Preseason AP poll reaction: what lies ahead for the Top 25

The Associated Press released its preseason Top 25 college‑football poll on Monday, setting the stage for the 2026 campaign. While familiar powerhouses continue to dominate the upper echelons, a handful of surprise entrants and notable drops have already sparked conversation among analysts and fans.

At the summit, the poll kept a traditionally strong program at No. 1, underscoring the consistency that the team displayed in recent seasons. Close behind, the No. 2 and No. 3 spots were occupied by two other elite schools that boast deep recruiting classes and returning starters on both sides of the ball. Their placement reflects the expectation that they will be central contenders for the national title.

Mid‑week, several programs that missed the list last year broke into the rankings for the first time in a decade, landing between No. 12 and No. 18. Their ascent is largely attributed to a combination of veteran leadership and a schedule that pits them against high‑profile opponents early on. Conversely, a couple of historically dominant teams fell out of the top ten, prompting questions about coaching changes, player turnover, and tougher conference competition.

The bottom half of the poll features a mix of rebuilding squads and late‑blooming programs hoping to capitalize on a favorable slate of games. For many of these teams, the preseason ranking serves as both a motivational tool and a benchmark against which to measure progress as the season unfolds.

Across the board, the poll has ignited debates about the relative strength of conferences, the impact of transfer portal activity, and which emerging stars could shift the balance of power. As the first wave of games approaches, the rankings will be tested, and any early upsets could rewrite the narrative before the regular season even reaches its midpoint.

Original reporting: ESPN.