First AP college football Top 25 poll released

First AP college football Top 25 poll released

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First AP college football Top 25 poll released

Ohio State Buckeyes mascot Brutus and the Oregon Duck interact.

The drought and waiting is almost over. The college football season starts on Aug. 29. On Monday, The Associated Press released its first Top 25 of the 2026 season. There are a pair of Big Ten schools atop the rankings. Notre Dame sits with fourth, sandwiched by SEC powers Georgia and Texas. Last year's national champ, Indiana, is in the sixth slot. A great time to look at the AP Top 25 heading into college football. First place votes in parentheses.

25. Missouri

A general view of a Missouri Tigers helmet.

24. Louisville

A Louisville Cardinals football helmet is seen before the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium.

23. Houston

Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) runs the ball during the second half against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium.

22. Iowa

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz talks to the football team Aug. 15, 2026 during the Kids Day at Kinnick open practice at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

21. Utah

Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) throws the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

20. Tennessee

Tennessee Volunteers running back Desean Bishop (18) runs with the ball after a catch against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half at Nissan Stadium.

19. SMU

The SMU Mustangs mascot waves to the fans during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

18. Penn State

Penn State football head coach Matt Campbell during a practice session inside Holuba Hall on Monday, August 10, 2026, in State College.

17. Washington

Washington Huskies mascot on the sideline in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium.

16. Michigan

Michigan Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham gives remarks following the spring game at Michigan Stadium.

t-14. Southern Cal

Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches in the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome.

Toughest games:

t-14. BYU

BYU Cougars running back Enoch Nawahine (21) leaps over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Omar Daniels.

13. Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott.

12. Texas Tech

Texas Tech's Holden Phillips goes through a drill during football practice.

11. LSU

LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. s

10. Oklahoma

Oklahoma quarterbacks sign autographs during Meet the Sooners Day, an OU football fan event.

9. Ole Miss

Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott.

8. Texas A&M

Texas A&M Aggies mascot Reveille during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium.

7. Miami (1)

Miami Hurricanes mascot Sebastian the Ibis during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.

6. Indiana (8)

Head Coach Curt Cignetti during Indiana University's football camp practice on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.

5. Texas

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott.

4. Notre Dame (6)

Cornerback Dallas Golden during a Notre Dame football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, in South Bend.

3. Georgia

; Georgia Bulldogs mascot UGA shown on the field during the Georgia Spring football game at Sanford Stadium.

2. Oregon (14)

USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Roger Saleapaga (83) celebrates his touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers with teammates.

1. Ohio State (40)

Brutus Buckeye and Ohio State Buckeyes take a stance.

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: First AP college football Top 25 poll released

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