolute gold standard for physical defense and trench dominance in college football. Backed by a tough fourth-quarter executor under center, Athens expects to be standing in Atlanta when championship trophy time arrives.

"Georgia hasn’t found much luck in the playoffs in the last couple years, but the Bulldogs are always in the hunt and near the front end of the Top 25. Don’t expect that to change in 2026."
4. Texas Longhorns
SEC

Steve Sarkisian has assembled a terrifying stack of blue-chip talent down in Austin, giving Arch Manning an elite array of perimeter weapons to attack downfield. The Longhorns carry legit SEC and national championship expectations into the fall.

"Arch Manning is back in 2026 and he was playing his best football late in the year last fall. Texas has spent handsomely to add weapons for him in the transfer portal. Assuming the offensive line and run game come together, the Longhorns figure to be as big a threat as anyone. "
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Independent

Marcus Freeman has South Bend firing on all cylinders, boasting a lockdown defense that suffocates opposing passing attacks. With CJ Carr triggering an explosive offense behind a physical front line, the Irish are primed for a high playoff seed.

"Notre Dame has a ton of returning talent despite losing some stars to the NFL. Quarterback CJ Carr is back and could be one of the nation’s best. The defense is pretty loaded. And the schedule only includes a handful of truly tricky spots."
6. Indiana Hoosiers
Big Ten

Curt Cignetti executed one of the most legendary turnarounds in modern sports history in Bloomington, building a fearless program that plays with unmatched swagger. With TCU transfer Josh Hoover taking the reins under center, the defending champs expect to be back in the playoff mix.

"If you want a blueprint of how to turn around a college football program in short order, start studying what Cignetti did at Indiana. Nobody’s betting against Cignetti, but it would take a lot to repeat last year’s success. "
7. Miami Hurricanes
ACC

Mario Cristobal has built a trench-first powerhouse in Coral Gables loaded with former five-star talent along the defensive line. Backed by top transfer quarterback Darian Mensah, the Canes enter the fall as the clear consensus team to beat in the ACC.

"The transfer of Duke superstar Darian Mensah this offseason was a huge one for Miami. He will lead the charge. He’ll be working with running back Mark Fletcher and receivers Malachi Toney and Cooper Barkate, among others, so the ‘Canes could have one of the best offenses in recent memory."
8. Texas A&M Aggies
SEC

Mike Elko has injected real physical toughness into College Station, establishing a line-of-scrimmage mentality that makes Kyle Field a nightmare for visiting offenses. The Aggies feature a high-upside dual-threat field general ready to make a massive leap.

"If the Aggies want to get beyond just an appearance in the playoff, they’re going to need more out of Marcel Reed. He’s perfectly capable. The rest of the roster is pretty well balanced and should produce. Now it’s about building on last year’s success, particularly against the Top 25 opponents on the slate."
9. Oklahoma Sooners
SEC

Brent Venables fields one of the most athletic, aggressive defensive units in North America down in Norman. If their electric dual-threat quarterback stays healthy and receives solid run support from the front five, Oklahoma is a legitimate SEC heavyweight.

"Quarterback John Mateer is back. He was a Heisman Trophy frontrunner for about the first third of last season before he was hurt. He’s healthy now and out with something to prove. He has the ability to lift the Sooners to pretty much any height. "
10. LSU Tigers
SEC

Lane Kiffin’s arrival in Baton Rouge has Death Valley buzzing with national championship expectations. Bringing in a massive transfer class and an explosive new signal-caller, Kiffin’s offense is primed to put up staggering numbers under the Saturday night lights.

"Kiffin brought in more than 40 players in the transfer portal, so he’ll need them to gel quickly. But this has the look of a definite top 25 squad."
11. Ole Miss Rebels
SEC

Pete Golding steps into the head coaching role in Oxford, inheriting a Ferrari of an offense. Armed with an elite quarterback and deep transfer portal talent across the skill positions, the Rebels have all the horsepower needed to make noise in the postseason.

"Golding will have quarterback Trinidad Chambliss back after he won eligibility via a court ruling this offseason. That’s huge. There are still a ton of elite players on the roster — proof of Ole Miss’ commitment at a high level — and the know-how to get where the Rebels want to be. That’s a dangerous combination."
12. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big 12

Joey McGuire has turned Lubbock into the epicenter of Big 12 football, leveraging massive NIL support and physical recruiting to build a juggernaut. Coming off a playoff appearance, the Red Raiders expect to defend their crown and run the table at home.

"Texas Tech has consistently been pouring more and more resources into athletics and McGuire made it pay with a breakout season in 2025. They’re a top 25 mainstay at this point. The expectation will be to repeat as Big 12 champs and once again emerge as a playoff contender."
13. USC Trojans
Big Ten

Lincoln Riley’s program possesses game-breaking speed across the perimeter that can stretch any defense to its breaking point. With a highly productive passer directing traffic, L.A. has the scoring punch required to trade blows with the Big Ten’s top tier.

"The question, as ever it seems, is about the defense. D’Anton Lynn left in the offseason. USC didn’t go cheap replacing him, tapping former TCU coach Gary Patterson to step in."
14. Alabama Crimson Tide
SEC

Kalen DeBoer enters his third campaign in Tuscaloosa surrounded by blue-chip depth and a lockdown defensive secondary. While the quarterback competition will command national headlines throughout camp, the Tide possess the raw talent floor to stay in the title hunt.

"Gone is quarterback Ty Simpson, though DeBoer has proven masterful at producing results at the position over the years. Will Keelon Russell or Austin Mack take the reins this fall? "
15. BYU Cougars
Big 12

Provo remains one of the single most intimidating venues in college football, and Kalani Sitake has built a roster that loves physical trench battles. The Cougars bring battle-tested experience on both sides of the ball, making them a nightmare assignment for visiting teams.

"Sitake has won 23 games the past two seasons and seemingly has BYU on the cusp of that elusive playoff berth, a consistent Top 25 team."
16. Michigan Wolverines
Big Ten

Kyle Whittingham brings a proven, defensive-minded toughness to Ann Arbor that fits the program's traditional identity like a glove. If the offense can get consistent, high-level quarterback play to complement a lockdown defensive front, Michigan will be a handful in November.

"Whittingham has helped shore up the defense by bringing over guys like edge rusher John Henry Daley and cornerback Smith Snowden. Chances are the play elsewhere will be elevated."
17. Washington Huskies
Big Ten

Jedd Fisch has Montlake buzzing after securing key roster talent and keeping his dynamic young quarterback locked in for another run out West. The Huskies feature explosive perimeter weapons that make them a dangerous matchup for anyone in the expanded Big Ten.

"After quarterback Demond Williams Jr. flirted with the transfer portal, prior commitments and the chance to continue to build at Washington won out. He stayed. That alone makes the Huskies a potential contender in a Big Ten race that will be fascinating this fall."
18. Penn State Nittany Lions
Big Ten

Matt Campbell steps into State College with immense expectations, bringing a disciplined, physical approach to White Out nights in Happy Valley. Backed by a veteran field general who knows how to navigate tough environments, Penn State has the pieces to contend early.

"Campbell has some pieces to win early. Quarterback Rocco Becht chief among them. He’s one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country and should help seriously ease the transition for Campbell and company in Happy Valley."
19. Tennessee Volunteers
SEC

Neyland Stadium will be rocking once again as Josh Heupel unleashes his trademark, high-tempo spread attack on the SEC. If the Vols can quickly settle their quarterback situation, Knoxville has enough perimeter talent to trigger fireworks all autumn.

"There are weapons aplenty, but how quickly Heupel can get his new signal-caller up to speed remains to be seen."
20. Utah Utes
Big 12

A new era is underway in Salt Lake City as Morgan Scalley takes over the program, but the fundamental DNA remains unchanged. The Utes bring a physical, hard-nosed mindset to the field every week, backed by a dynamic playmaker under center who can erase defensive angles.

"The good news? Quarterback Devon Dampier is back. That’s a pretty excellent place to start if you’re a new coach hoping to build on an 11-win season a year ago."
21. SMU Mustangs
ACC

Rhett Lashlee has turned Dallas into a modern offensive playground, backed by a fast-paced scheme that wears out opposing secondaries. With a battle-tested signal-caller pulling the trigger, the Mustangs enter the year with real confidence.

"Lashlee has his guys competing at a high level and the arrow is pointed in the right direction. Perhaps more importantly, he’s got some key players coming back. That starts with quarterback Kevin Jennings, one of the most experienced gunslingers in college football."
22. Iowa Hawkeyes
Big Ten

Death, taxes, and Kirk Ferentz building a dominant, physical offensive line in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes don't care about flashy spread metrics; they want to control the line of scrimmage, play elite defense, and squeeze the life out of opponents in the fourth quarter.

"Only six starters return and yet Iowa is once again projected to have one of the nation’s top starting offensive lines. Can Iowa overcome seven players selected in the NFL Draft, though? It’s a tall ask."
23. Louisville Cardinals
ACC

Jeff Brohm’s aggressive, downfield passing attack makes the Cardinals an entertaining watch every single Saturday. If their high-profile transfer additions mesh quickly with their returning backfield playmakers, Louisville will be right in the thick of the ACC championship conversation.

"How well a transfer portal class gels could be the determining factor in whether the Cardinals make a push for the ACC crown."
24. Houston Cougars
Big 12

Willie Fritz has quietly established impressive stability down in Space City, giving the Cougars a massive chemistry advantage over most of their conference rivals. With Conner Weigman settled in as the clear offensive leader, Houston has all the tools to surprise teams in the Big 12 title race.

"Houston is one of only a handful of programs nationally that returns its head coach, both coordinators and starting quarterback. That’s usually a good foundation to build on."
25. Florida Gators
SEC

Gainesville is desperate for a complete cultural reset under new leadership, hoping Jon Sumrall's track record of winning translates immediately to the brutal realities of life in the SEC. While the schedule offers zero favors, the roster still possesses enough to turn heads if the new staff hits the ground running.

"Sumrall has breathed new energy into a program that still has plenty of talent, enough to claw out the final spot in this preseason projection of the Top 25."
It's Your Turn: Which Teams Do You Think Belong in the AP Top 25?
Overrated, Underrated, or Just Right? You Call the Shots!

Before the AP voters drop the official poll next week, we want your raw, unedited takes on On3's projected numbers:
- THE OVERRATED PRETENDER: Is Lane Kiffin’s portal-heavy LSU squad actually worthy of a Top-10 spot before playing a single down together in Baton Rouge?
- THE UNDERRATED SNUB: Did On3 disesteem powerhouses like Alabama, Penn State, or Washington by slotting them outside the initial 12-team playoff bubble?
- THE SPICY PREDICTION: Name one program in this projected Top 25 that won't even finish with a winning record when November wraps up.
Sound off with your boldest Week 1 takes and let us know who belongs at No. 1!
On3 Predicts AP Top 25
Preseason Projection: On3 Predicts the Preseason AP Top 25

With the US LBM Coaches Poll officially setting the baseline for the 2026 college football season, media members across the country are finalizing their ballots for the upcoming Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Poll.

On3’s Thomas Goldkamp compiled a projected consensus forecast of how the AP media panel will rank the nation's elite before Week 1 kicks off. Featuring traditional blue-bloods at the top, rising dark horses in the Big 12 and ACC, and 12-team playoff contenders lurking across the SEC and Big Ten, here is On3's projection of the AP Top 25.