The FBS has expanded to 138 teams for the 2026 season, adding North Dakota State and Sacramento State to the ranks, while the Pac-12 relaunches as an eight-team football conference. This marks the first expansion since 2017, when the FBS had 130 teams. Preseason rankings reflect a competitive landscape, though they diverge on key matchups and underdogs.
Top Teams and Diverging Projections
Ranking 138 college football teams for 2026, from Indiana
Ohio State, Georgia, and Notre Dame dominate the early conversations, but their exact placements vary. Yahoo Sports, however, places the Buckeyes at No. 1, forecasting a 13-0 season and a Big Ten title.
Notre Dame, entering 2026 with the most returning production in the FBS, is ranked No. 5 and No. 3 by Yahoo. Both outlets note the Irish’s reliance on playmakers at running back and receiver, with an emphasizing weak schedule that leaves little room for error. Indiana is highlighted as the defending national champions, ranked No. 6 in the preseason coaches and AP polls, with additions like running back Turbo Richard and receiver Nick Marsh expected to bolster new quarterback Josh Hoover.
Polarizing Teams and Uncertain Futures
Ole Miss and Clemson are highlighted as polarizing squads. The Rebels, returning key contributors like quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy, and defensive lineman Will Echoles, face uncertainty under first-time head coach Pete Golding, who took over after Lane Kiffin’s departure. Golding’s ability to maintain the program’s momentum from last season’s playoff semifinal run remains unproven. Clemson, despite its historic success, is seen as a sleepers and busts candidate, with critics questioning Dabo Swinney’s reliance on transfers after a 7-6 finish in 2025.
Clemson, Ole Miss among college football's most polarizing teams
Other teams in the spotlight include UCLA, which is undergoing a rebuild under Bob Chesney, and Florida, whose new coach Jon Sumrall has brought in a top-30 transfer class. The FBS’ expansion to 138 teams complicates the playoff landscape, with more teams vying for limited playoff slots.
Projected Records and Playoff Implications
Yahoo Sports’ preseason projections suggest Ohio State will dominate the Big Ten, while Georgia aims for another SEC title. The Yahoo rankings also highlight Texas Tech’s potential to secure a top-five spot with a Big 12 championship, and BYU’s chances to break into the top three if they defeat Notre Dame. According to the predicted College Football Playoff rankings, Ohio State is projected to go 13-0*, Georgia 12-1*, Notre Dame 11-1, and Miami 11-2*, with Texas Tech and BYU also in contention.
Rankings will evolve rapidly as results come in, with head-to-head results playing a pivotal role. Everything works itself out by the end of the year, but the early rankings show a wide range of expectations. For example, rankings place Indiana at No. 6, while Yahoo Sports’ projections elevate the Hoosiers to a 10-3 record, citing two losses to Ohio State as justification for their high placement.
College Football Playoff Rankings
What’s Next for the 2026 Season
As Week 0 approaches, the focus will shift to how teams perform in early matchups. Rankings will evolve rapidly, with head-to-head results playing a pivotal role. Meanwhile, teams like Ole Miss and Clemson could either surprise or disappoint, depending on coaching adjustments and player development. The FBS’ expansion to 138 teams complicates the playoff landscape, with more teams vying for limited playoff slots.
The 2026 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with 138 teams in the FBS. As the first games kick off, fans will be watching closely to see which teams live up to the hype—and which ones face unexpected challenges. Rankings, which began in 2017 with 130 teams, reflect the evolving nature of college football, where even a single head-to-head result can reshape the entire landscape.
This highlights the subjective nature of rankings, which are adjusted based on team performance, scheduling, and other factors throughout the season. The selection committee could take note of these dynamics, as head-to-head results are a foundational pillar of rankings.
