Overview
- Two national lists released Jan. 19 present conflicting preseason No. 1 teams, with Sporting News elevating Indiana and USA TODAY/Yahoo placing Texas on top.
- The rankings largely favor Big Ten and SEC powers, with space for ACC and Big 12 programs alongside prominent independents.
- Both evaluations highlight returning star quarterbacks as key stabilizers, citing names such as Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, Gunner Stockton, Dante Moore and CJ Carr.
- Each outlet cautions that transfer-portal activity and NIL dynamics could significantly reorder the field before the 2026 season.
- Group-of-Five and recently realigned teams earn early dark-horse mentions, including Boise State as a potential College Football Playoff entrant.