SEC, Big Ten Lead Preseason College Football Rankings

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) remains a dominant force in college football, with recent additions Texas and Oklahoma bolstering a competitive top tier led by Georgia and Alabama, who stand out as elite programs. Preseason rankings reflect this dominance, showing the SEC and Big Ten occupying the majority of the top spots, with Ohio State and Alabama favored to continue their success, while teams like Oklahoma face extremely challenging schedules against multiple top-ranked opponents. LSU is building a strong recruiting class for 2026, focused on securing top local talent such as five-star prospects Richard Anderson and Lamar Brown, which supports the program's ongoing efforts under head coach Brian Kelly to maintain national prominence. The rich history and passionate fan base of LSU football contribute to its status as a marquee program within the SEC, with Tiger Stadium known for its electric atmosphere and historic significance dating back to the late 19th century. Meanwhile, the longstanding sports rivalry between Oklahoma and Alabama extends beyond football to softball, highlighting intense competition and coaching respect between the two programs. Overall, the SEC continues to shape college football's landscape through its competitive teams, recruiting prowess, and deep-rooted traditions.