LSU, Michigan and USC Fall Just Short of Top 12 in Yahoo Sports' Preseason College Football Rankings
LSU, Michigan, and USC were left out of the top 12 in Yahoo Sports' preseason college football rankings, with the Tigers and Wolverines receiving significant mentions despite their 2025 struggles.
Yahoo Sports revealed its top 25 teams ahead of the 2026 college football season, with Virginia Tech and Washington making the cut at numbers 25 and 24, respectively. The Hokies are looking to bounce back from a 3-9 record in 2025, thanks in part to the return of quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who transferred from Penn State. Virginia Tech's defense retains four of its top six tacklers and has a manageable schedule.
At number 24, Washington is banking on the return of quarterback Demond Williams, who completed nearly 70% of his throws for more than 3,000 yards in 2025. The Huskies also feature a talented receiving corps, including Christian Moss, who joined the team as a transfer from Kennesaw State. Washington's schedule is relatively easy in September and October, but picks up in November with games against Penn State and Oregon.
The top 12 teams, meanwhile, were revealed earlier this week, with Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State taking the top three spots. USC, Michigan, and LSU were all left out of the top 12, despite being ranked highly in various preseason polls.
Tennessee, which was ranked number 23, is looking to replace its starting quarterback after the departure of Harrison Bailey. The Vols feature a talented running back in DeSean Bishop, who rushed for 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025. Tennessee's defense is also looking to improve, with the return of four leading tacklers.
Houston, which was ranked number 22, is looking to build on its 10-win season in 2025. The Cougars feature a talented quarterback in Conner Weigman, who threw for 2,705 yards and 36 touchdowns in 2025. Houston's schedule is relatively easy in September and October, but picks up in November with games against Texas Tech and Utah.
Louisville, which was ranked number 21, is looking to replace its starting quarterback after the departure of Miller Moss. The Cardinals feature a talented running back in Isaac Brown, who rushed for 884 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. Louisville's schedule is relatively easy in September, but picks up in October with games against Ole Miss and SMU.
Clemson, which was ranked number 20, is looking to bounce back from an extremely disappointing 2025 season. The Tigers feature a talented quarterback in Christopher Vizzina, who will start the season opener against LSU. Clemson's schedule is relatively easy in September and October, but picks up in November with games against Miami and Virginia.
Utah, which was ranked number 19, is looking to build on its 11-win season in 2025. The Utes feature a talented quarterback in Cam Rising, who threw for 3,033 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2025. Utah's schedule is relatively easy in September and October, but picks up in November with games against Oregon State and Washington.
The 2026 college football season is just weeks away, with the first game scheduled for August 29. The top teams will face off in a series of high-profile matchups, including a showdown between Alabama and Georgia in Week 1. The season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Source: Yahoo Sports