The Ohio State Buckeyes are ranked No. 1 in the preseason AFCA coaches poll, receiving 38 first-place votes. This marks the first time since 2015 that Ohio State will begin the season at the top of the coaches' poll. The Buckeyes are led by Heisman Trophy candidates quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Following Ohio State is Oregon at No. 2, with Georgia at No. 3, Texas at No. 4, and Notre Dame at No. 5. Defending national champion Indiana, which finished 16-0 last season, is ranked No. 6. Indiana also received 14 first-place votes, the second most in the poll.

Other teams receiving first-place votes include Oregon, Georgia, Texas, and Notre Dame. The SEC leads the poll with nine teams, including half of the top 10, while the Big Ten has eight. Miami is ranked No. 7, with Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss rounding out the top 10.