Preseason Rankings Highlight Big Ten and SEC Rivalry

The competition between the Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences intensifies with the release of the preseason Associated Press Top 25 rankings. Ohio State and Oregon start the season ranked No. 1 and No. 2, placing them ahead of the sixth-ranked reigning national champion Indiana, which is a significant showing for the Big Ten. The conference is benefiting from having won the last three national titles.

In contrast, the SEC boasts five of the top ten teams and seven of the top thirteen, underlining their depth. They have nine ranked teams compared to the Big Ten’s eight. Also, the SEC highlights that seven different teams have appeared in the College Football Playoff since 2024, while the Big Ten has had four teams participate.

The Big Ten dominated the first-place votes in the preseason poll, capturing 62 of the 69 votes. Ohio State received 40, Oregon 14, and Indiana 8. Notably, no SEC team received a first-place vote, a situation last seen in 2015 when Ohio State was the unanimous choice.

Our fans, and I think the SEC fans, they really like the rivalry. It would be great if we played each other more. – Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti

The early season features significant matchups, such as No. 10 Oklahoma visiting No. 16 Michigan, and top-ranked Ohio State facing No. 5 Texas on September 12. Last season, home teams won these games, with Oklahoma defeating Michigan 24-13 and Ohio State narrowly beating Texas 14-7.

The Big Ten had a 4-3 record against the SEC last season, highlighted by Indiana’s dominant 38-3 victory over Alabama in a CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. Despite this, the final 2025 SP+ rankings by ESPN’s Bill Connelly showed seven Big Ten teams ranked below No. 67 Kentucky, the lowest SEC team.

The SEC has lacked a national championship appearance for the past three years. Commissioner Greg Sankey expressed the conference’s determination to exceed in future competitions.

The breadth and depth of this league, this league stands alone. – SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey

Clemson’s Absence from the Rankings

For the first time since 2011, Clemson starts unranked by the AP, nearly making the list as they were five points behind No. 25 Missouri. Clemson struggled last season with a 7-6 record, highlighted by a weak running game and poor third-down conversion performance. Improvement is expected with the return of offensive coordinator Chad Morris and a stronger defensive unit led by Tom Allen. Clemson faces a challenge right away, opening their season at No. 11 LSU.

New Coaches Face Pressure

Four teams in the Top 25 have new head coaches. Pete Golding takes over No. 9 Mississippi, focusing on maintaining stability and advancing past the CFP semifinals. The Rebels retain key players, including QB Trinidad Chambliss, RB Kewan Lacy, and DL Will Echoles.

Lane Kiffin, at No. 11 LSU, handles the expectations of reversing a five-year streak of at least four losses per season. His tenure began with a significant contract, showing the school’s commitment to success.

Penn State, ranked No. 18, may face challenges as Matt Campbell integrates players from Iowa State. Their Big Ten opener against Wisconsin on September 26 will be an early test. At No. 21, Utah begins a new chapter with Morgan Scalley leading, as Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham aims to meet high expectations. They could potentially be undefeated when facing No. 23 Houston on October 24.

Group of Six Teams Absent

This season, no Group of Six teams appear in the Top 25 after two non-power conference teams made the CFP in 2025. Boise State, now in the new Pac-12, leads the group outside the Top 25 by vote counts.

Additional Highlights

• Ohio State aims to finish the season at No. 1 for the first time since starting atop the poll in eight previous occasions.
• The Buckeyes have a 38-year streak in the preseason rankings.
• No. 4 Notre Dame shares fifth place in preseason top-five appearances with Southern California.
• Seven teams from the last season’s final AP poll did not appear in the preseason poll for the 15th time since 1950.