Who is the #1 NCAA football team?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

Entering the competitive landscape of the college football season, the Ohio State Buckeyes occupy the coveted preseason number one ranking across major national polls, including the prestigious FWAA-NFF Super 16 rankings and expert consensus ledgers. Head coach Ryan Day's squad commands the top spot due to an elite roster headlined by explosive offensive playmakers like wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin, coupled with exceptional talent retention and high-end recruiting classes. While powerhouse competitors like Oregon, Notre Dame, and Texas closely trail in the voting polls with multiple first-place votes of their own, Ohio State's combination of historical stability, high ceiling potential, and a formidable roster positions them as the team to beat as a new campaign gets underway.

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