RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from CBS Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
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The start of the 2026 college football season is only 16 days away -- and that means it's time to unveil the first edition of the CBS Sports 138 -- which has grown by two this year with the additions of North Dakota State and Sacramento State.
There were many differing opinions about teams inside the top 25, but there seemed to be a consensus about one team in particular. The 2025 season was a train wreck for LSU , but the hire of Lane Kiffin and a transfer portal haul has the Tigers at No. 10 to begin the season. As Chip Patterson explains, the folks in Baton Rouge are hoping for even more than that in 2026.
Here are some interesting notes from the initial ballot:
If you promise to check out the full rankings , I'll give you a sample of the top 25.
16. BYU 17. Tennessee 18. Penn State 19. Washington 20. SMU
For those wanting deeper analysis on our top 25 teams, you're in luck. Brad Crawford has found reasons for optimism and pessimism for each program in 2026.
With the Hall of Fame Game serving as an hors d'oeuvre, the preseason begins in earnest tonight with six games on the slate. There won't be many MVP candidates on the field this weekend, but there will still be plenty of intrigue.
Carter Bahns has highlighted the 10 preseason storylines that will shape the 2026 season , and it should come as no surprise that the No. 1 overall pick will be must-watch television over the next few weeks. The Raiders plan to ease Fernando Mendoza into his NFL career, but how long will they be able to keep him behind Kirk Cousins if he shreds defenses in the preseason?
Jayden Daniels and Stefon Diggs probably won't get much game action this preseason, but it will be worth keeping an eye on their chemistry throughout camp. The new Commanders teammates have already formed a rapport and cooked the Dolphins defense in joint practice on Wednesday.
Finally, as the preseason kicks off, some fans are feeling better than others. Bryan DeArdo has the data on the NFL's most optimistic fan bases , and No. 32 shouldn't shock anyone.
⛳ St. Jude Championship: First round , 9 a.m. on ESPN 🏈 Packers at Steelers , 7 p.m. on NFL Network ⚾ Phillies vs. Twins , 7:30 p.m. on Netflix 🏀 Sparks at Liberty , 8 p.m. on Prime Video 🏈 Titans at 49ers , 9 p.m. on NFL Network 🏀 Mystics at Aces , 10 p.m. on Prime Video ⚽ Tijuana at Portland , 10:30 p.m. on FS1
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